While most of us are in the business of selling something – usually professional services – none of us should ever have to outright sell anything on LinkedIn when we use the platform right.

LinkedIn posts and blog posts are at the top of your sales funnel – they are meant to serve as an introduction to others.

So just demonstrate your expertise and provide free, helpful information which reinforces your position as a subject-matter expert. When you do that, you’re in essence selling without having to sell.

Overtly selling turns people off and makes people uncomfortable. But when you showcase what you do, you are instead demonstrating WHY you are the best at what you do. You are staying top of mind with your clients, prospects and referrals in the best possible way.

It’s that easy!

So think show versus tell and you never have to feel uncomfortable about selling anything.

There is no such thing as giving away too much free information or all of your “secrets” because they will still need you to implement what you describe.

Another thing to think about is people do business with people, so your goal should be to build relationships with others and let others get to know you.

Another thing to think about is people do business with people.

They connect more with individuals rather than static business-speak and dry content, so tell stories and show your face on social – whether it’s using videos or pictures of yourself.

Hire a photographer if that makes you feel more comfortable showing up. Your videos do not need to be professionally produced as I have said many times – mine aren’t. All I use is my iPhone, a $5 Bluetooth remote and a caption app.

Get comfortable with being visible on social media because the posts where you showcase more about you and your background, and why you do what you do, or a success story resonate much more with your audience than the run of the mill, boring vanilla posts we see all the time on LinkedIn.

Don’t be afraid to stand out – you don’t need to overshare to be memorable.

You’re not selling your brand, business or products in your social media or blog posts; you’re selling yourself. You want people to relate to you and form an emotional connection.

What else would you add?

Here’s a short video with more on how to sell on LinkedIn without ever selling anything.