How to Make Sure Your LinkedIn Storytelling Isn't Coming Off Cringey (and Potentially Ruining Your Online Reputation)
Photo by Lynn Van den Broeck Hire on Unsplash
“My biggest fear is that I’ll end up on the ‘Best of LinkedIn’ Instagram Account.”
Sound familiar?
If you're a founder, coach, or service provider trying to build visibility on LinkedIn, chances are you've had this same thought at least once.
The pressure is real. That Instagram account (with over 41,000 followers) is entirely dedicated to screen-shotting and roasting what it considers ‘cringe’ content on LinkedIn.
And while it can be entertaining from the outside, this kind of public shaming has left many thoughtful, smart business owners paralyzed by the fear of looking foolish online.
But here’s the truth: Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you have to connect with your audience, build credibility, and attract aligned clients.
So how do you make sure your story doesn’t land you in the cringe spotlight?
Here are three expert-backed tips to help you tell your story on LinkedIn without damaging your reputation:
1. Don’t Make LinkedIn Your Diary
It’s important to be authentic. But there’s a big difference between:
Sharing a story from the scar
Versus sharing it from the wound
LinkedIn is not your therapist’s office or your personal journal. Before sharing something highly emotional or deeply personal, ask yourself:
Have I processed this offline first?
Is this story coming from a place of insight and clarity?
Am I using this story to serve a larger lesson?
If the answer is yes, go ahead and share. If not, it might be wise to hold off until you’ve gained some perspective.
2. Be Mindful of Blame and Victim Energy
Storytelling works best when it comes from a place of ownership.
Even if something truly unfair or hard happened to you (a bad client experience, a failed launch, a business betrayal), telling the story without owning some piece of it often comes across as blaming, defensive, or lacking awareness.
Instead, tell us:
What you learned
How it changed your approach
What you’d do differently now
That’s what makes people lean in. Nobody wants to hear a vent. They want to hear a transformation.
3. Get a Second Set of Eyes
When in doubt? Run it by someone you trust.
Whether it’s a content coach, biz bestie, or storytelling expert, another perspective can:
Help you edit for clarity and tone
Spot unintentional red flags
Pull out the real gem of your story that you might be glossing over
Most of our clients say that after working together, they feel way more confident sharing about themselves online. It’s not about writing for likes, it’s about telling your story in a way that aligns with your values and vision.
TL;DR: How to Avoid Looking Cringe on LinkedIn
Don’t overshare before you’ve processed
Focus on lessons, not blame
Get outside perspective to polish your message
You don’t have to be perfect on LinkedIn. But you do have to be intentional.
And when done well, your storytelling won’t land you on a roast account — it will make you unforgettable.
Need help refining your LinkedIn presence and telling your story in a way that actually converts?
I help founders and service providers craft storytelling-driven strategies that lead to aligned leads, high-ticket clients, and a reputation that opens doors.
Reach out to book a discovery call.
