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The LinkedIn Triangle

January 23, 2025

 

with Deanna Russo

Episode #1113 January 23, 2025

Deanna Russo

Deanna Russo started Leverage Up to pass on her knowledge of LinkedIn, after growing her network independently from 400 to 30,000 (and counting). Her goal is to help others achieve all the benefits that she learned on her own.
 
She has a distinct LinkedIn strategy made up of 3 parts called her LinkedIn triangle. It’s made up of profile, engagement and content. There is a link between each part of that triangle and once you’re successful in one part, you need the other two parts for a good balance.
 
Deanna works with her 1 on 1 clients and corporate clients to maximize the benefits of LinkedIn in the fastest way possible, getting the fundamentals down before wasting time and money on all the extras LinkedIn offers. She helps her clients brand themselves, boost visibility, and have conversations that directly lead to business.
 

If you’re trying to grow your business, one of the best places to go is where other businesses hang out—and that’s LinkedIn. But maybe you’re there already and just not getting the results you want. That’s exactly where Deanna Russo, founder of Leverage Up, comes in. Deanna took her LinkedIn following from a modest 400 to an impressive 30,000 and counting. She joined me to share her best tips for building a LinkedIn presence that actually works—no jargon, no gimmicks, just practical advice grounded in her own success. As someone who’s been experimenting with LinkedIn myself, I couldn’t wait to learn more . Here’s what I learned from our conversation:

  1. Start with Your Profile
    Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a page—it’s your billboard. Deanna emphasized the importance of customizing your profile to speak directly to your target audience. Think of it as the foundation for all your LinkedIn activity; without a solid base, everything else wobbles.
  2. Understand the LinkedIn Triangle
    Deanna’s LinkedIn strategy revolves around three pillars: profile, engagement, and content. Your profile draws people in, engagement builds connections, and content amplifies your voice. But here’s the kicker—they all depend on each other. You can’t skip one without weakening the whole structure. And for long-term success, consistency is the secret ingredient that transforms this triangle into a sturdy pyramid.
  3. Engage Like You’re at a Networking Event
    LinkedIn engagement isn’t about throwing out generic comments like “Great post!” It’s about starting real conversations. Deanna encouraged listeners to comment as if they were chatting in person—ask thoughtful questions, share insights, and be genuine.
  4. Consistency Beats Quick Wins
    Growth on LinkedIn doesn’t happen overnight. Deanna shared how sticking to a twice-weekly content schedule—and showing up in the comments—helped her build momentum. The key is to stay visible without obsessing over views and likes, which she called the “gremlins” that derail your focus.
  5. Think Organic, Not Spammy
    Tagging random people in posts for visibility? Hard pass. Deanna prefers organic growth through meaningful interactions. Instead of spamming tags, send a direct message to someone genuinely interested in your content or topic.

Actionable Takeaways:

  • Treat your LinkedIn profile like your elevator pitch—clear, concise, and targeted.
  • Show up consistently, both in your posts and in the comments.
  • Engage like a human. Ask questions, answer thoughtfully, and skip the jargon.
  • Focus on building relationships, not just growing numbers.

Want to see Deanna in action?  Be sure to follow her on LinkedIn.

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