LinkedIn is a powerful platform—a place to network, build your professional brand, and celebrate achievements. But let’s face it: LinkedIn is a social media platform, just like any other. And like all social media, it comes with its own temptations and pitfalls, especially the allure of presenting a perfectly curated version of your professional life.
For entrepreneurs, this can be particularly tricky. The temptation to compare yourself to others is constant, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring your success against someone else’s highlight reel.
The Temptation to Compare
When I was growing Seir Hill, my non-alcoholic spirits brand, I’d often find myself scrolling through LinkedIn, watching other brands announce their latest achievements. A competitor would post about landing a major retail deal or winning an award, and I’d immediately feel like I wasn’t doing enough. I’d question my progress, my business model, and even my own abilities.
The reality is that LinkedIn, much like Instagram or Facebook, only shows a slice of the picture—the most flattering slice. It’s a platform where people showcase their wins, not their struggles. And while it’s natural to celebrate achievements, it’s important to remember that what you see is only part of the story.
The Best Advice I Ever Got
During one of those discouraging moments, my wife gave me some of the best advice I’ve ever received: ignore the competition. She reminded me to focus on what I was doing, rather than worrying about everyone else. It’s easier said than done, but it’s advice that changed the way I approached both my business and LinkedIn.
Every time I felt that pang of comparison, I reminded myself of this: The only thing I can control is my own work. I can’t control what my competitors do, and I can’t know the full story behind their success. What I can do is show up every day, put in the effort, and trust that my dedication will pay off in the long run.
LinkedIn Is a Tool, Not a Measure of Success
This isn’t to say LinkedIn isn’t valuable. It’s an incredible tool for networking, building relationships, and growing your professional reputation. But like any tool, it’s only as useful as the way you use it. If you’re spending more time scrolling and comparing than focusing on your own goals, it’s time to rethink your approach.
Instead of viewing LinkedIn as a competition, use it as inspiration.
Instead of viewing LinkedIn as a competition, use it as inspiration. Celebrate others’ wins, but don’t let them overshadow your own. Remember, what you see on LinkedIn is often just the polished surface, not the hard work, setbacks, and perseverance that went into those successes.
Comparison Is the Thief of Joy
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This couldn’t be truer for founders. When you’re building something from the ground up, it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing. But every minute you spend comparing yourself to others is a minute you’re not spending improving your business, your skills, or your mindset.
The truth is, no body’s perfect—not on LinkedIn, not in business, not in life. We all have our struggles, our failures, and our doubts. The key is to stay focused on your own journey and trust that your hard work will lead you where you’re meant to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling discouraged by what you see on LinkedIn—or any social media platform—take a step back. Focus on what you’re building, celebrate your own progress, and trust the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t come from trying to mimic someone else’s journey.
LinkedIn is an important tool, but it’s just that: a tool. Use it wisely, but don’t let it define your worth. Keep your eyes on your own work, and in my experience, the rest will take care of itself.
If The Sober Founder resonates with you, hit the ♡ and subscribe—it helps others find this space and keeps the conversation going. Thank you!