How to Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Solo Business (and Career) After 50
Welcome to the Ageless Careers Insider Weekly where we talk through the specific issues that affect executives and workers in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond.
With the job market remaining in a low hire, low quit state, almost every career conversation that I have lately goes to the same place: "Should I even try for a corporate job or should I try to build my own consulting business?"
My advice is usually the same: I would pursue a parallel path strategy that keeps you open to corporate opportunities while also building a consulting business of your own.
It's so odd, but being 50+ as a consultant is actually seen as a positive. Clients want to work with you because they value that hard-earned expertise. Why that doesn't always translate to the corporate world is a mystery to us all.
Once my clients decide to expand their consulting business, the next question becomes: "How can I get my name out there?"
My answer here is always the same: build a strong LinkedIn presence.
I started posting on LinkedIn when I was 46 years old with no real plan other than to grow my coaching business. Five years later, I'm at 110,000+ LinkedIn followers and 50,000+ email and LinkedIn newsletter subscribers. More importantly, 80%+ of my revenue comes from people who find me on LinkedIn.
So, what does it take to get started?
Here's the 4-step process that I use with clients:
- Build a strong LinkedIn profile: Really, this is key whether you decide to stay in corporate or grow your business. You need to make sure that your LinkedIn profile helps the right people find you. If you are taking on contract work, share the types of projects that you have delivered (including results): make it easy for the reader to see how you can help.
- Build a LinkedIn Company Page: Most small business owners skip this step and it's really easy (and free!). Once you create your LinkedIn Company Page, you can connect this to your personal page so that it looks crisp and polished. You can also set up a LinkedIn Service Page for potential clients who are searching for consultants.
- Develop a logo and LinkedIn banner: It's never been easier to create a business logo and banner in Canva. My business logo was actually created by my middle daughter when she was 12 years old! If you aren't sure how to get started, you can always use Canva AI as a starter (although I will admit that this is hit or miss).
- Start posting on LinkedIn: It's hard to put yourself out there on LinkedIn (don't ask me how I know). I had a client ask me recently how I deal with the negative comments and honestly, they don't bother me anymore. If I really am annoyed with someone, I will block them. But for the most part, the community is so welcoming. If you aren't sure what to talk about, then start with client success stories or industry trends.
If you know you want to build your LinkedIn presence but aren’t sure how to position yourself, this is exactly the kind of work I do in my LinkedIn Jumpstart. I help experienced leaders clarify their message, strengthen their profile, and create a practical posting strategy that fits their goals.
I have a few openings as we head into Q4 if you’ve been thinking about working together. You can learn more about the LinkedIn Jumpstart and my other service offerings here, or set up a time to talk here.
Take care of yourself & have a wonderful weekend!
Colleen
600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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