LinkedIn Success with Wayne Breitbarth
In this episode, host Bill Mitchell welcomes Wayne Breitbarth, one of the nation’s top LinkedIn trainers, author of Power Formula For LinkedIn Success to talk about all things LinkedIn for business professionals and entrepreneurs. Wayne shares his journey from office furniture salesman to LinkedIn authority, discusses how the platform evolved from a job search site to a broad business hub, and reveals practical strategies for leveraging LinkedIn for sales, networking, recruiting, and personal branding.
Here are 3 Key Takeaways
1. LinkedIn is a powerful business database, not just a social media platform. Wayne’s “aha!” moment came when he realized LinkedIn allowed users to see not just who their friends are, but also who their friends know—a game-changer for expanding business networks and finding decision-makers.
2. Successful LinkedIn profiles start with authenticity: a compelling LinkedIn profile should genuinely represent you—avoid marketing jargon and instead write in the first person, using your own voice. When sending connection requests or messages, make them personal, specific, and reflective of your personality (within the 200-character limit). This builds trust and encourages meaningful engagement.
3. Engagement is about quality conversations, not just posting content. Don’t feel pressured to post constantly—engagement comes from starting conversations. Use post ‘likes’, comments, and “who’s viewed your profile” to initiate relevant dialogues with your audience. Posting is only effective when it leads to real interaction; proactive outreach and follow-up are where business opportunities flourish.