LinkedIn Lies

I spend quite a bit of time on LinkedIn. It’s a fantastic platform for networking, scouting talent, and even meeting potential clients. However, the rise of “influencer culture” has flooded it—and other social platforms—with content that’s often more noise than value. Much of it is misinformation disguised as wisdom. Be cautious and discerning when navigating these waters, especially with advice that sounds too simple or universal. Here are some common myths to watch out for:

1. Follow your passion.

This advice sounds inspiring, but it’s often given by people who are either naïve or already incredibly successful. Passion is important, yes—but it’s not the whole story. Many times, you’ll have to do work you don’t love, especially early in your career when you’re learning and growing. Passion alone won’t pay the bills or sustain a business.
Moreover, don’t confuse passion with market viability. I’ve met countless entrepreneurs who were thrilled about a business idea—only to discover there was no real market for it. Passion is great fuel, but if it’s driving a car with no wheels, it won’t take you anywhere. Balance your enthusiasm with research and practicality.

As Jim Collins famously said, “fire bullets, then cannonballs.” Test your ideas on a small scale. If they show promise, then go all in. 

2. You must grind to be successful.

The hustle culture is everywhere, and it’s toxic. While hard work is a key ingredient for success, this “grind at all costs” mindset is often a mask for deeper problems. Many “grinders” I’ve met lack focus or basic time management skills. Their day is packed with inefficiency—hours spent on social media, unproductive meetings, and distractions.
What’s worse, this mentality often comes at a high cost. Their businesses may thrive, but their health, relationships, and personal well-being are a mess. Success isn’t about running yourself into the ground; it’s about being effective. Instead of working 20 hours a day, focus on eliminating waste and optimizing your time.

3. Work smarter, not harder.

Why not both? Sometimes, success requires smart strategies and relentless effort. The real magic happens when you combine intelligence with a strong work ethic. Don’t let this oversimplified phrase fool you into thinking shortcuts are the answer.

4. You need more data/information.

More information isn’t always the answer—it’s often the problem. Many leaders fall into “analysis paralysis,” convincing themselves they need just one more report or study before making a decision. The truth? Success favors action.
Think of it as 20% information and 80% perspiration. Make decisions based on what you know, and refine your approach as you go. Waiting for perfect clarity often means you’re moving too slowly to compete.

5. All influencers are experts.

Far from it. Many so-called influencers post 3–6 times a day, and creating that much quality content would have to be their full-time job. If that’s the case, when are they gaining the hands-on experience they’re sharing?
The truth is, much of this content is AI-generated, unoriginal, or outright incorrect. It’s polished to look good but lacks the depth of real expertise.
I once worked with a client who struggled with leadership and culture in their own business—only to find them offering leadership and culture seminars on LinkedIn. They were great at creating content but didn’t have the skills to back it up. Be careful who you trust online.

6. You need more clients.

This might be true in some cases, but more often than not, businesses need to focus on delivering exceptional value to the clients they already have. It’s far easier—and more profitable—to upsell or retain an existing client than to acquire a new one. Quality over quantity wins every time.

7. Work on your weaknesses.

This is advice I followed early in my career—and looking back, I realize it was a mistake. Over time, I’ve learned it’s far more effective to focus on your strengths and delegate your weaknesses. You can’t be great at everything, and trying to do so will only dilute your impact.
That said, this isn’t an excuse to ignore critical skills like leadership or communication. Those are non-negotiable. But for tasks outside your zone of genius, outsource them to someone who excels in those areas. This not only frees you up to do your best work but also strengthens your overall team or business.

LinkedIn and similar platforms can be powerful tools—but they’re filled with advice that may sound good but doesn’t always hold up. Be a discerning consumer of content. Focus on what aligns with your values, experience, and goals. And remember: success isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Ryan Giles