Back in 2008, I joined LinkedIn thinking it was a convenient online CV – a place to list work history, add a job title, and maybe, if I was lucky, it would open doors to a better job.
My profile was bare-bones: no photo, just a title and a few job details. My About section? Forgettable, generic corporate jargon that they offered as a template. If you’re familiar with the early platform experience, you know the vibe – functional but far from compelling.
Fast forward to 2017. After taking a sabbatical, I found myself at a career crossroads: Do I go back to the “9 to 5” or start my own business? I had an impressive CV, plenty of experience, but no real desire to dive back into a traditional role that might stifle my creativity. I wanted to keep learning, evolving, and using my full skill set. So, I decided it was time to update my profile. Little did I know that journey would change everything. After a long hiatus, I couldn’t even log in – my old email was inactive. The support team got me back on track, and I was in, ready to reimagine my profile.
This time, I took it seriously. I wasn’t going to copy and paste my resume and call it a day. As I started researching, I realized there was so much I didn’t know about LinkedIn optimization. I reached out to HR friends for advice, dug into numerous courses (not all of them were winners), and eventually connected with two fantastic mentors who taught me the basics and then some. They opened my eyes to the platform’s potential for career growth, personal branding, and networking.
But as often happens, the student becomes the teacher. As I soaked up the tips, I found myself moving beyond what my mentors could offer. So, I expanded my reach and began following LinkedIn influencers and experts in different areas, each with unique insights on how to make the platform work better for me. Today, people often ask me, “Who should I follow?” And I’m always happy to share.
So, here’s my carefully curated list of the powerhouses – people who can elevate your LinkedIn presence no matter your industry or niche.
1. Me, Barbara Imenšek
Let’s start with yours truly! My passion is helping people understand how to make LinkedIn work for them. With my background in marketing, I focus on practical tips for building a profile that attracts the right attention. I also keep a pulse on the latest trends and incorporate them into my mentoring. Since AI has become a game-changer, I’ve woven AI tools into my LinkedIn mentoring. I guide my clients to use AI creatively without losing their authenticity—whether that’s through content generation, idea prompts, or time-saving hacks. I aim for you to create meaningful content that genuinely reflects who you are, leveraging AI as a powerful support rather than a crutch.
And I’m always open to questions because, let’s be honest, your questions make my content more relevant. Send me a message anytime, and let’s make LinkedIn work for you!
2. Ryan Roslansky – CEO of LinkedIn
If you want the latest news straight from the top, LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky is the one to follow. Ryan consistently shares updates on newest features and platform changes, and he offers a clear window into where LinkedIn is headed. His newsletter is one of the few I recommend subscribing to—it’s that good. Following Ryan is invaluable for anyone looking to stay informed about platform’s evolution.
3. Richard van der Blom – Algorithm Expert
Richard and his team at Just Connecting focus on understanding LinkedIn’s algorithm, and his insights are pure gold. When it comes to virtual selling and making the most of platform’s algorithms, Richard is an absolute must-follow. He breaks down LinkedIn’s inner workings so you can use it strategically, boosting your visibility and engagement on the platform. Knowing the algorithm is critical to success here, and Richard’s insights help you stay a step ahead.
4. Melonie Dodaro – Social Selling Expert
Melonie was one of my earliest influences on LinkedIn. She is a powerhouse in social selling, and her blog, Top Dog Social Media, is packed with valuable information. Melonie’s insights apply to professionals who want to build real, meaningful connections on LinkedIn. Her approach is actionable and well-researched, ideal for those looking to sharpen their social selling skills.
5. Shay Rowbottom – Video Marketing Expert
Shay is a video marketing genius. She has an inspiring personal story, having risen from a challenging background to become a self-made millionaire. Her content is a blend of personal growth and practical advice on video marketing, making her a must-follow for anyone interested in LinkedIn video strategy. She also offers monthly webinars on content creation, which are incredibly insightful.
6. Chris J Reed – Authenticity Advocate
Chris J Reed is known for his confidence and authenticity. With his signature mohawk and tattoos, Chris doesn’t try to fit a mold, and that’s exactly why I followed him. He has over 1,900 LinkedIn recommendations and brings a refreshing authenticity to the platform. Though his profile can be a bit elusive, if you find him, his unapologetic approach to being himself on LinkedIn is inspiring, especially if you’re struggling to find your voice on the platform.
7. Andy Foote – Content Strategist
Andy Foote is what I like to call the Hashtag King. His content is a treasure trove for anyone serious about LinkedIn content strategy, and he’s the author of the “LinkedIn HOT 100 Hashtags” list. His ‘16 Questions’ live series is a great resource if you’re looking to up your content game and tap into trending topics on LinkedIn. Andy’s knowledge of LinkedIn’s content landscape is unmatched, making him an ideal follow for content ideas and hashtag strategies.
My LinkedIn Mantra: Learn from the Best
My approach to LinkedIn has always been to find people who know more than I do and learn from them. Even as I teach clients how to make the platform easier to navigate, I recognize that there are always experts who bring unique perspectives, whether it’s content strategy, algorithm insights, or personal branding tips. So, I follow them, study their techniques, and continue evolving.
LinkedIn is an ever-changing landscape, and staying up-to-date is essential. These experts provide me with the insights I need to keep refining my LinkedIn approach, and they’ll do the same for you. So, if you’re serious about stepping up your LinkedIn game, give these profiles a follow.
By surrounding yourself with experts, you’ll keep learning, adapting, and growing on the platform—staying not only relevant but also ahead of the curve.
