What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth?
I’ve been teaching LinkedIn strategy since 2008, and I kept seeing the same problem: professionals treating LinkedIn like a digital resume instead of the powerful business growth tool it really is. After helping thousands of professionals through my speaking and training and hundreds of students at UCLA Extension and Rutgers Business School—plus working hands-on with clients as a fractional CMO—I realized I needed to put everything into one practical playbook. This updated 2nd edition adds 70% more content, including a complete chapter on using AI strategically, because the platform has evolved so much. I wanted to give readers the book I wish existed when I started.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth (Updated & Expanded), what would they be?
Level Up by Ciara—because that’s exactly what this book helps you do with your LinkedIn presence!
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love reading business and marketing books—especially ones that challenge conventional thinking. I also enjoy biographies of entrepreneurs and innovators. It’s definitely the same genre I write in. I’m always looking for practical insights I can apply immediately, which is exactly what I try to deliver in my own books.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
“The Machine Layer” by Duane Forrester, “Key Person of Influence” by Daniel Priestley, and “Lean Learning” by Pat Flynn. I’m drawn to books about staying visible in the age of AI, building authority, and learning more efficiently.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The chapter on AI and my ASKNEAL™ Framework was the most exciting to write. It’s where I show readers exactly how to use ChatGPT to enhance their LinkedIn presence without sounding robotic. Figuring out how to make AI practical and authentic—rather than just another buzzword—felt like cracking a code. I knew it would be a game-changer for readers.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Heavy coffee consumption is non-negotiable. I capture ideas by recording voice memos while walking, then I write in intense sprints—often on long flights to Japan, where there’s no internet to tempt me. Some of my best work has been written somewhere over the Pacific Ocean!
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
“80% of success is showing up.” It’s why I tell LinkedIn users to stop waiting for the perfect post and just start sharing. Consistency beats perfection every time.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
LinkedIn isn’t about broadcasting—it’s about building relationships at scale. Show up consistently, provide value, and opportunities will follow. The strategies work, but only if you take action.
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