Somebody posted something on LinkedIn today and I read it with great interest. I considered leaving a comment, but decided instead to reply with a DM.
We had a brief exchange of messages, which reminded me how often people underestimate the value of their own experiences and insights. What seems ordinary to us could be a source of inspiration or learning for someone else.
This person’s posts demonstrate that every day. But it’s difficult to see that about ourselves. I certainly find it hard.
ME: Have you ever considered writing a book about your experiences? Have you collected all these posts somewhere?
HIM: I have not. I’m not sure I’m that interesting. The stories currently reside on LinkedIn so I figure they are retrievable should that ever be appropriate. Do you think anyone would be interested? I seem to get lots of likes but less in the form of debate/engagement? And thank you for the compliment (?).
Me: Yes, it was a compliment, though not intended as such. I think what you say strikes a lot of people as honest and insightful. I hope that at the very least you will gather pieces like this post because it’s about your life! Even if you keep it only for yourself, LinkedIn is not a great archive.
Him: Is it not? I did not know that. I thought it stayed on my page forever? Maybe I need to create a word document or similar?
Me: I don’t mean to say that it will bin anything imminently but you never know – you have little control over it.
Him: Good point. Maybe a job for a rainy day.
Me: Or at least save posts from now on as PDFs? Go to “print” and instead press save as PDF…
***
I hope other people might get something useful from this exchange.
1. Recognise Your Value: Many people underestimate the value of their experiences and insights, despite (as in this case) getting lots of engagement.
2. Compile Your Work: Whether for a book or a personal archive, this allows you to see your growth and potentially repurpose your work later.
3. Don’t Rely on Social Platforms: It’s just sensible to keep a copy. Platforms change, without warning, and you deserve to have control over your work.
4. Easy Archiving: Saving posts as PDFs is quick, easy, and preserves the formatting.
***
Write A Book Proposal
I’m running free 45-minute Zooms throughout July. Thursday lunchtimes and early evening. Thanks to the support of my patrons, they’re open to all. Finished, sorry.
You can download and read an actual (successful) book proposal by clicking the button below. There’s a small fee, unless you’re a patron.
(If you are a patron, send me an email and I’ll send you a 100% discount code.)
Read A Specimen Book Proposal (A Successful One)