6 Reasons Why LinkedIn Commenting is so Important & How to Determine Your Style (by Brandon Lee, Tom Burton & Carson Heady)

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Commenting on LinkedIn is a powerful tool for relationship building, establishing credibility, and increasing visibility. By understanding the six distinct reasons why commenting is essential, you can leverage this strategy to grow your network, engage in meaningful conversations, and ultimately drive success in your professional endeavors. Embrace commenting as an opportunity to connect, learn, and make a lasting impact on LinkedIn.

Here are 6 reasons why LinkedIn commenting is so impactful and essential:

Active Listening in the Digital World: Commenting serves as the digital version of active listening. When we engage with someone’s post or comment, we are acknowledging their thoughts and ideas. By responding to their content, we show that we have read and understood their message. This act of active listening is essential in building connections, especially with prospects who may be interested in our services or products.Control Over Who Sees Your Comments: Unlike publishing content, where the algorithm determines who sees your post, commenting gives you more control over your audience. When you comment on influential voices in your industry, those who have liked or commented on the post will see your response. This visibility allows you to connect with a broader audience and potentially catch the attention of key individuals.Forces Research and Intel Gathering: Commenting pushes us to do our research and gain a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. Before commenting, we need to be knowledgeable about the subject matter to contribute valuable insights. Engaging in discussions and reading others’ comments helps us gather information and broaden our knowledge base. This research benefits not only our commenting skills but also our overall understanding of the industry.Relationship Building and Conversations: Commenting creates conversations, fostering relationships with others in your network. Engaging in meaningful discussions with prospects, clients, and industry experts opens the door to private conversations, such as phone calls or virtual meetings. By actively participating in comments, you increase your chances of connecting with potential clients and expanding your network.Establishing Credibility: Through commenting, you can establish your credibility as an expert in your field. By providing valuable insights, facts, or sharing personal experiences, you showcase your expertise and contribute to the ongoing conversation. As others recognize your knowledge and expertise, they will be more inclined to view you as a trusted source, potentially leading to new business opportunities.Increased Visibility and Algorithm Favorability: Commenting on posts, whether from organizations or target prospects, increases your visibility on LinkedIn. When you comment, your name and face appear alongside the original post, catching the attention of others who engage with the content. The LinkedIn algorithm also favors engagement, meaning that the more you comment, the more likely your own posts will appear in others’ news feeds. This visibility boost can significantly impact your reach and influence on the platform.

Despite the importance of commenting, many people are hesitant or nervous about participating in discussions. The fear of saying something wrong or not adding value often holds them back. However, understanding and embracing your commenting style can make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Realizing you stand to risk more by not actively engaging in conversations with your target prospect or potential future hiring manager can help you develop this underused muscle.

Commenting styles are the different ways in which individuals contribute to a conversation through their comments. They reflect our natural tendencies and voices. Identifying our own style can boost our confidence and help us feel more comfortable when engaging in discussions. Just like the DISC or Myers-Briggs profiles, knowing our commenting style empowers us to leverage our strengths and work on any weaknesses.

There are ten commenting styles that have been identified through research and analysis. Let’s explore each style briefly:

Fact Giver: This style involves providing accurate details and verifiable data to support or challenge a post or comment.Connector: The connector’s style focuses on linking people together, tagging others, and fostering collaboration and connections.Comedian: This style utilizes humor to bond with others and create an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere.Clarifier: Clarifiers condense complex information and express it in a simple and concise manner.Distiller: Distillers extract the most important information from a post or comment and present it in a compelling and persuasive way.Encourager: Encouragers provide emotional support and positive feedback, uplifting others in the conversation.Empathizer: Empathizers genuinely empathize with the author’s voice and emotions, adding a compassionate touch to the conversation.Storyteller: Storytellers naturally convey their thoughts and ideas by sharing personal or relevant stories.Expander: Expanders delve deeper into a topic, expanding on it, and exploring new perspectives or ideas.Challenger: Challengers question assumptions, provoke critical thinking, and challenge the validity of the topic at hand.

Understanding these styles can help us identify our natural tendencies and find our authentic voice in commenting. It allows us to contribute meaningfully to conversations, build relationships, and expand our network.

Overcoming the fear of commenting and making it a regular practice requires intentional effort and time blocking. Scheduling dedicated commenting time helps us prioritize engagement and ensures we actively participate in discussions. By being present in the moment, adding value, and embracing our unique commenting style, we can develop confidence and enjoy the process of commenting on LinkedIn.

As technology continues to evolve, tools like Fistbump and AI-powered assistance such as ChatGPT are being integrated to facilitate and enhance the commenting experience. These tools can suggest comments based on your style and preferences, allowing for personalized and efficient engagement.

Commenting on LinkedIn is more than just sharing our thoughts or opinions. It is an opportunity to connect, learn, and establish our presence in the digital networking space. By leveraging our commenting style, we can make a meaningful impact, build relationships, and achieve success in our professional endeavors.

Check out Social Selling for Newbies wherever you enjoy your podcasts! https://socialsellingfornewbies.buzzsprout.com/