Linkedin Isn't About Linkedin. It's About Us.
What the Creator Briefcase drama reminds us about community, evolution, and opportunity.
Have you noticed the buzz on LinkedIn this week?
There’s a whole lot of chatter about the creator briefcase LinkedIn sent to a bunch of big-name TikTokers and Instagram influencers.
It’s a slick play: wide-angle lenses, mics, and a “Doing Numbers on LinkedIn” hat that nerds like me would gladly pay for.
The message is clear:
LinkedIn wants more video and it’s willing to woo creators from other platforms to make it happen.
From a marketing standpoint?
It makes perfect sense.
Bring in creators with huge audiences elsewhere and get them to bring their followers with them.
But Linkedin is full of spicy takes on the topic.
The primary gripe comes from people who have been creating content her for years and sounds a little something like this:
“Why is LinkedIn hyping up people who barely post here instead of recognizing the ones who’ve been building this place for years?”
Two examples I’ve seen this week that are super spicy.
This one from Sara Uy:
And this one from Nicole Ramirez:
And as someone who has:
- Posted 4,500+ times since 2020
- Left over 100,000 comments
- Built a six-figure business thanks to LinkedIn
- Evangelized personal branding long before it paid the bills
I get it.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bummed not to get a briefcase myself.
Or a Top Voice badge.
Or even a reply from the North American Head of Community when I comment or DM something supportive.
To see Linkedin actively pursuing big creators elsewhere sometimes feels like watching the nerd bend over backwards to get noticed by the popular kids while ignoring the friends who’ve been riding with them since day one.
It kinda stings.
But here’s the truth:
LinkedIn has been really good to me.
It helped me pivot my career at 38.
Launch my business at 40.
And land incredible clients entirely through inbound.
That’s worth more than any briefcase.
(But I still want that hat.)
Listen...
At the end of the day, LinkedIn isn’t about algorithms.
Or PR boxes.
Or even LinkedIn.
It’s about US.
The people.
The conversations.
The community.
The serendipity.
That’s the opportunity this platform offers.
(and I do believe it's still here)
But let’s be real: the platform is evolving.
And not necessarily for us.
It’s trying to stay relevant for the next generation <em dash> video natives who expect a different kind of experience.
So we OGs who blend in with the furniture have two choices:
- Resist the change
- Adapt and keep building
I know which one I’m picking.
I'd love to know your thoughts on this topic.
Hi5 & thanks for stopping by.
LD
🌶️
