OOPS. Too late! - Cleve Langton
Why Going Dark Online Is a Mistake — Especially During a Career Pivot
I’ve met countless startup and early-stage founders with stellar resumes and impressive titles. They understand the value of being seen as “in the game.” But many make the same critical mistake when they’re contemplating a major change — whether it’s a job shift, a move from corporate to entrepreneurship, or a full-on pivot: They go dark.
No updates. No posts. No context.
And when the change finally becomes public, it can look like a bailout, reactive rather than intentional. That’s a missed opportunity to own your story, spotlight your transferable skills, and build momentum for what’s next.
I’ve served on the board of Signitt, an online presence company, for several years. But I’ll be the first to admit — I haven’t always practiced what I preach. That said, here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned about building and maintaining a strategic online presence, especially when you’re navigating change.
1. Don’t wait to start. Start now.
If you’re thinking about a pivot — even quietly — start laying the groundwork now. Your online presence should reflect where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.
2. LinkedIn matters — but it’s not the whole story.
LinkedIn is a powerful platform, but it’s just a channel. You are the messenger. Don’t confuse activity with intention. Every post, comment, or connection request should reflect who you are and where you want to go.
3. Create your personal brand — and stick to it.
Know your brand. Define it. Then make sure your messaging, across every platform, is consistent. Whether someone finds you on LinkedIn, your website, or a podcast, they should get a clear, coherent sense of your expertise and purpose.
4. Know your story.
Have a compelling 30–60 second version of your story ready to share. Not your full resume — just the highlights that make you memorable and position you with confidence. Make sure it includes:
- Who you are
- What you’re great at
- What you are aiming for next
5. Be intentional with your LinkedIn activity.
- Regularly update your connections. Cold connections often don’t land — stick to those with strong mutual networks.
- Start connecting with people in the space you want to move into. Begin showing up in those conversations.
- Comment on topics where you have experience, or where your voice can add insight. You don’t always have to create the content — engaging thoughtfully with others is just as valuable.
6. Start publishing.
Write a short article or blog post about something you’re passionate about or have expertise in. You can publish on LinkedIn or Medium, or work with companies (like Signitt) that help you create and distribute thought leadership content that fits your voice.
7. Show up consistently.
Whether it’s once a week or once a month, consistency is key. Schedule time on your calendar to post, comment, or engage. If it feels overwhelming, outsource or get help — but don’t go silent.
8. Stay genuine.
Your repositioning doesn’t have to be dramatic. Expand your perspective gradually. Share from your real experience. Trust builds when people see consistency and clarity over time, not drastic reinventions.
Bottom line: your online presence is a strategic asset.
Don’t let it fade just because you’re between chapters. Use it to bridge where you’ve been and where you’re going. If you’re unsure how to start, companies like Signitt specialize in helping people craft and amplify their digital voice, so you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and consistency.
The worst thing you can do? Nothing at all. Just start.
