Your Digital Marketing Coach with Neal Schaffer

How AI Forced Me to Rewrite My Entire LinkedIn Strategy

• Neal Schaffer • Episode 442

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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."

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