January 23, 2025

#1113 The LinkedIn Triangle | Deanna Russo

12 minutes

If you’re trying to grow your business, one of the best places to go is where other businesses hang out—and that’s LinkedIn. But maybe you’re there already and just not getting the results you want. That’s exactly where Deanna Russo, founder of Leverage Up, comes in. Deanna took her LinkedIn following from a modest 400 to an impressive 30,000 and counting. She joined me to share her best tips for building a LinkedIn presence that actually works—no jargon, no gimmicks, just practical advice grounded in her own success. As someone who's been experimenting with LinkedIn myself, I couldn’t wait to learn more . Here’s what I learned from our conversation:

Start with Your Profile

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a page—it’s your billboard. Deanna emphasized the importance of customizing your profile to speak directly to your target audience. Think of it as the foundation for all your LinkedIn activity; without a solid base, everything else wobbles.

Understand the LinkedIn Triangle

Deanna’s LinkedIn strategy revolves around three pillars: profile, engagement, and content. Your profile draws people in, engagement builds connections, and content amplifies your voice. But here’s the kicker—they all depend on each other. You can’t skip one without weakening the whole structure. And for long-term success, consistency is the secret ingredient that transforms this triangle into a sturdy pyramid.

Engage Like You’re at a Networking Event

LinkedIn engagement isn’t about throwing out generic comments like "Great post!" It’s about starting real conversations. Deanna encouraged listeners to comment as if they were chatting in person—ask thoughtful questions, share insights, and be genuine.

Consistency Beats Quick Wins

Growth on LinkedIn doesn’t happen overnight. Deanna shared how sticking to a twice-weekly content schedule—and showing up in the comments—helped her build momentum. The key is to stay visible without obsessing over views and likes, which she called the “gremlins” that derail your focus.

Think Organic, Not Spammy

Tagging random people in posts for visibility? Hard pass. Deanna prefers organic growth through meaningful interactions. Instead of spamming tags, send a direct message to someone genuinely interested in your content or topic.

Actionable Takeaways:

Treat your LinkedIn profile like your elevator pitch—clear, concise, and targeted.

Show up consistently, both in your posts and in the comments.

Engage like a human. Ask questions, answer thoughtfully, and skip the jargon.

Focus on building relationships, not just growing numbers.

Want to see Deanna in action? Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn.

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