Note: This is Episode 442, published January 6, 2026.

You published a book, it hit #1, and the reviews were phenomenal. In the digital marketing world, that’s usually where you take a victory lap. But then the AI revolution happened. Over the last year, the fundamental ways we build relationships and create content on LinkedIn have shifted so dramatically that I knew a simple "tweak" wouldn't cut it.

I’ve spent the last several months obsessively updating Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth to reflect the 2026 landscape. This isn't just a minor update—it's a 70% expansion featuring five entirely new chapters. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the exact strategies I added to help you stay visible, professional, and profitable.

Tune in to discover:

The AI "Ask Neal" Framework: My exact process for creating AI content that actually resonates with humans.
The CRM Solution: Why your LinkedIn inbox is a "black hole" and how to fix it with a personal CRM system.
Paid vs. Free: A definitive breakdown of when you should pay for Premium and when you should save your money.
Evergreen ROI: Real-world case studies of professionals who turned simple profile optimizations into five-figure income shifts.

Key Highlights:

[03:25] The Decision Tree: How to choose between LinkedIn Free, Premium, and Sales Navigator.
[04:40] Content Formats: Why some "tried and true" posts are now being deprioritized by the algorithm.
[05:55] Beyond Robotic AI: Using headshot generators and LLMs to enhance—not replace—your personal brand.
[07:20] The DM Epiphany: Why your next big opportunity is likely already buried in your inbox.
[13:10] Expert Endorsements: Why industry leaders like Joe Pulizzi and Jon Ferrara consider this a "Masterclass."

Links:

Order the New Expanded Edition: [https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon]

Learn More:

Buy Digital Threads: https://nealschaffer.com/digitalthreadsamazon
Buy Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth: https://nealschaffer.com/maximizinglinkedinamazon
Join My Digital First Mastermind: https://nealschaffer.com/membership/
Learn about My Fractional CMO Consulting Services: https://nealschaffer.com/cmo
Download My Free Ebooks Here: https://nealschaffer.com/books/
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/nealschaffer
All My Podcast Show Notes: https://podcast.nealschaffer.com

Lori Benin

The AI-powered Podcast Player