Exposing LinkedIn Gurus Using Engagement PodsOne of LinkedIn's dirtiest little secrets is engagement pods. If you've ever wondered why some posts with little substance go viral while your well-crafted content struggles to get attention, this episode is for you. In this episode our visitors are: Jo Watson - Jo's community is A Good WriteupDaniel Hall (Spotapod)Libby Langley Vicky Quinn Fraser Sophie Lee (Electric Peach)All are at the Asylum to help us paint a comprehensive picture of how engagement pods and fake gurus may be impacting your LinkedIn experience.If you have no idea what engagement pods are, hopefully by the time you finish this episode, you'll be far better equipped to identify authentic engagement versus manipulated metrics.You'll learn how to spot engagement pods, understand the sophisticated tools these fake gurus are using, and make more informed decisions about who to engage with on LinkedIn. Whether you’re a casual user or a seasoned pro, this episode arms you with the knowledge to protect your digital reputation and find real value in your LinkedIn connections. Companies mentioned in this episode: LinkedIn (duh!) Instagram

Networking on LinkedIn doesn't have to feel like an awkward BNI event filled with pushy sales pitches and forced conversations. Instead, this episode delves into how to cultivate meaningful connections in a digital space that can often feel overwhelming. Our guests share insights on the importance of finding your tribe, engaging authentically, and building a supportive community that goes beyond superficial networking. We explore stories of real friendships forged through LinkedIn and discuss the pitfalls of transactional relationships that can lead to disillusionment. Join us as we uncover strategies to make your LinkedIn interactions more genuine, leaving you with lasting connections rather than just business cards.This week's visitors:Tracy Bedwell John Espirian - John's community is EspressoKatie McManus - Katie's podcast The WeeniecastJo Watson - Jo's community is A Good WriteupMichelle J Raymond - Michelle's podcast is Social Media for B2B Growth Podcast

Welcome to The Asylum, where we don’t just touch on subjects, we dive deep and emerge with actionable insights. I’m Neal Veglio, your host, and in Episode 5, "LinkedIn - Cringe vs Credibility" we're breaking down the do’s and don’ts of utilising LinkedIn for effectively building your professional network. We're shedding light on the hidden pitfalls and golden opportunities this platform has to offer, all while keeping it real and engaging. Whether you're new to LinkedIn or finding your way back after some time off, this episode is packed with valuable lessons that you won't want to miss. From debunking myths about LinkedIn experts to sharing practical advice on creating a genuine profile, we've got you covered.In this episode, Tracy Bedwell advises on how to find credible LinkedIn trainers who understand more than just daily posting. She talks about strategies that can genuinely boost your engagement, such as participating in LinkedIn groups and utilising Sales Navigator. Meanwhile, Michelle Eshkeri breaks down the elements of a professional LinkedIn profile, particularly focusing on the banner and the importance of connection quality over quantity. Sophie Lee gives us a fresh perspective on thought leadership, emphasising the need to be clear and consistent about the value you provide. As you listen, you’re going to learn how to create a professional yet authentic LinkedIn profile that stands out, how to engage meaningfully on the platform without falling into the trap of artificial engagement, and why focusing on solving customer problems can lead to better results than just promoting your products. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of LinkedIn fundamentals that many overlook. You’ll be better equipped to build genuine connections, avoid common pitfalls, and navigate the intricate balance between being professional and being true to yourself. So, let’s get into it and start transforming your LinkedIn experience from a mundane task into an exciting professional venture.Guests this episode:Katie McManus (host of The Weeniecast)Michelle J Raymond (host of Social Media for B2B Growth)John Espirian (LinkedIn consultant and Espresso community head honcho)Philip Charter (Copywriting coach)Daniel Hall (Spotapod)Fred Copestake (Sales trainer)<a...

Desperately trying to figure out the LinkedIn algorithm? LinkedIn's algorithm has long been a source of frustration for content creators, with many feeling at the mercy of an opaque system that often seems to favour certain types of content over others. This episode looks into the complexities of the LinkedIn algorithm, exploring various opinions from our seasoned LinkedIn experts who have navigated its challenges. The guests bring personal anecdotes, discussing their own experiences with posts that flopped despite their expectations, emphasising that the algorithm's whims can be unpredictable. Ultimately they seem to come to a consensus: while it’s crucial to be aware of the algorithm, there are more important factors to consider...Thanks as always to: Katie McManus (host of The Weeniecast)Michelle J Raymond (host of Social Media for B2B Growth)John Espirian (LinkedIn consultant and Espresso community head honcho)Philip Charter (Copywriting coach)Fred Copestake (Sales trainer)TL;dlisten?00:00 Ignore algorithm; prioritise audience preferences for content.04:48 Content creation is crowded now, there's less reach.06:40 Consistency and engaging content boost social media growth.17:16 Focus on audience needs, not content format.

LinkedIn Engagement Pods... or are they 'communities'?Hey listeners, Neal here from The Asylum. Let me ask you this—have you ever been drawn into a seemingly prestigious LinkedIn community, only to find it's nothing more than a smoke-and-mirrors show? On this episode, we pull back the curtain on LinkedIn engagement pods. These elusive, often misunderstood groups promise skyrocketing engagement rates and viral success, but is it all just a facade? By the end of this episode, you'll know what these pods are, how they operate, and why joining one might be the worst decision for your LinkedIn strategy.We’re diving deep with Katie McManus, a business strategist, LinkedIn Company Pages expert Michelle J Raymond, Espresso founder John Espirian, Fred Copestake, Tracy Bedwell, Philip Charter, and Paul Smart joining us too. We'll discuss why engagement pods give off an illusion of success and what they'll actually do for your engagement. More importantly, you'll gain invaluable insights into recognising these pods and understanding why they're tolerated on LinkedIn. If you're serious about building genuine relationships and authentic engagement on LinkedIn, this episode is a must listen. You'll gain the knowledge to spot fake engagement tactics, understand the reasoning behind LinkedIn's tolerance for these pods, and learn simple yet effective ways to foster real, meaningful interactions. By integrating these insights into your LinkedIn strategy, you'll not only dodge the pitfalls of artificial engagement but also stand out with authenticity and integrity in a world of shortcuts and quick fixes.Follow Daniel Hall - pod insider with Spot-a-Pod: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbhallTimestamped Summary00:00:00 - IntroductionNeal introduces the concept of LinkedIn engagement pods and why they’re misleading.00:00:17 - Welcome and Guest IntroductionKatie McManus welcomes the audience and sets the stage for a candid discussion about LinkedIn engagement pods.00:01:21 - What is an Engagement Pod?Neal and Katie explain what engagement pods are and how they operate.00:04:16 - The Downsides of Engagement PodsNeal discusses the negative aspects, emphasizing how fake comments and likes dilute real engagement.00:05:25 - Why Aren't They Banned?Fred Copestake and John Aspirian weigh in on why LinkedIn tolerates these pods despite their questionable ethics.00:09:44 - LinkedIn's DilemmaMichelle J. Raymond and Philip Charter talk about LinkedIn’s possible motivations for allowing engagement pods.00:13:05 - Expert Opinions:Various experts share their views on the artificiality of these pods and...

The saga of my LinkedIn banLinkedIn bans can feel like a Kafkaesque nightmare, and this episode shares such an ordeal that left me bewildered. I'll be revealing how an innocuous comment on a post spiralled into a battle for reinstatement. In this bizarre saga you'll hear about the irony of seeking help from a rival platform, the absurdity of the processes, the often opaque nature of social media policies and the facelessness of customer service in the digital age. This episode not only recounts my personal journey through the labyrinth of LinkedIn's policies but also serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of online presence and the importance of maintaining control over one's digital identity. Mentioned in this episode: LinkedIn TikTok Twitter Spotify Instagram YouTube