The Newcomer’s Guide to Mastering LinkedIn
March 9, 2024Today, I will teach you how to use storytelling and a proven Hollywood framework to showcase your unique value.
Tired of being just another "experienced professional" lost in the crowd?
Most people fail to stand out and be remembered because they don’t know how to share their story properly.
There might be millions of stories, but none like yours.
Standing out starts by:
- Understanding that stories have power
- Unleashing your story with a proven framework
Let’s dive in.
The Power of Stories
Stories resonate deeper thanks to how our brains are wired. The Hero's Journey is a story structure used for ages to craft compelling narratives.
Let me explain it briefly, the Hero’s Journey is a storytelling structure used from ancient myths to Hollywood films. It tracks the protagonist’s transformation from ordinary to extraordinary. This parallels a newcomer’s journey in many ways.
At first, there is the ‘call to adventure’ when we leave the familiar to pursue new opportunities. Next come challenges that test our resolve, much like the obstacles a mythic hero or newcomer faces. With perseverance and our unique talents, we overcome barriers, find belonging in the new community and ultimately, realise our potential.
By framing your story this way, you spotlight your distinct experiences through a compelling and relatable narrative.
You are the hero of your story.
— Psychology Thoughts (@Psychology_DQ) February 5, 2024
Your Hero's Journey: Showcase What Makes You Special
Inspired by the Hero’s Journey I developed these 5 steps to highlight your distinct value in a story that will be remembered:
1) The Call: What Led You Here?
Briefly introduce yourself, your world before Canada and the "call" that brought you to Canada (opportunity, challenge, etc.).
Miguel Abascal was the CEO of the most famous and oldest coffee company in Mexico. He travelled the world representing Mexican coffee but decided to follow his dream to immigrate to Canada in 2010.
2) Overcoming Struggles: Solving Problems with Your Insights
Describe a significant hurdle you faced and how your unique perspective helped you overcome it.
Miguel's first 5 years in Canada were very difficult. His first job was as a coffee server at Tim Hortons. After his confidence crashed, he worked several survival jobs trying to understand why his previous success formula was not working in Canada. In 2013, he discovered the power of mentoring and landed a bank teller role at TD. He was quickly promoted and by 2015 secured an entry-level job in his profession.
3) Uncover Your Unique Value
Share your special skills, cultural insights or methodologies that make you stand out.
Today Miguel draws on over 10 years of experience in Project and Product Management, currently, he helps Scotiabank’s strategic projects accomplish their global mandates.
4) Moments that Spotlight Your Awesomeness
Quantify achievements and recognition that showcased your impact.
Miguel has never forgotten the isolation and despair of his early years in Canada. That is why he now reaches out to uplift other newcomers through his podcast, Newcomers ON FIRE!, and newsletter, The Newcomer’s EDGE.
5) Envision Your Mark in Canada
Outline your long-term career goals in Canada, highlighting how your international background shapes your vision. Share a personal aspiration that reflects your values and how you hope to contribute to the Canadian community.
Miguel’s mission is to guide newcomers to thrive faster through community support, mentoring programs and networking. His dream is to see a Canada free of underemployment.
Outside of work, you can find Miguel hiking with his family in the Canadian outdoors. Or working with his beehives while thinking up new ideas to help newcomers.
He believes all newcomers deserve a fair chance to find sweet success in Canada. Just like the opportunity he got when he first felt called to move here.
Miguel now enjoys passing on what he has gained from his journey. He wants to make it easier for the next newcomer to creating a fulfilling life.
TL;DR
Standing out starts by:
- Understanding that Stories have power.
- Unleashing your Story with Your Hero's Journey: Showcasing What Makes You Special:
- The Call: What Led You Here?
- Overcoming Struggles: Solving Problems with Your Insights
- Uncover Your Unique Value
- Moments that Spotlight Your Awesomeness
- Envision Your Mark in Canada