Mindset, Marketing, & Money with Dean Seddon

7 Lessons I learned building my business on LinkedIn

Building a business on LinkedIn isn’t easy. It’s frustrating, confusing, and at times, you’ll wonder why it’s working for everyone else but not you.

I’ve spent years going round in circles, trying to figure out what others were doing right while I felt stuck.

But eventually, I learned some tough lessons that saved me a lot of time and hassle, and I’m sharing them with you so you don’t have to make the same mistakes.

If you want to save time, avoid burnout, and build a business that actually works, you need to start making smarter moves.

These seven lessons will help you do exactly that.

1. Don’t let fear of being 'salesy' hold you back

When I first started using LinkedIn for business, I was terrified of looking desperate or salesy.

I was going through a really tough business split (some of you know the story), and everything felt up in the air. I needed business, but I didn’t want to come across as that pushy person.

But here’s what I learned: it’s not about being salesy, it’s about being personal and relevant.

I made the mistake of lumping all outreach into one category - the bad, the annoying, and the irrelevant.

But I realised, after a lot of time wasted, that it’s not about the outreach - it’s about how you do it. When you research someone, understand what they do, and craft a personal message, people appreciate it. Once I understood this, I started getting better responses.

So, don’t be afraid to reach out. Just be targeted. If you do it right, it’s a game-changer.

If you want to get clients, stop hiding behind your fear of looking desperate.

Take the time to research and reach out in a personal way, and watch the doors open.

2. You don’t need a huge following to get clients

I spent a long time thinking that if I could just get more followers, I’d start getting more clients.

But the truth is, that doesn’t work. Sure, having a large following looks nice, but what does it matter if most of those followers aren’t interested in what you do?

I’ve seen influencers with massive followings struggle because their audience just isn’t the right fit.

More followers won’t fix a strategy problem. Focus on getting the right followers.

I’d rather have 500 followers who are perfect for what I offer than 50,000 who are just there for motivational quotes.

It’s not about numbers - it’s about quality.

Stop wasting time trying to reach as many people as possible. Focus on the people who are actually interested in what you offer, and you’ll start getting the results you want.

3. Clarity is everything

At first, I thought I was clear about what I was offering.

But when I looked at my profile and content through the eyes of a potential client, I realised I wasn’t being clear at all. I was trying to appeal to everyone - business owners, marketers, sales teams. The problem was, each group had different needs and perspectives.

I learned that to really speak to someone, I had to be specific about who I was talking to.

So, I started tailoring my messages for specific groups.

The result?

A massive improvement in engagement and responses.

If you want to attract clients, you need to make it clear what you do and who you do it for.

The more specific you are, the more you’ll stand out and attract the right people.

4. Engagement doesn’t equal success

Likes, comments, shares - they all feel good.

But I’ve learned that they don’t always lead to clients.

I’ve had people with 200,000 followers tell me they’re making no money.

I’ve seen people with huge engagement numbers still end up going back to a regular job because they couldn’t convert the engagement into business.

The real question is: are the right people engaging with you?

If your likes and comments aren’t coming from your ideal clients, they don’t mean much.

Engagement isn’t the goal - it’s a tool.

Focus on getting the right people to engage with your content, and you’ll see more clients in your pipeline.

5. Content isn’t king - systems are

For a long time, I thought content was the key to everything.

Post enough, and clients will come to you, right?

Well, I learned the hard way that content alone won’t bring in the clients.

Sure, content helps you build your authority, but you need a system to convert that content into leads.

Without a system in place to handle the inbound interest, content is just fluff.

Systems are what bring in the business. The content is just the tool to get you noticed.

If you want predictable results, stop relying solely on content.

Build a system that converts your content into clients, and you’ll see steady growth.

6. LinkedIn is just a room full of people

It’s easy to forget that LinkedIn is full of real people with real needs.

When I first started, I focused too much on the numbers and forgot to treat LinkedIn like a room full of people.

The best outreach I’ve ever done is when I’ve focused on the individual, taken the time to understand them, and made the message personal.

People can tell when you’ve done the work to understand them, as opposed to sending a generic message.

If you want to stand out, treat LinkedIn like a room full of people, not a mass of profiles.

When you focus on the individual and engage with them on a personal level, they’ll notice the difference.

To stand out on LinkedIn, stop treating it like a numbers game.

Focus on the people.

Personal outreach leads to more meaningful conversations and better results.

7. Systems trump shiny objects

There are a lot of tools, hacks, and trends that promise to make LinkedIn easier.

Believe me, I’ve tried most of them.

But here’s the problem: if you keep chasing the latest shiny object, you’ll never get anywhere.

It’s a cycle.

The real key to success on LinkedIn is building a system you can rely on.

Systems don’t rely on trends - they work consistently over time.

And once you have that system in place, you’ll stop worrying about the latest hack or trend.

You’ll know what works, and you’ll stick to it.

If you want sustainable success, stop chasing trends.

Build a system that works for your business, and you’ll get predictable results without the stress of chasing every new trend.

So, what’s the takeaway here?

LinkedIn success isn’t about hoping for a viral post or trying every new trend.

It’s about having a clear strategy, focusing on the right people, and building systems that consistently work.

If you’re ready to stop wasting time and start building a business that works, reach out to me on LinkedIn.

Send me a message with the word "win," and let’s talk about how we can get your business on the right track.

Focus on systems, not hacks. This is how you build a business that lasts.

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Make £100k a year in 10 hours a week.

Many business owners find themselves working long hours without seeing the income they expected.

They’re delivering value but aren’t reaching true financial freedom.

Imagine making £100k a year by working just 10 billable hours a week.

This isn’t only about raising prices; it’s about positioning yourself effectively, attracting clients who genuinely value your expertise, and building a structure that allows you to earn what you’re truly worth.

Without a strategic shift, most business owners will keep working hard without getting closer to real financial independence.

In this episode, we’ll explore the mindset shifts, strategies, and client-focused approaches that can help you move from feeling stretched to running a business model that supports a £100k income.

You’ll hear the story of a business owner who transformed their approach to ensure every hour is well-compensated.

This isn’t about quick wins but about building a sustainable business that respects your time and expertise.

If you’re ready to align your business with real financial goals, this episode will give you the insights to start that shift. Listen in to discover how to create a business that finally works for you.

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When People-Pleasing Nearly Killed My Business

In this episode, I’m digging into one of the toughest lessons I’ve learned in business: the high cost of people-pleasing.

It’s something we all think we can avoid – until we’re knee-deep in projects, saying “yes” to every request, and feeling like our work isn’t even ours anymore.

I’ve been there. Burned out.

Frustrated.

Wondering why the business I built for freedom started to feel like a trap.

In this conversation, I get brutally honest about how people-pleasing sneaks in and, before you know it, robs you of your energy, your time, and, frankly, your confidence. I'll take you through the moments I said “yes” when I knew I should have said “no” – and the exact cost of those decisions.

But this episode isn’t just my horror stories.

I’m sharing what I’ve learned about setting boundaries, the importance of clarity, and why respecting your own expertise is the only way to build something sustainable. Because here’s the thing: clients don’t hire you just to make them happy; they want results – and that only comes when you have the courage to stand firm.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever felt:

• Trapped by client demands
• Unsure of where to draw the line
• Tired of putting everyone else first

If you’re ready to protect your time, reclaim your work, and create something that works for you, don’t miss this episode.

It’s about delivering real value, on your terms, and building a business that truly serves you – without sacrificing your sanity.

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Cracking TikTok: The rollercoaster of content creation

I sit down with Tom Thompson, the guy who’s been working with me behind the scenes on my socials and content at MAVERRIK.

We're recording this chat from a motel in Atlanta, and I’ve finally managed to convince him to join me on the podcast.

We’re talking all things TikTok – our six-month journey of trying to crack the platform and the rollercoaster ride that comes with it.

We dive into the ups and downs of content creation, why some of our TikTok's took off while others totally flopped, and how we’ve been experimenting with trends.

You’ll hear about the spontaneous videos we threw together that ended up outperforming the ones we actually planned out.

And, of course, we get into the quirks of TikTok’s algorithm – the mystery of why certain posts skyrocket while others fall flat.

It’s not just about strategy, though.

We talk about the emotional side of creating content, dealing with negativity, and the fine balance between standing out and staying authentic.

If you've ever wondered how to keep your sanity while trying to grow on TikTok, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we’ve navigated it all.

Whether you're already on TikTok or just thinking about giving it a go, you’ll get some practical tips and a few laughs along the way.

Tune in to find out how we’ve been using trends to our advantage – and why, sometimes, you just have to keep going and let the numbers speak for themselves.

 

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If they believe in you, they'll buy from you.

In this episode, we’re diving into something that can transform your business – the power of being yourself online.

Too many people are afraid to stand out. They try to please everyone, and in doing so, they end up blending in.

Here’s the reality: people buy from people. But they won’t buy from you if they don’t believe in you. And they won’t believe in you if they can’t see the real you.

Let’s take an extreme example – Donald Trump. Like him or not, his supporters back him because they feel he’s being real. He’s built a fanbase by being bold and unapologetically himself.

Now, I’m not suggesting you turn into Trump, but the principle holds - if you want die-hard supporters, you need to be bold. Be real. Be YOU.

And guess what? You don’t need thousands of fans. In fact, you probably only need about 100 true supporters to build a thriving business.

This episode will challenge you to stop playing it safe. Stop being vanilla. Start owning your personality, your opinions, and the way you do things.

When you do this, you’ll start attracting your tribe. People who believe in you, trust you, and buy from you.

If you’ve been afraid of being too much, of scaring people off, you’re holding yourself back. The truth is, people will love you more for being yourself.

So, are you ready to step up? Tune in and discover why being real is your best marketing strategy.

This episode will change the way you think about personal branding and show you how to stand out.

 

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Test my GPT: How to create engaging LinkedIn posts with AI

Link to my GPT for you to try:

https://chatgpt.com/g/g-K3AIhmLOh-storytelling-posts

In this episode, we dive into one of the most powerful strategies for building meaningful connections and attracting clients on LinkedIn - storytelling.

But we’re not just talking about any stories; we’re talking about how you can transform your own experiences into highly engaging content with the help of AI.

You’ve probably felt the frustration of putting out valuable, well-thought-out posts that don’t quite hit the mark.

Meanwhile, others seem to get all the attention with posts that feel far less substantial.

So, what’s missing?

It’s all about how you connect with your audience on an emotional level - and that’s where storytelling comes in.

This episode is packed with insights on how to use AI to enhance your storytelling, making your LinkedIn posts more relatable and impactful.

We’ll explore how to tap into your own experiences, turn them into compelling narratives, and engage your audience in a way that’s authentic and drives real results.

But there’s more. We’ll also share practical tips on how to integrate these AI-powered strategies into your content creation process, so you can keep your posts fresh and captivating without the overwhelm. Ready to turn your LinkedIn posts into client-attracting stories?

 

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Ep 115: Turn rejection into fuel - getting a "No" is a good thing

We’ve all been there, paralysed by the idea of being told "no" or getting criticised, and it’s easy to let that fear hold us back.

Today, I’m sharing my personal journey through this struggle, drawing on years of building my own brand and business on platforms like LinkedIn, where criticism, trolls, and setbacks are part of the daily grind.

I’m not here to sugar-coat it – rejection hurts.

But over time, I’ve learned that "no" isn’t the end. It’s just part of the process. In this episode, I’ll explore why so many of us let fear stop us from taking action, and how embracing failure can actually be the key to moving forward. You’ll hear some of my own stories, from moments that felt career-ending at the time, to realising that none of them truly mattered in the long run.

If you’re stuck because you’re afraid of failing, afraid of hearing "no," or worried about what people might think, this episode is for you.

I’m not going to give too much away, but let’s just say you might start looking at rejection a little differently by the end of this one. Let’s get into it

 

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8 Reasons why people fail selling online

Struggling to get your services off the ground?

Feeling like no matter how much you pitch, clients just aren’t biting?

In this episode, we’re unpacking why your offers might be falling flat.

Spoiler alert: it’s not about trying more tactics - it’s about fixing what’s broken beneath the surface.

From unclear value propositions to targeting the wrong audience, we’re diving into the 8 biggest reasons your sales efforts might be missing the mark.

Ever tried explaining your offer and watched as eyes glaze over? That’s a sign your value proposition isn’t connecting.

Or maybe you’re talking to everyone and selling to no one? That’s another common trap we’ll explore.

What about your positioning - are you blending in with every other service provider, or standing out as the go-to expert?

And let’s not forget about your mindset. Do you truly believe in the value you’re offering? Because if you don’t, your prospects can sense it.

This episode is packed with the hard truths you need to hear to diagnose why your services aren’t selling and what needs fixing first.

Before you dive into more tactics or quick hacks, join me as we break down these 8 fundamental issues that could be costing you sales.

Tune in - your sales turnaround starts here.

 

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Ep 113: Start building an email list now

Sick of battling social media algorithms?

In this episode, I’m diving into why building an email list should be your top priority.

While social media is great for visibility, it’s not where you build real, lasting relationships.

Here’s the deal - you don’t own your audience on social.

With one algorithm change, your reach could vanish overnight. But with email?

You get direct access to your audience every single time.

An email list lets you build a community that’s yours. You can nurture potential clients who aren’t ready to buy right now but might be in the future. You can stay top of mind, share real value, and build trust - all without worrying if today’s post will even get seen.

And guess what?

I’ll be your first subscriber.

If you’re ready to build an audience that’s algorithm-proof and always in your control, this episode is for you. You’ll learn why an email list is like a goldmine of future clients, and how to get started - even if you’re brand new.

Don’t leave your business in the hands of social media platforms. Tune in now and let’s start building your email list today.

 

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9 LinkedIn mistakes that are sabotaging your success (and what to do about it)

You’re showing up on LinkedIn every day - posting, commenting, connecting - but it still feels like you’re getting nowhere.

No traction.
No leads.
No growth.

It’s like you’re spinning your wheels, putting in all this effort for zero results.

You see others thriving - getting likes, comments, and clients - while you’re left wondering what’s missing.

The frustration builds.
Self-doubt creeps in.

You start questioning whether LinkedIn is even worth your time.

But here’s the thing: LinkedIn can be a game-changer... if you avoid a few simple mistakes that might be quietly sabotaging your success.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the 9 biggest LinkedIn mistakes that are keeping you stuck.

And, more importantly, I’ll show you exactly how to fix them.

We’ll dig into what’s really holding you back and how to turn things around - so you can finally start seeing the results you deserve.

Ready to make LinkedIn work for you, instead of feeling like it’s working against you?

Tune in now.

 

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