25/08/2026
When I newly joined LinkedIn, I was given A LOT of advice. 😂
“You have to be professional on LinkedIn.”
“We don't do this on LinkedIn.”
“Don't say that.”
“LinkedIn is different.”
“Everything has to be professional.”
Basically, I was told to behave like a completely different human being. 😭
And because, you know… when in Rome, behave like the Romans, I tried.
I tried being serious.
I tried sounding extra professional.
I tried posting the way everybody said I should.
I was posting back-to-back, following all the “LinkedIn rules.”
And guess what?
50 impressions. 😂
My highest impression was 50.
At some point, I was like, “Okay o… maybe LinkedIn people don't like me.” 😭
But honestly, the problem wasn't LinkedIn.
The problem was that I wasn't being ME.
I'm a very free person.
I'm cheerful.
I'm playful.
I like to gist.
I laugh a LOT.
And I genuinely don't know how to fake being someone I'm not. 😂
So in July, I gave myself a 30-day challenge.
I decided to stop trying to “look LinkedIn professional” and simply show up as Sillytommie.
I posted every day.
I talked about things I genuinely cared about.
I shared my experiences.
I joked.
I told stories.
I celebrated my wins.
I admitted my struggles.
Basically, I started showing up as the real me.
And something interesting happened.
50 impressions became 100.
100 became 200.
Then 1,000.
Then 6,000.
And now?
18,000 impressions is my highest so far. 🥹🔥
New followers started coming.
Profile views increased.
People started engaging.
And I finally understood something:
Authenticity has its own audience.
You don't always have to do things the way everybody else is doing them.
You don't have to force yourself into a personality because you think that's what the platform wants.
You don't have to fake it.
Be strategic, yes.
Learn the platform, absolutely.
But don't lose yourself in the process.
Because there is VALUE in authenticity.
There is POWER in uniqueness.
And sometimes, the thing you are trying so hard to hide is exactly what people will connect with.
So, if you're struggling to grow on LinkedIn...
Maybe stop trying to sound like LinkedIn.
And start sounding like YOU. ❤️
P.S. Apparently, LinkedIn can handle Sillytommie after all. 😂