Informed: the podcast for LinkedIn® users
John Espirian
"Informed" is for you if you'd like to understand more about how LinkedIn works so that you can be an effective user of the platform.
It's hard to know whom to believe with so many self-appointed gurus out there telling you the latest hacks for going viral and earning 7-figure deals. And even LinkedIn's own publications often don't speak to the reality of using the platform.
But for those who see past superficial promises and sanitised reports, this podcast provides evidence and thoughtful opinion. With a track record of more than 10 years of sensible, no-nonsense advice about honest best practice for LinkedIn, Informed is a trusted source of insight by many thousands of regular listeners.
The show was created by Mark Williams, who's affectionately known as "Mr LinkedIn". Mark retired in late 2025 and handed over the reins of the show to John Espirian, the relentlessly helpful® LinkedIn nerd. John is a LinkedIn trainer and consultant, the founder of the Espresso+ community, the creator of the UpLift Live conference (the UK's original event dedicated to LinkedIn best practice), and the author of the personal branding handbook Content DNA.
John's reputation is for getting to the point and for not being a salesy douche canoe, so you can expect short, sharp episodes with zero ads or sponsored slots. This also is NOT an interview show, so if you've read this far then please don't pitch yourself for a guest appearance. However, you're welcome to get in touch if you have a LinkedIn question you'd like John to cover on the show. (To do that, search for the "Informed podcast" company page on LinkedIn and send a message.)
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the LinkedIn® corporation. John Espirian is an independent trainer and does not work for LinkedIn® – while it would be great to have LinkedIn's endorsement, the show's independence from the corporation means you, the listener, are never fed an airbrushed political spiel.
It's hard to know whom to believe with so many self-appointed gurus out there telling you the latest hacks for going viral and earning 7-figure deals. And even LinkedIn's own publications often don't speak to the reality of using the platform.
But for those who see past superficial promises and sanitised reports, this podcast provides evidence and thoughtful opinion. With a track record of more than 10 years of sensible, no-nonsense advice about honest best practice for LinkedIn, Informed is a trusted source of insight by many thousands of regular listeners.
The show was created by Mark Williams, who's affectionately known as "Mr LinkedIn". Mark retired in late 2025 and handed over the reins of the show to John Espirian, the relentlessly helpful® LinkedIn nerd. John is a LinkedIn trainer and consultant, the founder of the Espresso+ community, the creator of the UpLift Live conference (the UK's original event dedicated to LinkedIn best practice), and the author of the personal branding handbook Content DNA.
John's reputation is for getting to the point and for not being a salesy douche canoe, so you can expect short, sharp episodes with zero ads or sponsored slots. This also is NOT an interview show, so if you've read this far then please don't pitch yourself for a guest appearance. However, you're welcome to get in touch if you have a LinkedIn question you'd like John to cover on the show. (To do that, search for the "Informed podcast" company page on LinkedIn and send a message.)
This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the LinkedIn® corporation. John Espirian is an independent trainer and does not work for LinkedIn® – while it would be great to have LinkedIn's endorsement, the show's independence from the corporation means you, the listener, are never fed an airbrushed political spiel.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 22, 2014 • 31min
29. Deep Nishar Resigns
Show NotesThe UKPod14 conference was a great success and the keynote speaker was Jason Van Orden from Internet Business Mastery.This podcast is unlikely to be found on iTunes until we receive more 5 star reviews. If you enjoy the show please help out by submitting a review. This video explains how it is done.You can now subscribe to this show on TuneIn. Click hereNewsDeep Nishar resigns, read his announcement herePublished posts get a makeover, see this exampleNew free LinkedIn feature alerts service launched. RegisterWhat are you doing when you listen to the show? Darrel Griffin is doing his ironing!Tune in next week to hear the full story of the LinkedIn sex pest!Question: Why do people view profiles anonymously?Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Aug 15, 2014 • 33min
28. The Power of Groups
NewsCould this the beginning of the end of personalised invitations? Watch the video below to see what happened when inviting from a newly created profileIntroductions. It is long longer possible to send introductions to 3rd tier connections. This was spotted by Andy Lopata and covered in this postLinkedIn acquire Bizo - See official announcement hereThis article takes a look at what the Bizo acquisition might mean to us.Here is the Business Insider article showing the (alleged) leaked memo from LinkedinGroupsGroups all too often come in for a bad press. In reality there are plenty of fantastic groups that offer an amazing opportunity to engage with and gain invaluable information from your prospects.Here is a link to Carl Whalley's Google Android GroupHave your say. I would really value your contribution to the podcast. Please click on the voicemail link on the right edge of this page to leave your questions or comments or ping me an email at mark@linkedinformed.comThanks for listeningMarkPS An iTunes review wouldn't go a miss! ;-)Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Aug 8, 2014 • 32min
27. Pay it Forward Sucks!
NewsNot much happened this week other than LinkedIn getting stung for $6m for a labour violation regarding unpaid wages. The BBC article is herePay it ForwardWikipedia definitionQuestionHow can I save Pulse articles to read later?My solution is to use Evernote and their amazing web clipper but you can also use PocketOther linksNew course for job seekers coming out soon on UdemyMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Aug 2, 2014 • 37min
26. Q2 Results and much more
Show NotesLinkedIn delivers encouraging Q2 financial results313 million members84m unique visitors25bn page views (down 1bn from 1st qtr)$534m revenue - 47% year on year increaseTalent Solutions makes up $322m of this - 49% increaseMarketing $106m - 44% increasePremium Accounts - $105m - 44% increaseSee full report hereLinkedIn acquires Newsle The new look LinkedIn mobile appUpdates of previous news itemsZapier has delivered some useful results but is a little complicated to set upNew Galene search seems to have settled down and is now delivering very similar results to beforeTip of the week. Be aware of 3rd party apps that undertake actions on your account that are outside of the LinkedIn User Agreement. Take responsibility for your own actions on LinkedIn, it's you that will get suspended!Question. What do I have to do to get my profile from 'expert' strength to 'All Star'. Answer = Get more connections. You need a minimum of 50 (aim for min 100) and have had at least 2 previous positions in your employment section. The bigger question is: Does it matter? Answer = Not really! The difference between 'Expert' and 'All Star' in search results appears to be minimal.LinkedIn Contacts Now Integrate With Your Inbox. Read my post hereMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jul 19, 2014 • 37min
25. Interview with Andy Headworth
News - Custom profile backgrounds are now being rolled out to non premium usersAndy's LinkedIn profileAndy on TwitterMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jul 11, 2014 • 35min
24. Content Creation & Curation
LinkedIn update their Contacts app and rename it Connected.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jul 4, 2014 • 33min
23. LinkedIn's Ambitious World Economic Graph
You can now unsubscribe from published post notifications.Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jun 28, 2014 • 31min
22. New 'Galene' Search Engine
New 'Galene' Search Engine show notes(links are in black)LinkedIn faces a lawsuitArticle about LinkedIn's new search engine - warning, its technical!A more simplified commentary on the new search architectureWhat do all these changes to LinkedIn mean to users? by Bill BoormanInterview with LinkedIn's VP of mobileMentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jun 21, 2014 • 37min
21. Are Status Updates on Death Row?
Profile Views Chrome ExtensionLinkedIn's new Job search mobile appMessages button for 'Open' profiles (previously Open Link) now look like below as opposed to 'send Inmail'As seen on......There are more than 1500 of them!I solve this >>>>>> but can you solve the mystery of where and when you appeared on CBS, Fox NBC and abc?!Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
Jun 14, 2014 • 31min
20. The LinkedIn SEO SCAM
LinkedIn publisher posts and the potential for Google SEO issues?Activity history lets you see their number of followers (close to connections number)What will LinkedIn's new app be? Send your guesses by voicemail (see link on right of this page) or email me.The Great LinkedIn SEO SCAM blogQuestion. Should updates ever be of a personal nature?Mentioned in this episode:This show was created by the original host of the show, Mark Williams.
