The Key to Building a Digital Voice

The Key to Building a Digital Voice

Let me be honest for a moment… 

I didn’t start recording my Hanging with Hal Podcast because I felt completely comfortable on video. Written communication has always been more my style. It’s familiar. It’s safe. And after decades in this industry, you’d think I’d have it all figured out by now. But here’s what I’ve learned along the way… real growth rarely starts inside your comfort zone. 

This was never about becoming the next A-list influencer or chasing likes. It’s about something much simpler, and much more powerful. How can five intentional minutes a day on LinkedIn… a thoughtful comment, a meaningful post, a genuine interaction… help you build credibility, strengthen relationships, and ultimately grow your business? 

At IST, we’ve always believed the people come first. The relationships our team builds with clients are everything. Social selling is simply an extension of that belief… starting those relationships online, with intention and authenticity. 

LinkedIn Is Just a Networking Event With a Bigger Room 

I think about LinkedIn the same way I think about any networking event I’ve attended over the years. After more than 25 years building my career with IST here in Atlanta, I’ve had the privilege of walking into countless rooms filled with talented, driven, interesting people. Some conversations lasted five minutes. Others turned into partnerships, friendships, and opportunities I never could have predicted. Here’s my first piece of advice… showing up matters more than getting it right. 

We’re often our own toughest critics. We talk ourselves out of reaching out. We convince ourselves the connection won’t matter or the timing isn’t perfect. And that’s human. But people notice effort. They appreciate authenticity. And they remember how you made them feel. You don’t have to tell the perfect story. You don’t have to sound like anyone else. Just show up. Be yourself. Take a chance on the people in your network. The best partnerships… and some of the best friendships… often start with a simple comment or a casual conversation. 

Bring that same mindset to LinkedIn. Connect with colleagues, clients, partners, and leaders you respect. Follow companies that interest you. And if posting feels intimidating, start small. Comment. React. Engage. Five minutes a day can turn into meaningful relationships… and yes, eventually, sales. 

Finding Your Voice Through Content

When it comes to creating content on LinkedIn, it doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple principles can go a long way… 

1. Keep it conversational. If you wouldn’t say it in a meeting, pause and rethink it. 
2. Shorter is better. A quick 30-second video or voice note can have more impact than a long post. 
3. Have a point. People want to know how you can help them or what you’ve learned. 
4. Be consistent. Showing up regularly builds confidence and keeps you visible. 

And when you’re wondering what to post… don’t overthink it. I like to use what I call The Four Content Pillars  as a simple guide: 

• Career Stories & Lessons 
  Share the journey. The roadblocks. The lessons learned along the way. 
• Client Wins & Case Studies 
  Celebrate results. Recognize the trust clients place in you. 
• Personality 
  Step away from work sometimes. Share who you are and what brings you joy. 
• Collaboration & Recognition 
  Highlight team wins. Tag coworkers, clients, and partners. Celebrate together. 

Why Hanging with Hal? 

When I first started my career at Marriott, I never imagined I’d be creating short-form video content on LinkedIn. Times have changed… and so have we. I’ve genuinely enjoyed creating the Hanging with Hal Podcast and sharing my perspective with my network. But more than anything, my hope is this… that it encourages others to take that first step outside their comfort zone. You never know where it might lead. And if there’s one thing I’m certain of… the best growth always starts with people.