I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview LinkedIn and coffee lover Michaela Alexis about ten random facts about herself, what inspired her to dive deep into LinkedIn . Plus what the coolest thing she is currently working on. Check out my interview with Michaela below:
Loryn: What inspired you to leverage your LinkedIn profile ?
Michaela: I was laid off a month before my 30th birthday and decided to, instead of send out a gazillion resumes and hope for the best, invest some time and energy in building a presence that attracted the right types of opportunities. I didn't just want to find A job, I was totally focused on finding a job that I loved.
Loryn: What advice would you get those interested in leveraging their LinkedIn profile?
Michaela: Put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter, your prospect, or whoever your ideal profile visitor is. What do they need to know about you in order to make the decision to reach out? If you ask yourself that question with everything you add to your profile, you'll see the magic unfold.
Loryn: What advice would you give those whom are interested in speaking at a conference?
Michaela: When I was just getting started as a speaker, I made sure to take a bunch of photos and videos of me speaking. I used one of the photos on stage as my background photo, which signaled that I was a speaker to profile visitors. If you don't haven't spoken yet, speak for free and capture it. It's a funny thing but you need to show that you speak to get more gigs.
Loryn: Why would you encourage people to attend conferences?
Michaela: I think with everything that's happening with coronavirus right now, it's clear to many that nothing, even technology, can replace face-to-face interactions. It's easier to learn when you are in the room with the expert teaching. Plus, the best part of conferences is meeting new people and nurturing relationships, people do business with those that they know, like and trust. Conferences provide a great space to network.
Loryn: What advice would you give someone interested in working with big brands ?
Michaela: The great comedian Steve Martin once said: "Be so good they can't ignore you.". Don't focus on landing brand deals, keep working on your craft and building your community and the right opportunities will come your way.
Loryn: What the best advice you've received and actually put into practice?
Michaela: "What you feel and what is real are two totally different things." a mentor of mine told me that once when I was confronted with self-limited beliefs and it took my breath away. Life isn't what happens to you, it's how you respond. That's something I continue to live by.
Loryn: Who are some of your favorite LinkedIn connections to follow?
Michaela: Quentin Allums, Jackie Hermes, Shay Rowbottom, Dr. Natalia Wiechowski, Alexandra Galviz, Judi Fox, Chantal Soumis, Zeta Yarwood, and SO many more.
Loryn: What's a podcast you would recommend someone listen to?
Michaela: Work Life with Adam Grant is my all-time fav, I've listened to every episode!
Loryn: What is something you are currently working on?
Michaela: I just wrapped up my first LinkedIn Learning course and ready to dive into authoring another!
Loryn: What is something people may not know about you?
Michaela: That I struggle with anxiety on the level I do. I have a generalized anxiety disorder and have struggled with agoraphobia in the past. I post so much positive content that it's hard to imagine, but I really have to push myself to overcome my anxiety some days because I truly want to help people.
What question piqued your interest most? Let me know in the comment section!
Be sure to stay updated with Michaela Alexis by checking out her website:https://www.mickalexis.com/ . Plus you can contact with her on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter under the name Michaela Alexis .