Mark Hull’s Post

This is the guy right here. He admitted plain as day to having created the abomination. Edit: Some critiques. 1. IRC has existed for far before that and has been used in many workplaces. 2. "stuffy old inmail" as opposed to "stuffy old charge to message someone" 3. "completely transformed" bull. shit. 4. "broken system" -points at LinkedIn messaging- Maybe explain why it sends remote requests that lag text appearing as I type. LinkedIn messaging is such a horrendous chat system that I regularly have to move to off-LinkedIn systems to have conversations because it's so broken.

When I set off ‘on my own’ in 2015, I committed to myself to send an annual update on Linkedin each year. When I look back, I actually managed to do just 3 updates and my last one was in November 2018, which sounds much longer ago than it feels…. So what are some of the things I have learnt in the last 5 and a bit years since my last post? 1.       Peaks and troughs - Having worked on my own now for almost 9 years, I’m better at not panicking in the quieter periods, but it still takes a conscious effort not to panic.  So I think that is a positive? 2.       Things seem to take a little bit longer than they used to – I think that’s probably a function of a seemingly ever increasing compliance environment. It is also clear from my experience that some clients have not adapted as efficiently to remote working as others 3.       Long standing clients – I often work with businesses who I have worked with on and off for a number of years or even continually for a number of years. We have typically circumnavigated a challenging period and are now looking at future strategic options. It’s great working with people over a long period and gaining a deeper relationship – but the benefit of my involvement is to actively challenge management and it's important to keep self analysing to make sure I am still delivering that 4.       New clients – I still get the initial meet/day one nerves and one of the hardest aspects of my role is regularly going through the process with different management teams of being trusted/accepted. I think I’ve become better at identifying the agendas, the conflicts and the power bases that exist in every organisation and managing those dynamics 5.       Adaptability – I’ve recognised with experience that my approach has to be flexible to the situation and personalities involved. Like a half time team talk, sometimes the client just wants to be told what to do, others prefer to be taken on a journey… Communication is key and I definitely have more open and direct conversations than I was having 5 years ago Hopefully I’ll get another post out before 2030.

Fantastic news! Your business is on the rise, and you've made the exciting decision to bring in some extra help—whether it's a VA, a social media manager, or an OBM. But now you're probably wondering, where do I even begin? Before you dive into the search for the perfect team member, it's crucial to have a crystal-clear vision of what you're looking for. So, here are some thoughtful questions to kickstart your journey: 🚀 What Is the Specific Role and Scope of Work? It's a good start to know you need assistance, but let's dig deeper. Get laser-focused on what you want your new team member to contribute and what tasks are off-limits. 🚀 What Skills and Qualifications Are Required? Identify both the practical skills you need, like industry knowledge and familiarity with your business tools, and the softer skills that align with your brand's mission. 🚀 What Onboarding Materials and Resources Do I Need to Prepare? Especially in the virtual business world, preparation is key. Take time to organize resources, not only for your new recruit but also for yourself. Think about the essential information they'll need to hit the ground running. 🚀 What Communication Channels Will Be Used? Define your communication channels upfront. Consider which tools you'll use for quick questions, task assignments, and more extended discussions. Whether it's Slack, project management software, or good old email, clarity is key. As you embark on this journey of growth, these questions will pave the way for a smooth onboarding process, aligning your new team member with your business vision and ensuring a successful partnership. #SmallBusinessGrowth #OnboardingProcess #HiringTeamMembers #BusinessExpansion #EntrepreneurJourney

“Actions speak louder than words. All companies say they care, right? But few actually exercise that care.” — Simon Sinek The nice thing about LinkedIn is that you can see a lot of words and not so much action. I mean, I love to see support for remote work, support for innovation, support for contract employees over 40 or 50 years old, for example, and then see the reality of those professionals and the culture in which they work (they lead?). It is so easy to find a person who works there, has a wife, a cousin, or a close friend who breaks the words and shows you the truth behind them. Sometimes, you find a post! Why do I love these? Because it is a reminder that this is a social media platform. Please be careful. 

Your insights on engaging with CEOs and founders are invaluable! Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial when approaching potential leads. Your emphasis on personalized communication and understanding their unique needs is spot on. Building genuine relationships based on meaningful conversations is key, and your tips provide a clear roadmap for successful engagements. Thank you for sharing these practical strategies; they serve as a valuable guide for anyone navigating the challenging terrain of business interactions with top executives.

5 signs someone might have automated LinkedIn comments or a virtual assistant to drive engagement. Check the comments section below…

Low post views and engagement? Try these 7 types of hooks for your next batch of posts (with examples): 1️⃣ Problem-Solution Hook   Start by stating a common problem and hint at a solution:  - Struggling with low engagement? Here's a proven strategy. - Overwhelmed by email? Try this time-saving technique. 2️⃣ Trend Hook Highlight a current trend or development in your industry:  - The rise of remote work: what does it mean for managers? - Latest AI advancements are changing marketing in 2023. 3️⃣ Controversial Statement Hook Make a bold or controversial statement to spark discussion: - Most leadership advice is outdated. Here's why. - Why the customer isn’t always right. 4️⃣ Humor Hook Use a light-hearted or funny opening to engage: - Why my coffee machine is my best employee. - The funniest networking fail I ever had. 5️⃣ Analogy or Metaphor Hook Use an analogy or metaphor to make a complex idea more relatable: - Managing a team is like conducting an orchestra. - Digital marketing is the new gold rush. 6️⃣ Challenge Hook Pose a challenge to your audience: - I challenge you to change one habit that's holding you back. - Can you improve your networking skills in just one week? 7️⃣ Prediction Hook Make a prediction about your industry or professional field: - My prediction for the top marketing strategy of 2024. - Where I see the tech industry going in the next 5 years. 👉 Which one will you be trying first? #FluexMedia #LinkedIn _____________________________________________________________________ Fluex Media offers LinkedIn profiles, content, and all-inclusive account management. Message me to discuss your LinkedIn goals. I post about LinkedIn, social selling, and organizational health - follow to join the conversation.

A recent The Wall Street Journal article headlined - "We Aren’t Posting on Social Media as Much Anymore. Will We Ever? Excessive ads, bots and misinformation have sucked the fun out of sharing publicly, users say." If your 2024 goal is to get your B2B team active on LinkedIn, it sounds simple enough, but the reality is people are complex and it's harder than you think. Here are 5 smart plays Coach Michelle J Raymond recommends to begin creating your LinkedIn Dream Team - 1. First, ask for volunteers - force will get you nowhere. 2. Start small - the bigger the employee advocacy programme the harder it is to get it off the ground and sustain the momentum. 3. Have clear goals, and allocate resources - most importantly training and time to get the work done. 4. Be conscious of the mindset of your team. This isn't as easy as you think. 5. Get your leadership team onboard to support the project. The peer acknowledgement works wonders. Winning teams take action - need help? Book a call. #CoachMichelle #employeeadvocacy #linkedintraining #b2bgrowth