Emerging Professionals

I'm asking because we're considering incorporating some humor into our LinkedIn page, but I'm curious about how other accounting professionals feel about it. LinkedIn is known for being a professional network, but is there room for a little fun and relatability?

Here's what I'm wondering:

💬 What are your thoughts on adding humor to your LinkedIn page?

• Does humor make your content more engaging, or does it feel out of place on a professional platform?
• Is there a balance between professionalism and approachability that works? Or is it better to leave the humor to other platforms like Instagram and Facebook?

Things to consider:

1. The Right Tone – How do you keep it light without losing professionalism?
2. Audience Expectations – As accounting professionals, we deal with serious topics, so is humor appreciated, or could it turn potential clients away?
3. Limitations – How do you know if humor will be well-received on LinkedIn, or if it's safer to keep things strictly professional?

If you're already using humor on LinkedIn:

• What's been your experience?
• Have your clients or connections responded positively?
• Do you feel like it enhances your posts, or would you prefer to keep humor for other platforms?

We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences-do you think humor belongs on LinkedIn, or should it stay on more casual platforms like Instagram and Facebook?

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Victoria Thayer
Partner/Owner
NOVII CPA
Oregon WI
6087198868
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Hey Victoria,

I love this question so much, so I feel compelled to respond! As someone who loves to use sarcasm / humor, I really enjoy seeing it used on LinkedIn. It is relatable and a differentiator. I think where humor goes wrong on LinkedIn is when it is too niche, a bit too crude / unprofessional, or if it does not feel authentic. This last piece is where I think a ton of people fall short. Don't be afraid to use a voice that feels natural - it will get you so much further than posting humor on LinkedIn just to post humor on LinkedIn.

Hope to see some funny posts in your future!

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Nicole Livesey
Arlington VA
+0015704474686
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I know LinkedIn is traditionally viewed as a strictly professional space, but I think there's real value in being authentic. Even in the most formal workplaces, people still joke, laugh, and find ways to lighten the mood especially when things get stressful and up near a deadline. 

Why should LinkedIn be any different? A little humor, when done right, doesn't take away from professionalism, it makes people more relatable. It shows there are real humans behind the titles, and I think that actually strengthens connections.

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Steven Eilders
Ridgeland MS
+001 601-326-7125
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This is such a great question Victoria!  I love humor as it shows a more human side of the individual and organization.  It is a slippery slope though because accounting is such a serious profession.  I think you have to consider your brand voice. Is your brand meant to only be taken seriously or do you have a more laid back approachable voice?  For example, I love a good, "we've all been there..." tone when it comes to sharing something serious.

Personally, when I share on LinkedIn, it's the same content as other platforms, but it does have a little more professional lens on it. If I say, "Heyyy Accountantistas" on Instagram, I might change it to "Calling all Accounting Women!"  That's a bad example, but hopefully the point comes across. 😂

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Bee Nance
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