How I Turned LinkedIn into a Deal-Making Machine (And You Can Too!)
How I Turned LinkedIn into a Deal-Making Machine (And You Can Too!)
#83 Angelinvesting.it - From idea to Series A - Weekly Newsletter
Dear reader,
Last year, I hit a milestone on LinkedIn that might raise a few eyebrows: over 2 million impressions. Now, before you dismiss this as just another vanity metric, let me tell you – those numbers translated into real, tangible benefits for my angel investing game. We're talking about more than a third of my deal flow coming straight from LinkedIn, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
The Art of Winning Deals
In the world of angel investing, the tables are often turned. The best founders? They're the ones calling the shots, cherry-picking their investors. So, my job isn't just about picking winners – it's about making sure those winners want me on their team just as much as I want to back them.
Enter social media and this very newsletter. By putting myself out there, warts and all, I've managed to forge connections with founders before we've even shaken hands. It's not uncommon for a conversation to kick off with, "I've been following your posts for ages. They really get me thinking."
Cutting Through the Noise
Let's face it – social media can be a cacophony of voices all vying for attention. So, how do you stand out? For me, it boiled down to radical transparency as Ray D'Alio would call it. I'm not afraid to call a spade a spade, even when it means pointing out that the emperor's new clothes are... well, non-existent.
This approach resonates with founders. They appreciate someone who can strip away the fluff and see things for what they really are. It signals that I'm a straight shooter like them – someone who won't waste their time with sugar-coated nothings.
The 2 Million Views Recipe: Simpler Than You'd Think
Let me break it down for you:
Pick Your Battles: I stick to three main topics – founder advice, investment insights, and tech trends. It's what I know, what I love, and what my audience has come to expect.
Consistency is King: I post at 8:30 AM, three times a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Why these days? No particular reason, but once I started, I stuck with it. Pro tip: I use Buffer to schedule my posts in advance. Right now, I'm set until September 6th!
Keep the Engine Running: Remember, genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. This newsletter? It's my weekly mind-sharpening exercise. Even when I'm not feeling it, I write. And guess what? Those newsletter nuggets often become LinkedIn gold.
A Word of Caution
Before you rush off to become the next LinkedIn sensation, let's pause for a reality check. Building a social media following isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, nor is it a necessity for everyone in the angel investing world.
In my case, the payoff has been substantial - a turbocharged deal flow and a network that opens doors I didn't even know existed. But here's the kicker: there are countless ways to build your reputation in this space. At the end of the day, actions ultimately speak louder than even the most viral posts.
If you do decide to venture down the social media rabbit hole, approach it like you would any investment - with a clear strategy and defined goals. Without this focus, you risk becoming a slave to the platform, constantly chasing likes instead of deals. Trust me, that's a time-sink noone can afford.
The real magic happens when you strike that delicate balance - being authentically you, providing genuine value, and leveraging these digital platforms to fuel your real-world objectives. Nail this trifecta, and you might just find yourself with your own "2 million impressions" story to tell.
Have a great weekend,
Simone
p.s. An extra content worth exploring: https://nav.al/product-media
