In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we welcome LinkedIn expert Elaine Walsh McGrath, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship and becoming a LinkedIn coach. Elaine discusses how direct sellers can leverage LinkedIn to grow their businesses, emphasizing the importance of a polished profile, creating genuine connections, and using video content. She debunks common misconceptions about the platform, highlights trends for 2025, and offers actionable tips for building relationships and attracting leads. Tune in to learn how LinkedIn can be a game-changer for your direct sales strategy!

Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn, Instagram, and her website. Get your hands on her LinkedIn to Leads freebie to learn what actions you need to focus on when you want to land clients on LinkedIn!

Time based notes:

• 0:33 Meet Elaine Walsh-McGrath
• 8:40 Do Direct Sellers Belong on LinkedIn?
• 12:44 LinkedIn ‘Rules’
• 18:30 Content That Performs Well on LinkedIn
• 21:07 Conversation Do’s and Don’ts
• 27:24 Feature to Explore
• 30:11 Trends to Look Out For
• 33:55 Recap
• 35:24 Where to Find Elaine
• 38:43 Sponsor Message

From Profile to Profit: Unlocking LinkedIn for Direct Sellers

If you’re a direct seller looking to grow your business, there’s one platform you may be overlooking: LinkedIn. Yes, LinkedIn isn’t just for corporate professionals—it’s a goldmine for building connections, showcasing your expertise, and attracting both customers and team members. In this post, we’re diving into the highlights of my recent podcast episode with LinkedIn expert Elaine Walsh-McGrath, who shared her inspiring journey and powerful strategies for making LinkedIn work for you.

Meet Elaine Walsh-McGrath
Elaine’s story is both inspiring and relatable. After a 20-year career in marketing—working with global brands like Budweiser, L’Oreal, and Mastercard—Elaine knew she wanted to carve out a business that worked with her life, especially after her daughter was born with Down syndrome. That journey led her to LinkedIn, where she quickly realized its potential for attracting clients, sharing expertise, and creating a flexible, fulfilling career.

Today, Elaine helps business owners harness the power of LinkedIn to grow their businesses, and she’s here to share her tips for direct sellers.

Why LinkedIn is a Game-Changer for Direct Sellers
While platforms like Instagram and TikTok often steal the spotlight, LinkedIn is uniquely suited for direct sellers because it’s designed for business. Here’s why:

• Leverage Your Network: Many direct sellers have had previous careers or extensive networks, and LinkedIn helps you tap into those connections.
• Attract Customers and Team Members: By showcasing your passion for your products and the lifestyle benefits of direct selling, you can attract both buyers and new team members.
• Professional Visibility: Even if you don’t have a website, a polished LinkedIn profile can act as your online hub.

Elaine emphasized the importance of showing up authentically, saying, “Your LinkedIn profile should reflect who you are, both personally and professionally. It’s about being approachable, not corporate.”

LinkedIn Best Practices for Direct Sellers
Elaine shared several actionable strategies for direct sellers to stand out on LinkedIn:

1. Start with Your Profile
   Your profile is your foundation. Ensure you have a professional, approachable photo and a compelling headline that clearly states who you are and what you offer. Use the pinned content section to showcase your top products, testimonials, or a call-to-action like booking a consultation.
2. Engage Through Comments
   Content isn’t just about what you post—it’s also about how you interact. Leaving thoughtful, genuine comments on others’ posts increases your visibility and builds relationships. As Elaine says, “Comments are content.”
3. Incorporate Video
   LinkedIn is leaning heavily into video content. Whether it’s repurposing a reel or sharing behind-the-scenes looks at your business, video helps you connect with your audience.
4. Be Yourself
   Forget the overly formal tone! Elaine encourages direct sellers to show up as themselves, using the same language and personality they use on other platforms. Authenticity resonates.
5. Build Relationships Before Selling
   When reaching out to potential connections, focus on starting genuine conversations. Avoid being overly pushy or salesy. “Think of it like a coffee date,” Elaine says. “You wouldn’t propose marriage before getting to know someone.”

Trends to Watch in 2025
Looking ahead, Elaine predicts that LinkedIn will continue to focus on video and personalized content. It’s all about showing up consistently, engaging thoughtfully, and leveraging the platform’s tools—like polls, events, and the new video academy—to build deeper connections.

Ready to Rock LinkedIn?
Elaine left us with this final piece of advice: “Just start. Optimize your profile, leave thoughtful comments, and experiment with different content. You don’t have to be perfect—just be present.”

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 30 day trial today with coupon code GAMECHANGER and spend less time posting and more time socializing!