Why my LinkedIn is more than just Theatre...

What is my deal?

I am the guy from the theatre right?

That is true, but I am more than that!

It sometimes can become confusing to colleagues and contacts of mine, when they connect with me on LinkedIn, but I am just writing about the Gift Shop at the National Trust, or the latest immersive innovation at Walt Disney World.

In fact, most of my content regarding the theatre is in passing!

This is deliberate!

Some people use LinkedIn to further their development, some use it to start a business, others use this platform to create opportunities in their role. I use it as social media.

I do not own the Ambassador Theatre Group, I do not get paid commission for my role. I get a salary, I do a job well, go above and beyond where required and I may speak about it on LinkedIn.

I mention that I do not own the Ambassador Theatre Group, because it is important for you to know, I am an employee.

As an employee, there are something in my hands, and there are others that are not.

I love my job and I am lucky enough to work for such an interesting industry which has given me so many opportunities.

These facts above mean I need to have some ownership of my professional life.

LinkedIn gives me that opportunity.

I could use LinkedIn to talk about theatre, connect with like-minded theatre staff and to showcase our Manchester venues. Sometimes I do.

But, what I also use LinkedIn for is promoting myself as a consultant, which the COVID pandemic forced me to become.

It also lets me connect with people outside of my theatre bubble. Develop relationships with areas I am passionate about, such as creativity, innovation, visitor experience, guest experience and the future of these industries.

I learn and develop skills through LinkedIn outside of my 9 to 5.

Outside of my contracted hours, I use LinkedIn, but I use it for me.

This is social media, this is my social media and I am the owner (well, I guess LinkedIn own it) of this account, so it needs to work for me.

I love my job, but ATG can take that away from me at anytime, so I need to grow professionally in work and outside.

You can talk to me about theatre, I welcome it.

You can talk to me about support you need.

You can talk to me out of mutual interests.

I am here for all that!

But, I am more than just James from the Theatre. I am James the future Experience Director, I am James the future CEO, I am James the future revolutionary of the Visitor Attraction Industry, I am James the Rum lover, I am James the future marathon runner.

My DM's are open, my emails are open, my door is always open. You can speak to me about anything you like.

Until then, I will post about theatre, I will share advice that would have helped me and I will share my views on the industry.

Welcome to my LinkedIn!

#LinkedIn #PersonalDevelopment #Theatre #VisitorExperience #GuestExperience