Welcome to The Corporate Escapee Podcast, where we explore the journeys of GenXers breaking free from corporate life to build something on their own terms. I’m your host, Brett Trainor, and today we dive into a conversation that’s critical for every corporate escapee: mastering LinkedIn.

Joining me is LinkedIn strategist and fellow escapee, Deanna Russo. Deanna’s expertise has helped thousands rethink their approach to LinkedIn—not as a sales tool or online resume, but as a powerful platform for networking, relationship-building, and earning trust. In this episode, Deanna shares her journey from corporate sales to launching her own business, her game-changing “Know, Like, and Trust” triangle strategy, and practical tips to optimize your LinkedIn presence heading into 2025.

If you’re ready to shift your mindset and make LinkedIn work for you, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannarusso1/

https://leverageupllc.com/ 

Takeaways

• Change your mindset about LinkedIn; it's a networking event.
• Focus on building know, like, and trust with your audience.
• Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your authentic self.
• Visibility on LinkedIn is crucial for standing out.
• Engagement is key; participate in conversations relevant to your niche.
• Your headline should communicate the problem you solve.
• Differentiate yourself from others in your field.
• Content should resonate with your audience's needs.
• Flexibility in your business strategy is essential for growth.
• You don't need to have everything figured out before starting. Engagement is more effective than self-promotion.
• Visibility leads to inbound conversations.
• Consistency in posting builds trust over time.
• Storytelling is key to relatability and trust.
• Commenting on posts can generate content ideas.
• People remember how you make them feel.
• You don't need to post every day to be effective.
• Focus on adding value in conversations.
• The algorithm favors engagement over likes.
• Building relationships is crucial for success.

Sound Bites

• "It's all about changing your mindset."
• "It's really about know, like, and trust."
• "I did not have it all figured out."
• "Different is better than better."
• "Your profile becomes your billboard."
• "You need to have conversations with people."
• "You're only shouting from the rooftop."
• "It's about adding value and listening."

Chapters

00:00 Reimagining LinkedIn: A Networking Mindset

03:03 Deanna's Escapee Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneur

06:12 Navigating the Transition: Finding Your First Clients

09:02 Evolving Business Strategies: Flexibility in Offerings

12:02 Authenticity on LinkedIn: Being Yourself

15:11 Crafting Your Profile: The Importance of Headlines

17:58 Visibility and Engagement: Building Relationships on LinkedIn

23:55 Engaging Conversations Over Self-Promotion

28:01 The Importance of Consistency in Content Creation

31:57 Building Trust Through Storytelling

39:24 The Power of Commenting and Engagement

44:40 Conclusion and Future Conversations