The other day, I was cleaning out my basement. (Ugh. 😆)
I had this old bin in the depths of my storage bins labeled "college". You know what I found inside? (Don't worry... it was something good! 🤭)
It was my teaching portfolio. A giant 3-inch binder full of lesson plans, certifications, reflections, classroom photos, sample units, and every accomplishment you could squeeze into plastic sheet protectors.
At the time, I was SO proud of that thing. It represented years of work, learning, growth, and everything I had accomplished on my journey to becoming a teacher.
I couldn't wait to march in the door and hand the giant binder in. I even had to wait outside while a committee evaluated it like on an episode of Love Island. (Starting TOMORROW for my fellow fans!! I can't wait.)
And you know what? I've accomplished SO much more since then. (And so have you!) Is it time for another binder?!? 😅
{Click to get 50% off my 2-Day LinkedIn Makeover Toolkit, newly updated, just for Monday Mixtape readers!}
The Moves
As educators, we are notorious for minimizing our own accomplishments because so much of what we do feels like "just part of the job."
But when you start writing it all down, it becomes obvious how many skills you've developed from project management to training to curriculum design, leadership, data analysis, change management and MORE.
Not only do we deserve to show off an updated version of our skills, but we should... because updating your accomplishments is one of the most underrated business and/or career moves you can make in just a couple of hours over the summer. It's surprisingly powerful to stop and take stock of everything you've built over the years.
But please do NOT go out and buy a 3-inch binder and 5 packs of page protectors. 🤪
You can use an online tool designed for showing off... LinkedIn. (Stick with me! 😄)
NO, you do not have to post every day (or post at all actually!). You definitely don't have to dance on camera or come up with something clever to say. You don't need to update your resume either.
In fact, a completed LinkedIn profile is valuable even if you never hit "publish" on a single post.
Think of LinkedIn not as another social media platform, but as a professional "home base". A place to connect, explore opportunities, and learn. Even one hour a month spent reading and exploring on LinkedIn can inspire you in ways neither one of us can predict.
Whether you want to:
- stay in education
- start a side business
- sell resources
- consult
- freelance
- explore a new career path
- or simply understand your options
An updated LinkedIn profile is one of the simplest ways to put a bow on everything you've accomplished so far.
And maybe that's what I love most about it. LinkedIn isn't just for people looking for a new job... it's about recognizing the value of the work you've already done.
Your Homework
This week, dust off that LinkedIn profile (or start a new one). Try updating your profile pic (hello, AI!), write an updated "About" section and headline, and add some of your work history (yes, even the business stuff counts). I have a feeling you'll be more impressed than you expect.
And if you need a little help with all of this, I've updated my LinkedIn Toolkit for that reason! (50% off for readers through July 1st!!)
<< Check it out!!
It includes workshops and workbooks with step-by-step instructions, AI prompts, examples, and everything you need to build a profile you're proud of.
Plus, if you decide you want to try posting after all, you'll also get my free 30-Day LinkedIn Posting Challenge and a workshop specifically about this.
Here's what educators are saying about the workshop:
"Amazing workshop! I read all the tips of LinkedIn when I log in daily. But it's different when someone breaks it down from our field of education into a way that we understand and connect with when it comes to marketing! This was incredibly helpful!"
"Didn't realize there was so much to LinkedIn! Thank you so much. My brain is full!"
Already have the LinkedIn Toolkit? Yay! Log in to view the updated version.
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