Enthusiastically Self-Employed: LinkedIn tips, Business tips, and Marketing tips for the self-employed & small business owners

In today's episode, we revisit an insightful presentation by my good friend, Christopher G. Johnson, who shared valuable tips at the Shift LIVE-A-Thon event in September 2024. 

Full event details / playbacks at https://www.mellermarketing.com/introvertshift

Christopher, a virtual event producer and owner of CalmClearMedia, offers practical advice specifically for introverts on how to navigate and use Zoom effectively, particularly if you are self-employed. He dives deep into various Zoom settings, such as managing the waiting room, audio, and video controls, and even suggests scheduling breaks in meetings to avoid Zoom fatigue. 

Enjoy the episode and be sure to connect with Christopher for more great insights. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cgjohnson/ 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:30 Meet Christopher Johnson: Virtual Event Producer

01:52 Zoom Tips for Introverts: Overcoming Challenges

02:24 Zoom Settings Walkthrough: Ensuring Smooth Virtual Events

06:20 Advanced Zoom Controls: Mastering the Platform

10:42 Interactive Q&A and Final Thoughts

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

In this episode of our monthly VIP Office Hours for the self-employed, we dive into essential topics for those who are newly self-employed or considering self-employment.

Watch it on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U1QxAMU0PU&t=25s?sub_confirmation=1

Highlights include discussions about setting your prices, when to raise them, and knowing when to walk away from tricky client negotiations. Hear valuable insights from various industry professionals, and learn about the tools and strategies that can help you succeed in your own business endeavors.

Join me on our upcoming in-person monthly office hour events and free open house for the Marketing with Meller community. Join us and become part of this treasured community focused on growth, networking, and mutual support.

00:00 Introduction to VIP Office Hours
00:44 Focus on Pricing for the Self-Employed
01:06 Guidelines for Participation
02:41 Brenda Meller's Journey and Mission
03:50 Insurance for the Self-Employed
04:13 Deep Dive into Pricing Strategies
04:48 All Stars Introductions
06:39 Networking and Community Building
20:51 New Members Introductions
30:23 Discussion on Pricing
30:56 Starting Out: Offering a Variety of Services
31:33 Determining Pricing: From Corporate Salary to Competitor Analysis
33:30 Insights from All Stars: Pricing Strategies and Experiences
36:33 Flexible Pricing: Adapting to Different Clients and Markets
45:57 When to Raise Your Prices: Signals and Strategies
51:20 Knowing When to Walk Away: Handling Difficult Clients
59:10 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Considering becoming self-employed instead of finding a new job? Already self-employed and want to network with others?

Self-Employed Friday VIP Office Hours 

the 1st Friday from 10-11am ET Every Month

Free to attend. Registration is required at https://www.mellermarketing.com/FridayVIP

WHO:
These 1st Friday VIP Office Hours sessions are designed for anyone who is considering self-employment instead of a new job, or who is already self-employed. 

WHAT:
A virtual "office hour" to provide you with inspiration, community, and to help provide you with LinkedIn and marketing tips to support your a possible path in self-employment. Free. Registration is required because spaces are limited. 

WHEN/WHERE:
This is a monthly office hour session on Zoom on the 1st Fridays each month. Every Zoom session will also be simulcast to YouTube and added to this podcast.
 
WHY: 
These calls provide a place to network with like-minded professionals, get live access to me and "allstars" in my network who can answer questions and bounce ideas around. Plus, I love holding small group Zoom calls and resharing these insights via YouTube and on my podcast. 

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

What are page invitation credits on LinkedIn?
How do I grow my company page followers on LinkedIn?
When should I invite my connections to follow my company page?

In this podcast, I explain my techniques to use your LinkedIn page invitation credits to grow your company brand and your business on LinkedIn.

Starting with the basics, I guide you through accessing and navigating your company page as an admin. Then, I demonstrate how to invite your connections to follow your page, highlighting search features, selecting target audiences, and managing your 250 monthly credits.

Watch the video on YouTube https://youtu.be/IvMmPn9CNOM to learn my best practices for maximizing acceptance rates and tips for systematic use of your credits throughout the month to keep your LinkedIn growth consistent.

00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Page Invitation Credits
00:25 Navigating Your LinkedIn Company Page
01:50 Inviting Connections to Follow Your Page
04:29 Maximizing Your Invitation Credits
07:11 Recipient's Perspective and Final Tips
11:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Why can't I add a website link to my LinkedIn profile?
How do I add a website link to the top of my LinkedIn profile?
Why can't I edit a website link in my LinkedIn profile?
Did LinkedIn remove the website link feature?

Word on the street is that LinkedIn is REMOVING the Website Link in Your Top Header Card -- here's what you need to know!

LinkedIn is retiring the custom website link feature from our profiles, and I explain its implications. I share steps to verify if we still have access to this feature and provide advice on maintaining or updating the link.

I emphasize the importance of acting quickly as LinkedIn rolls out changes in waves and possibly removes features without notice.

I guide viewers on how to utilize this feature effectively while it's still available and encourage signing up for my VIP email list for more LinkedIn tips. https://www.mellermarketing.com/subscribe 

Thanks to John Espirian: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/johnespirian_if-you-havent-already-added-a-custom-activity-7333518418370797569-4yOK/
and to Kevin D. Turner: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/president_newlinkedinfeature-keeprockinglinkedin-activity-7333478326482731009-YJx3/
for alerting me and other LinkedIn coaches about this feature change. 


00:00 Introduction to LinkedIn Profile Changes 
00:42 Highlighting the Retired Feature 
01:17 Setting Up and Using the Custom Link 
01:37 Redirect Strategies for Expiring Links 
03:08 LinkedIn's Feature Rollout Process 
04:17 Conclusion and Final Tips

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

In today's episode, I address a question from a client about LinkedIn search appearances and profile views. I explore the insignificance of search results and emphasize the value of profile views for self-employed individuals. We'll delve into how LinkedIn analytics can be misleading and why focusing on profile views is crucial. Additionally, I offer advice on optimizing your LinkedIn presence and being proactive in outreach. If you have any LinkedIn questions, DM me on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction and Episode Explanation

01:24 Question: LinkedIn Search Results

02:26 Analyzing LinkedIn Analytics

02:55 Understanding Search Appearances

06:15 Profile Views vs. Search Appearances

08:07 Advice for Job Seekers

10:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Watch it on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLs7732y21o?sub_confirmation=1

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Maximizing Your LinkedIn Company Page: Essential Tips and Strategies

In this episode, inspired by a recent coaching session, I share practical tips on how to effectively use your LinkedIn company page. Learn why posting at least once a month is crucial, how to engage with your page followers, and build connections. I discuss a four-month content cycle strategy that includes reposting from your profile, highlighting service offerings, sharing evergreen content, and promoting events. Plus, discover ways to make posting easier and more consistent. Tune in for actionable advice that can help boost your LinkedIn presence and lead generation efforts.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Inspiration

00:13 Importance of Posting on Your LinkedIn Company Page

00:52 Client Case Study: Optimizing LinkedIn Profile

01:20 Analyzing Page Followers for Potential Leads

02:53 Engaging with Page Followers

03:44 Creating Your First Company Page Post

04:57 Developing a Consistent Posting Strategy

05:15 Four-Month Posting Cycle Explained

06:59 Additional Posting Tips and Conclusion

LinkedIn Company Page Checklist

https://www.mellermarketing.com/foryourpage 

BLOG: 

https://www.mellermarketing.com/blog/use-this-for-your-first-linkedin-company-page-post

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

In this episode, I host the second Friday VIP office hours for the self-employed and those considering self-employment. Broadcasting from a beautiful day in Michigan, I set the stage for an insightful discussion. 

We address a YouTube live stream error, noting it might resonate with listeners facing similar issues. In the session, we discuss key aspects, including various insurance options for the self-employed, such as health, business, and liability insurance. Members share their experiences and tips on choosing the right insurance plans. 

Additionally, we explore the use of 'I' versus 'we' in branding, with contributions from various self-employed professionals. The session wraps up with a reminder about our recurring monthly meetings, networking through our LinkedIn group, and an invitation for more individuals to join our supportive community.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:41 Technical Glitches and Live Streaming Issues

01:27 VIP Office Hours Kickoff

01:49 Zoom Meeting Guidelines and Participation Tips

03:10 Live Streaming Troubleshooting Discussion

05:17 All-Star Introductions

13:02 Newcomer Introductions

18:50 Navigating Self-Employment and Job Transition

22:00 Health and Business Insurance for the Self-Employed

30:47 Unexpected Connections and Introductions

31:09 Kenneth Lang's Journey to Self-Employment

32:53 Andy Discusses Health Sharing and Financial Coaching

37:14 Gihan's Perspective on Health Insurance

40:13 Understanding Business Insurance

50:22 The 'We' vs. 'I' Debate in Business

55:35 Final Remarks and Networking Tips

My LinkedIn post about the Zoom to YouTube livestream error:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brendameller_youtube-marketing-socialselling-activity-7324088046683836416-Decm

Considering becoming self-employed instead of finding a new job? Already self-employed and want to network with others?

Join my *free* Friday VIP Office Hours with Brenda Meller

https://www.mellermarketing.com/FridayVIP

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

Do you offer group coaching calls? Listen to this episode to hear my pro tips about creating playbacks in an effective and efficient way. 

In this episode, I detail my process for making group coaching call playbacks available to my members. 

I walk through using Zoom for live calls, utilizing caption tools, and the AI meeting summary feature. 

Post-session, I show how to download the MP4 file, upload it to Descript for a more accurate summary and timestamps, and then edit and share the content. I also cover creating PDF versions of transcripts and chats, and enhancing the playback content with summaries, timestamps, and special member offers. 

My goal is to make this resource available within one business day to ensure members can access and benefit from the session promptly.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:21 Setting Up for Group Coaching Calls

00:47 Using Zoom Features for Accessibility

01:18 Post-Session Processing

01:41 Uploading and Summarizing with Descrip

04:52 Creating and Sharing Playback Content

06:23 Offering VIP Upgrades

09:34 Final Steps and Email Preparation

10:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

Use my link to try Descript (free) before deciding if it makes sense to get a subscription. I'm currently paying $30 / month. 

https://www.descript.com/?lmref=XW9wYg 

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

In this episode, I discuss why using automation to grow your LinkedIn network is annoying for everyone. I'll explore how automated messages are easily detectable and often irrelevant, a clear violation of LinkedIn's terms of service, and the dishonesty associated with these tactics. 

I share my personal experiences and the negative impact of automation, emphasizing the importance of organic growth and real interactions on LinkedIn. 

I also highlight the risks of automation, the untruthful practices of some companies, and the value of creating genuine professional relationships.

00:00 Introduction: Why Automation on LinkedIn Annoys Everyone

00:22 Identifying Automation in LinkedIn Invitations

01:23 Violation of LinkedIn's Terms of Service

04:42 The Ineffectiveness of Automated LinkedIn Growth

05:44 Calling Out Automation Users

07:50 The Pitfalls of Automated Engagement

08:35 The Value of Genuine Interaction on LinkedIn

10:25 Conclusion: Grow Your LinkedIn Network Organically

Resources Mentioned:

LinkedIn's Terms of Service https://www.linkedin.com/legal/user-agreement#dos 

My friend Mic Adams published a blog about this a while back:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/30-ways-lose-your-linkedin-account-using-tools-overview-mic-adam/

Here's a post from another highly reputable LinkedIn coach (Richard van der Blom) about this:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/richardvanderblom_outbound-sales-using-linkedin-are-we-one-activity-7304136597761916928-XDA_?

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast) 

In the first session of our VIP Office Hours, we focused on those considering self-employment. I shared my journey from corporate to self-employment and highlighted the importance of identifying one’s market niche. 

The session included valuable introductions and advice from our all-star participants, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of being self-employed. We discussed financial preparedness, the importance of self-motivation, and the necessity of having a clear path for clients to engage with your services. 

We also introduced a private LinkedIn group for ongoing support and resources. This session will be held monthly on the first Friday to provide continued guidance and networking opportunities.

JOIN US for an upcoming session: https://www.mellermarketing.com/FridayVIP

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:18 Background and Evolution of VIP Office Hours

00:57 Focus on Self-Employment

01:40 Challenges and Decisions in Self-Employment

03:37 Introduction of All-Star Panelists

05:42 Panelist Introductions and Insights

21:21 Audience Interaction and Q&A

35:29 Interactive Service Sharing

36:29 Highlighting Individual Services

37:30 Understanding Self-Publishing

41:01 Creating a Path for Business

47:35 Intentional vs. Unintentional Self-Employment

50:57 Advice from Self-Employment All Stars

01:01:56 VIP Office Hours Group Introduction

01:06:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

Support the show

**************************************
My name is Brenda Meller. I'm a LinkedIn coach, consultant, speaker, and author. My company is Meller Marketing and I help business professionals get a bigger slice of the LinkedIn pie. 

Visit mellermarketing.com

Let's connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendameller 
(click MORE to invite me to connect and mention you listened to my podcast)