I Didn’t Know How Important LinkedIn Is… Did You?
If you had asked me a few months ago, or even a few days ago about LinkedIn, I probably would have shrugged and told you it was just another platform, a ‘phone directory for corporate nonsense’; one that never really “clicked” for me. In my mind, LinkedIn was a place to upload your CV, keep in touch with old colleagues, and maybe scroll through a few posts that looked vaguely business-like.
But here’s the thing: I was wrong. Really wrong…
I recently had the privilege of attending a fantastic workshop delivered by Impact Growth Academy facilitated by SOSE (South of Scotland Enterprise). The session was about building impactful business strategies. The key focus? LinkedIn! And what I learned during that short 2-hour workshop has changed the way I view not just LinkedIn, but also the way I show up for my business.
The Workshop That Changed Everything
The coaches at Impact Growth Academy, Leanne and Katie, did something powerful. They didn’t just show us how to “use” LinkedIn; they taught us how to make LinkedIn work for us.
We went through every detail of a strong profile:
The headline (which I had never realised is one of the most visible and powerful parts of your profile).
The “About” section (which, when done right, isn’t just a summary, it’s your personal pitch).
The role of keywords and why they matter.
How to share posts that invite engagement rather than just sit quietly on someone’s feed.
And, most importantly, what LinkedIn actually is: not just a job-hunting space, but a living, breathing community for professionals to connect, share, and collaborate.
By the end of the workshop, I had realised LinkedIn wasn’t something to “put off until later.” It was something I needed to dive into right now if I wanted Kindling Minds to grow.
Putting It Into Practice
The real test came during the live audit (of my page) and then after the workshop. I sat down, re-read my notes, and thought carefully about how Kindling Minds shows up online. Then I rolled up my sleeves and put the advice into practice.
✅ I rewrote my headline to show who I am and what I do.
✅ I updated my “About” section to reflect my story, my mission, and my passion.
✅ I started creating posts that sounded like me, warm, human, and unapologetically focused on neurodiversity-affirming education.
✅ I connected with people who aligned with my mission, not just people I already knew.
And do you know what happened?
In just 24 hours, my network had doubled. My posts are getting 4x the impressions. And the best part? People were reaching out to connect, start conversations, and ask questions about my work with neurodivergent learners. LinkedIn wasn’t just a profile anymore, it’s become a powerful tool for building visibility, credibility, and community.
Why This Matters for Kindling Minds
As the founder of Kindling Minds, my mission has always been to create inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming education for children, families, and educators. But here’s the truth: even with the best resources and support systems in place, if people don’t know you exist, they can’t find you.
LinkedIn is helping me change that.
It’s not just about marketing, it’s about storytelling. It’s about sharing the why behind what I do, so parents, teachers, and professionals understand not just the services I provide, but the heart and philosophy behind them. And more than that, it’s about connecting with like-minded people who are just as passionate about reimagining education for neurodiverse learners.
Lessons I’ve Learned About LinkedIn
Here are my biggest takeaways so far:
Your headline is your hook. It’s the first thing people see! So make it clear, powerful, and true to what you stand for.
Your “About” section is not your CV. It’s your story, your mission, your heart. Write it as though you’re speaking directly to the person you most want to help.
Consistency matters. Posting once a month won’t cut it. Sharing regularly (and with authenticity) builds trust.
Engagement > perfection. People connect with realness. Share the messy middle, not just the polished outcome.
It’s not just social media… it’s networking, learning, and collaboration rolled into one. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, amplify voices that too often go unheard, and raise awareness for those who feel unseen.
Growing Myself As Much As My Business
What struck me most about this experience was not just the growth of Kindling Minds’ visibility, but my own personal growth.
For years, I’ve struggled with confidence, something many neurodivergent professionals can relate to. It can be difficult to step into the spotlight when you’ve spent so much of your life feeling “different.” But LinkedIn, with the right approach, has helped me see my differences as strengths. It’s reminded me that there is huge value in my lived experience, in my story, and in the work I’m doing to support others.
And honestly? It feels incredible to finally own that! To show up unapologetically as yourself, sharing your story, your ideas, and most importantly your voice. And the best part? Seeing it resonate with others who are also showing up unapologetically as themselves
My Next Step
This is just the beginning. With LinkedIn, I’m not only marketing Kindling Minds, I’m building a presence with like-minded people. A movement of parents, teachers, and professionals who believe in supporting neurodivergent learners not in spite of their differences, but because of them.
If one workshop can make such a huge difference, I can only imagine what’s possible as I keep building and learning.
Final Thoughts…
So, here’s what I’d love to leave you with: if you’ve been ignoring LinkedIn, don’t. Don’t underestimate its power. It’s more than just a profile or another “thing” to manage! It’s a platform for connection, visibility, and growth.
For me, it’s already doubled my network and amplified my voice in just one day. And I have a feeling this is only the beginning.
My challenge to you: take another look at your LinkedIn profile this week. Could it better tell your story? Could it better showcase the incredible work you do?
Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that LinkedIn isn’t just important - it’s essential!
