Predictions, authentic connections and small business strategies

As we look ahead to a new year, it’s the perfect time to embrace fresh opportunities, big ideas, and meaningful connections. This week’s newsletter is packed with insights to help you thrive in 2025—from LinkedIn’s predictions for the year ahead, advice for building authentic connections to practical tips for growing your small business. Let’s step into the future with purpose, inspiration, and actionable strategies to succeed.

Looking back at 2024: What did we get right—and what’s next?

As the year comes to a close, we’re reflecting as to how our annual predictions measured up. From the business of sleep, to the future of unions and new stars of global trade, these are the predictions we got right — and wrong — in our Big Ideas for 2024. So what will 2025 hold? LinkedIn’s Chief Economist, Karin Kimbrough, shares 3 big ideas:

1️⃣ The labor market will awaken, with more hiring and job changes, especially in industries like energy, utilities, healthcare.

2️⃣ 2025 will be the year early adopters will be looking to demonstrate tangible business gains from their AI investments.

3️⃣ Companies will spotlight the advantages of a multigenerational workforce. Boomers will “unretire” at a rapid pace and actively seek jobs, while Millennials will rise to leadership, surpassing Gen X in holding C-level roles.

What prediction or trend do you expect to have the biggest impact in the year ahead? And why? Share your thoughts in the comments or by posting a video with #BigIdeas2025.

The art of building authentic connections with Arianna Huffington

As the year winds down, the holiday season brings plenty of opportunities to socialize and attend networking events—often while juggling the exhaustion that comes with year-end burnout. LinkedIn Career Expert Catherine Fisher recently spoke with Founder and CEO of Thrive Global Arianna Huffington to gather her advice on building meaningful and authentic connections during this busy time.

Matched with Arianna’s wise words, here are ways you can use LinkedIn to help you lead with curiosity and find out more about your connections while you’re networking: 

✅ Update your LinkedIn profile. Take a moment to update your profile. Reach out to your connections and engage with their posts to help you foster stronger relationships.

🛡️ Look for signals of trust. Verification badges on LinkedIn mean an identity, workplace, or educational institution has been verified, which can help you to make more informed decisions about who you are connecting with. Check out https://www.linkedin.com/verify/ to see what verification options are available to you. Having a verification badge on your profile is a great way to signal trust to others. 

💬 Personalize & follow up. Send personalized connection requests after meeting someone new, and use the 'Catch Up' tab to find opportunities to reach out and keep the conversation going.

Subscribe here to Catherine’s Career Companion newsletter for expert advice on building your career and navigating today’s ever-changing workplace. 

LinkedIn x Hello Sunshine: Celebrating women-owned small businesses

LinkedIn teamed up with Hello Sunshine, the media company founded by Reese Witherspoon, to spotlight women-owned small businesses at a one-of-a-kind Holiday Market. Hello Sunshine is dedicated to putting women at the center of every story, shining a light on where they are today and helping them forge new paths forward.

LinkedIn and Hello Sunshine both strive to equip female entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and visibility they need to succeed. At the Holiday Market, we caught up with Ivey Childers, Co-founder & CEO of Southbound Tequila, who shared her top tips for growing your business and building meaningful networks.

What inspired you to start Southbound Tequila?

Your lived experience and perspective are powerful. For me, Southbound Tequila grew out of my journey as a recipe developer and home entertainer. I saw a gap in the tequila market that aligned with what I wanted—a product that reflected my unique point of view. Even in a crowded space, I realized others were looking for the same thing.

What’s been key to your growth as a small business owner?

Entering the spirits industry meant navigating uncharted territory, but being an expert in my brand story gave me a clear vision. Platforms like LinkedIn have been critical—connecting me with experts, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating a space to share ideas and learn from others. It’s also been inspiring to connect with other small business owners in Nashville and celebrate our shared wins.

What advice would you share with other entrepreneurs?

No one knows everything, and that’s okay. Surround yourself with experts, ask questions, and never stop learning. Staying in the ‘learning seat’ allows your business to grow and evolve in ways you might not expect. LinkedIn has been a key part of that evolution for me, providing a community of professionals who inspire and guide me.

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