During my time in graduate school, I took various LinkedIn Learning courses to enhance my skills in data and analytics. Back then, the platform was known as Lynda.com, recognized for its respectability, though not yet as widespread as it is today.
Fast forward to the present, and it’s a challenge to find a professional who hasn’t heard of LinkedIn Learning. Remarkably, access to this resource is now available to anyone with a library card in Ohio, extending well beyond the confines of graduate school.
Reflecting on those days, I perceived becoming a LinkedIn Learning instructor as a significant milestone in tech authorship, akin to being an author for O’Reilly. It signifies a deep understanding of one’s field, coupled with the rare ability to distill complex technical knowledge into forms easily comprehensible to a broader audience.
For me, the role of a LinkedIn Instructor carried a certain prestige, and I believe it resonates similarly with others. This post aims to shed more light on the process of becoming an instructor. As it was written mostly spontaneously, I welcome any questions and will be more than happy to update the post to the best of my ability.
How to get started
At LinkedIn Learning, like with most content shops, there are professionals whose primary role is to scout and recruit the right talent for instructional positions. These individuals are not typically referred to as recruiters, but rather as acquisitions editors or content managers in the content and media industry.
Like a traditional recruiter, there are a couple of methods to connect with these figures. You have the option to proactively reach out to them, or alternatively, you can wait for them to initiate contact.
However, if you’re eagerly aspiring to become a LinkedIn instructor, relying on the possibility of being approached by a content manager might not be the most appealing strategy. This situation is not unique to you; many others are vying for similar opportunities. Given the high-profile nature of these positions, the competition is notably fierce.
To distinguish yourself from the multitude, it’s crucial to demonstrate a track record of clear and effective instruction. This might involve, for better or worse, initially providing your content for free. Engage in activities such as speaking at meetups, hosting webinars, or creating YouTube videos. Since the role involves on-screen teaching, it’s important to establish yourself as a confident and competent speaker in this medium.
Further enhancing your visibility involves carving out a niche. Whether it’s positioning yourself as an expert in teaching a specific tool to professionals familiar with a competing product, or focusing on a particular aspect of your professional field that could benefit from AI and machine learning, it’s vital to be recognized as an effective educator in your chosen area. My personal experience exemplifies this approach; my courses on AI for Excel largely stemmed from conducting free webinars on the same topic.
It’s important to note that providing content for free, with only a slim chance of being noticed by an acquisitions editor, can be disheartening. If you are actively engaged in this kind of work, I recommend directly reaching out to the editor. Additionally, seeking guidance from someone experienced in building a content and authority business can be immensely beneficial. This aspect of building authority is particularly crucial if you are considering self-employment. For those interested, I offer coaching services in this area, which I will link to at the bottom of this page.
What the process looks like
In the realm of LinkedIn Learning, high-level expectations primarily involve being the master of your content. While the intricate operational details are LinkedIn’s bread and butter, understanding the general process and terminology can greatly enhance your comfort, confidence, and relatability in this environment.
Initially, you’ll collaborate with a content manager to develop a comprehensive outline for your course. This includes creating a table of contents, identifying the target audience, and other preparatory steps. Crafting this blueprint not only guides your course planning but also provides the content manager with a clear overview of your course’s trajectory, keeping in mind that it’s one among many in production.
A common and crucial topic that arises early in the process is compensation. This aspect varies greatly and depends on multiple factors. My advice is to view the compensation from such a project as a stepping stone towards future opportunities, rather than a one-time financial gain. It’s essential to align it with your overall portfolio and long-term goals. While some may seek quick financial returns, a more strategic approach is to treat this opportunity as an investment that yields value over time.
Once your course outline is approved, you’ll work with a production editor who will assist you through the course’s development. This involves scriptwriting, creating slides, reviewing files, and other preparatory tasks before recording.
Scriptwriting can be a personal choice; some prefer working off an outline, while others, like myself, require a script to avoid tangents and maintain focus. It’s important to know which method works best for you.
There’s a plethora of advice and theories on producing high-quality video content, but the best practice is experience and developing your unique methods, style, and voice.
In today’s A/V-friendly world, many online learning platforms, including LinkedIn, offer the flexibility of working from home while achieving studio-quality sound. They may even provide professional gear for this purpose. Alternatively, LinkedIn and other platforms also offer the option to record in their state-of-the-art studios, often located in California, which can be an attractive aspect of the job.
Preparing for your recording
Indeed, the recording phase is the critical juncture where your content comes to life and becomes a medium for learning. It’s the stage where preparation is key.
To ensure a smooth recording experience, it’s essential to be thoroughly familiar with your script. This means practicing it extensively, understanding every aspect of it, not just memorizing the words but grasping the flow and the nuances. Being well-prepared with your material is crucial because the recording environment can be quite different from your usual workspace.
When you step into the recording booth, be prepared for elements that might be out of your ordinary routine. Bright studio lights, the experience of having gone through hair and makeup, and wearing clothes that are more formal than your daily wear can all contribute to a sense of discomfort or nervousness. These are not just physical changes but can also impact your mental state.
To navigate these challenges, patience and professionalism are vital. They stem from confidence in your knowledge and preparedness. When you know your material inside out, you can more easily adapt to the unexpected and maintain your composure, even if something throws you off balance. Remember, the more comfortable and confident you are with your content, the more effectively you can communicate it to your viewers.
While recording
Recording even a simple screenshare video can be fraught with challenges. Issues such as poor or non-existent audio, sharing the incorrect screen, or encountering corrupted files can arise unexpectedly.
Now, consider these challenges in the context of a professional studio, replete with a range of processes, cameras, and teleprompters. The task of recording a mere two-minute video could necessitate over an hour of preparation, including audio tests, video checks, and hair and makeup. It’s important to remain patient and understand that neither you nor the studio is at fault.
Generally, it’s best to approach this process calmly and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Remember, your production editor is experienced and will support you throughout this journey. They have allocated ample time for you to complete your tasks.
However, if you find yourself in a flow state, feel free to embrace it! Should this mean taking a late lunch because you’re engrossed in your work, rest assured, your editor will be understanding. It’s crucial to do what feels right for you.
In the studio, you’ll enter the booth to record your tutorials, including walking through your slides and demonstrations. While it’s important to aim for a high-level synchronization between your demonstrations and your script, avoid overdoing it. The studio’s post-production team is skilled in editing and will handle the finer details, ensuring everything comes together seamlessly.
After recording
I may need to revisit this section later, as I haven’t fully experienced it yet, but I’d like to offer some advice based on my experience in launching various media projects. It’s crucial to actively promote your work. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that people will automatically gravitate towards your creation just because it exists. It’s important to share your content early and frequently. Keep in mind that only a fraction of your social media audience will see your posts, so don’t hesitate to repurpose content. Ensuring that your audience is well aware of your work is key.
Congratulations are in order – you’re now a LinkedIn author!
These were some quick thoughts on the process, along with potential questions you might have. Please feel free to reach out if you have more inquiries! I’ll also include a link to my coaching services below. If you’re considering a career in analytics as a freelancer, this could be an excellent opportunity to establish your authority and master content marketing.
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