Here’s How to Do LinkedIn without the Humblebragging

Humbragging is that modest or self-deprecating statement where the real purpose is to draw attention to something you are proud of. LinkedIn is full of people humblebragging. Awards. Promotions. Deals.

There are two serious flaws with social media.

• People only showcase the highlights, not a balanced picture.
• If these people’s careers are so impressive, why do they still craft these perfect posts to persuade everyone else about how important they are?

There is a strategy to network professionally and get the benefits from LinkedIn the way it was designed to do.

Marketing blogger Jonathan Greene describes

• Facebook as a pub crawl (a few friends and some random acquaintances talking about everything)
• Twitter as a speed date (you’ve got a short amount of time to grab someone’s attention)
• LinkedIn as after-work office drinks (a chance to mingle strategically).

Don't boast on LinkedIn. You wouldn't do it in real life, don't do it online. Instead, highlight other people's good work. Talk positively about projects you're involved in but don't amplify your part. People can decide for themselves.