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Newsletter: Stop Listening [So You Can Start Moving]

Aug 19, 2025
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[I'm trying to amke this the most practical newsletter you receive this week]. 

If logging into LinkedIn gives you a pit in your stomach, you’re not alone. Some days I’m right there with you.

It’s loud out there:

  • NICHE DOWN!

  • QUIT YOUR JOB!

  • COMMENT REGULARLY!

  • JOIN MY MASTERCLASS!

  • TAKE AN ICE BATH OR DIE!

When everything is urgent, your brain hits overload. You feel stuck, frustrated, inadequate—like you don’t belong here.

But you do.

I’m a cat lady, divorced, a mom, and I love hot baths—hardly the Internet’s “cool kid” starter pack. Yet here I am, 50K followers later, fueling my business through LinkedIn.

Here’s what helped:

Two rules for when LinkedIn feels heavy

  1. Start small. Share one piece of your story at a time. (It is the only new story under the sun.)

  2. Lead with what makes you different. Use that lens for every post.

Everything else you see? Suggestions—not mandates. Don’t let perfectionism or overwhelm limit your potential. Optimize your LinkedIn strategy one step at a time.


Practical Resource: 30-Minute Profile Tune-Up (Resource)

Use this mini-sprint to get momentum today—no content calendar required.

Minute 0–5: Top Card

  • Upload a clear headshot (eyes visible, simple background).

  • Add a banner that signals your domain (promise/value proposition, credentials).

  • Set a custom URL (linkedin.com/in/yourname).

  • Update contact info (website, email, calendar link if relevant).

Minute 5–15: Headline (fill-in formula)

Minute 15–25: About Section (tight, scannable)

  • 1–2 lines: Who you help + why it matters.

  • 3–5 bullet receipts: results, client types, differentiators.

  • 1 line CTA: how to start (DM, link, calendar).

Minute 25–30: Featured

  • Add one lead magnet, one case study/testimonial, and your best post.

Save. Breathe. You’ve made a real upgrade in half an hour.


Profile Optimization Checklist

Top Card

  • Professional headshot (current, friendly, high-contrast)

  • Banner communicates niche or offer

  • Custom URL set

  • Contact info complete (site, email, booking link)

Headline

  • Includes role/expertise

  • Names your audience

  • States an outcome or promise

  • Adds one proof point (years, clients, metrics)

About (2,000-char max)

  • Clear, “I help…” opening (who + problem + value)

  • 3–5 proof bullets (metrics, logos, case wins)

  • Personality line (what makes you different)

  • Direct CTA (reply, book, download)

Experience

  • Impact bullets (action + outcome + metric)

  • Current role aligns with headline & About

  • Relevant media attached (one-pagers, talks, demos)

Featured

  • Lead magnet or checklist relevant to your audience

  • Case study or testimonial

  • High-performing post that shows your voice

Skills & Credibility

  • Top 3 skills match your offer

  • 5–10 endorsements from real collaborators

  • 2+ recent recommendations (request them)

Findability & Settings

  • Keywords woven naturally into Headline, About, Experience

  • Creator Mode set appropriately (on if you publish weekly+)

  • Follow or Connect preference chosen intentionally

Accessibility & Trust

  • Alt text on images when posting

  • Name pronunciation (optional) and location accurate

  • Consistent voice across profile + posts

Call to Action

  • One next step is obvious (DM “INFO,” book a call, download)


Copy-and-Use Templates

Headline:
[Role] | [Who You help] | [Outcome/Promise]

About (100–150 words):
I help [audience] achieve [outcome] without [common pain].
Why me: [proof 1], [proof 2], [proof 3].
What’s different: [your angle/personality].
Start here: [CTA—DM “INFO,” link, or calendar].

Ask for a Recommendation (DM/email):
“Hey [Name], could you share a short rec on our work together—especially [result/project]? A line on the outcome and what it was like working with me would help others know if I’m a fit. Thank you!”

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