LS #22: The real truth about “being authentic” on Linkedin
Everyone talks about “authenticity,” but few know how to do it.
Hi there,
I break down top LinkedIn posts to uncover what makes them effective, helping you create content that resonates deeply.
In this issue, you’ll get:
The 3 high-performing posts this week on LinkedIn
The real truth about “being authentic” on Linkedin
LinkedIn post template
The 3 high-performing posts this week
1. No person or job is worth your mental health
Why this post?
This post went viral, receiving 26k likes in a week. It received 7-100 more engagement and views than Jean's posts this week.
What can we learn here?
Powerful hook: "No person or job is worth your mental health" This direct, unequivocal statement immediately resonates with anyone struggling in their workplace. The added heart emoji softens the message while emphasizing care and support.
Personal vulnerability: "The hardest thing I've had to do was leaving toxic workplaces. But it was the best thing I could've done for myself." This authentic sharing creates immediate trust and connection. The contrast between 'hardest' and 'best' demonstrates personal growth.
Strategic framework: The "4 questions to ask (before you quit)" structure transforms a potentially emotional decision into a rational process. Each question builds upon the last, creating a comprehensive decision-making framework.
Visual impact: The minimalist design with the key message highlighted in pink against a textured gray background creates emphasis through simplicity. The quote's presentation makes it highly shareable and memorable.
Practical wisdom: The post balances empowering messages ("It's okay to leave and put yourself first") with practical advice ("Give yourself a timeline with action items"). This combination of emotional support and actionable steps makes the content immediately useful.
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2. No matter how fast or hard you work, it doesn’t happen overnight
Why this post?
Another viral post this week—it got 11k likes in 3 days and performed 1.5-50 times better than Gary's other posts.
What can we learn here?
Truth-bomb hook: "No matter how fast or hard you work, it doesn't happen overnight." This direct statement immediately challenges the 'get rich quick' mentality prevalent in business culture. The simplicity makes it impossible to argue with.
Visual simplicity: The fortune cookie-style message on white paper against a textured background creates a zen-like wisdom feel. The presentation suggests timeless truth rather than typical business advice.
Reality check: "Every 'overnight sensation' you know of today likely put in years of effort behind the scenes that nobody talks about." This line powerfully debunks common success one-night myths.
Provocative challenge: "The game is long and most of you are babies." This bold statement directly challenges what readers think. Using such direct language, which Gary is known for, makes people want to share it and remember it.
Core wisdom: "Patience is the real key component to success." This simple truth serves as the philosophical foundation of the post. Following the provocative statement with this wisdom creates a perfect tension-resolution dynamic.
Time perspective: The mention of "7 years (which is incredibly fast by many people's standards)" reframes what 'fast' success actually looks like. This reframing helps readers adjust their expectations.
3. I hired a Genz candidate with "zero experience"
Why this post?
This post performed 2-4 times better than Luke's other posts this week.
What can we learn here?
Intriguing hook: "I hired a GenZ candidate with 'zero experience.' After 3 years, I have 'fired' him (here's why)" This grabs attention by making readers wonder what happened. The quotes around "fired" hint that there's more to the story.
Personal narrative: "I hired Aadi on April 5th, 2021." Using the real name and date makes the story feel true and personal. He shares his belief that most jobs can be taught and that he cares more about someone's character than their experience.
Value proposition: "You can develop skills and experience, but it's hard to develop character." This simple truth makes people think differently about hiring. It's easy to understand and share with others.
Strong visuals: The pictures of both people smiling shows what good mentorship looks like. Their happy faces help tell the story without words.
Growth journey: By listing how Aadi did well ("never missed a deadline," "got better every day," "always smiling"), we see why hiring for character works. It shows how someone can grow when given a chance.
Happy ending: "He's making more money. He's ready to change his life forever." The story ends by showing how this chance changed someone's life. You can feel the pride when he says "Proud of you Aadi"
Bigger lesson: Instead of just training someone to be a good worker, he helped Aadi become his own boss. This shows what real leadership is about - helping others succeed on their own.
The real truth about “being authentic” on Linkedin
Everyone talks about “authenticity,” but few know how to do it.
Here's the truth about 'authenticity' that nobody tells you:
You don't need a strategy to be yourself. You just need to drop the mask.
3 simple rules I follow:
Share what genuinely excites you (even if it seems 'boring' to others)
Write like you talk (typos and all)
Post your real wins AND struggles
The magic happens when you stop trying to be:
The perfect expert
The flawless influencer
Someone else's version of success
Instead, embrace being:
The person still figuring things out
The professional who admits mistakes
The voice that says "I don't know" when you don't know
Why this works:
Your quirks aren't flaws – they're your differentiators.
Your struggles aren't weaknesses – they're your story.
Your journey isn't messy – it's relatable.
When you're truly yourself:
Content flows naturally
The right audience finds you
Engagement becomes genuine
Growth becomes sustainable
Remember: There are 8 billion people in the world. You don't need everyone to like you. You just need to be consistently, unapologetically YOU.
The audience that resonates with the real you is worth more than a massive following that connects with a fake version of yourself.
Your Authenticity Checklist:
✓ Would you say this in real life?
✓ Does this reflect your actual beliefs?
✓ Are you sharing something you genuinely care about?
✓ Would your friends recognize this as 'you'?
Stop performing. Start being.
LinkedIn Post Template: 3-3-5 Lead Generation Formula
You can use the template below to create content faster with AI. Just provide your context and copy the template. It will help you create content following a viral post structure.
Template:
How I post content for [GOAL_1] NOT [GOAL_2].
→ I start by thinking about [NUMBER] [PROBLEM_CATEGORY] prospects face
→ Then I invert these into [NUMBER] solutions that I can help with
→ To achieve the [NUMBER] outcome [TARGET_RESULT] on [PLATFORM]
For me the problems are
[PROBLEM_1]
[PROBLEM_2]
[PROBLEM_3]
So I invert them into solutions
[SOLUTION_1]
[SOLUTION_2]
[SOLUTION_3]
Which will get you [TARGET_RESULT]
These act the base of all of my content.
Then I apply my [NUMBER] step optimisation process
[PROCESS_STEP_1]
[PROCESS_STEP_2]
[PROCESS_STEP_3]
[PROCESS_STEP_4]
[PROCESS_STEP_5]
I've run this system for [TIMEFRAME] and
→ Have generated [RESULTS]
And it's the exact process I teach
→ In our [PROGRAM_NAME]
So if you prefer [GOAL_1] over [GOAL_2]?
Get started for FREE here - [CALL_TO_ACTION_LINK]
Because I promise, they're not the same…
PS - [ENGAGEMENT_QUESTION]
LinkedIn Memes
One second after logging into LinkedIn
That's a wrap for today.
See you next week! If you want more LinkedIn tips, be sure to follow me on LinkedIn (link).
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Your compadre,
Anton "LinkedIn growth strategies" Cherkasov