Episode 122
JD Gershbein, LinkedIn Brand Strategist
Meet our guest, JD Gershbein, a LinkedIn Brand Strategist
In 2006, amidst a wicked economic downturn that forced scores of professionals out of work and shook the world into a state of economic chaos, JD Gershbein migrated away from a traditional marketing practice to become one of the world’s first independent LinkedIn specialists. He was a key figure during the early years of LinkedIn and its ascent as the de facto social networking site for business. Today, against the backdrop of a global pandemic, JD remains at the forefront of LinkedIn education and continues to support the goals of businesses intent on tapping into the full potential of the medium.
Having grown up in the healthcare arena, JD brings the perspective of a healer to his work. He is attuned to the challenges imposed on businesspeople in learning how to effectively use LinkedIn and addresses the knowledge gap with unique learning experiences steeped in neuroscience, psychology, emotional intelligence, design thinking, and applied improvisation. He has earned a stellar reputation as a LinkedIn strategist and gained widespread recognition for his thought leadership in personal branding, social networking, new media, online communication, and social entrepreneurship.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, JD is continuously adapting his practice to meet the needs of professionals whose businesses and careers have been severely compromised. He continues to refine his unique methodology for writing LinkedIn profiles, favoring a rich third-person narrative that gives brand-conscious professionals distinction, elegance, and a competitive advantage. In the consulting arena, his client list includes many globally recognizable brands and SMBs that span a broad spectrum of industries, markets, and verticals. Additionally, he has seamlessly transitioned his global speaking platform to the virtual world, stepping up as a facilitative leader, media producer, and broadcaster.
His LATEST content creation is the 2 DEER IN THE HEADLIGHTS With JD & SYYA Podcast. In one recent episode, JD and Syya riff on the current climate of SALES -- how sellers waltz with buyers, and what it takes to get products and services get sold in today's hyper-distracted environment.
Born in Chicago, JD grew up in Wilmette, Illinois, and attended New Trier West High School in Northfield, Illinois. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the University of Cincinnati, he earned two post-grad degrees at Chicago’s Illinois Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing Communications. He is also a student and performer of improvisational and sketch comedy at Chicago’s famed Second City.
Through his events, writings, teachings, and media contributions, JD has become a positive role model to people in all walks of business striving to make their mark in the Digital Age.
♦ EMBRACING A HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN APPROACH TO LINKEDIN
The pandemic has virtualized business, increased stress levels, and imposed new demands on our time and attention. LinkedIn, in conjunction with Zoom, has become our lifeline. JD is finely attuned to the pain felt by so many who, for whatever reason, cannot extract value from LinkedIn, are stuck on how to best tell their signature story, or cannot fathom the platform. He reaffirms his commitment to minimizing this pain.
♦ REDEFINING THE PROCESS OF LINKEDIN PROFILE WRITING
As one of the first independent LinkedIn consultants in the world, JD understands how to best communicate one's value proposition through an online profile. He brings journalistic flair and a sensitive eye in capturing the key elements of a brand story and positioning his clients for their best possible impression.
♦ LEVERAGING LINKEDIN TO RECLAIM BUSINESS MOMENTUM
Nothing like a global pandemic to derail the plans of businesspeople who had so much on the line and cloud their vision of a bright future. JD offers best-in-class virtual LinkedIn training for companies struggling to execute their strategic plan and keep their teams engaged while working remotely and anticipating a recovery.
Connect (of course) on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdgershbein/
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