EP #042: Advanced LinkedIn Tactics for CEOs: Unlocking Lead Gen & Growth

Most CEOs think of LinkedIn as a nice-to-have.

The reality? It’s one of the most powerful business development tools at your disposal.

Used correctly, LinkedIn isn’t just a branding tool—it’s a lead gen engine that can drive inbound opportunities, high-value partnerships, and executive-level hiring.

Today, I’m sharing the advanced LinkedIn tactics I’ve seen work for CEOs who are serious about growth.

🔹 1. The “Passive Lead Gen” Strategy (Your Network Is Your Goldmine)

One of the biggest missed opportunities on LinkedIn is not leveraging your existing network.

Think about it: Most of your best leads aren’t cold strangers.

They’re former colleagues, past clients, board members, investors, and professional connections who already know and trust you.

Your job? Stay top of mind.

Here’s how:
✔ Post 1-5x per week to remind your network what you do.
✔ Share insights, client wins, and lessons learned without selling.
✔ Add new connections weekly (more on this below).

✅ Example: I once had a college friend reach out after 20 years saying:

“I’ve been following your LinkedIn posts. My CEO needs your help.”

That turned into a new client within a week.

🔹 2. The “5-Minute Connection Strategy” (Build Your Network on Autopilot)

Most executives only connect with people they’ve met in real life.

That’s a mistake.

If you want to generate inbound leads, you need the right people seeing your content.

Here’s my daily habit (that takes 5 minutes):
✔ Send 20 connection requests per day
✔ Target: CEOs, investors, decision-makers, and industry leaders
✔ Personalize it (lightly!) → Example:

“Hey [Name], looks like we’re both GSB alums & CEOs. I’d love to connect here. No sales spam—just looking to follow what you’re up to.”

Most people accept—and within months, many become clients.

✅ Example: A CEO I connected with 8 months ago never engaged with my posts—then suddenly reached out and became a paying client.

🔹 3. The Content Framework That Converts (Lead with Value, Not Sales)

The biggest mistake CEOs make?

Posting company updates and self-promotional content.

The formula that works:
✔ 80% value-driven content (insights, frameworks, stories)
✔ 20% direct promotion (case studies, announcements, hiring needs)

Types of high-performing posts:
✅ Teach what you know. Example: “The biggest mistake I see CEOs make with LinkedIn—and how to fix it.”
✅ Share personal stories. Example: “One lesson from the Navy that changed how I lead.”
✅ Show how you solve problems. Example: “A client of mine struggled with XYZ. Here’s how we fixed it—and what you can learn from it.”

Why this works:
👉 It positions you as an authority.
👉 It attracts inbound leads without feeling ‘salesy.’
👉 It builds trust before the first conversation.

🔹 4. The “Reverse Outreach” Playbook (Turn Engagement into Conversations)

Instead of cold messaging people, let them raise their hand first.

Here’s how:
✔ Post consistently (so your ideal clients see your content)
✔ Track your post engagement (who’s liking and commenting?)
✔ DM engaged prospects with a non-salesy message:

“Hey [Name], saw you liked my post on CEO branding—appreciate it! Curious, how’s your LinkedIn strategy working for you these days?”

This opens the door to real conversations—without feeling like spam.

✅ Example: I’ve booked dozens of sales calls just by DMing people who engage with my posts.

🚀 Action Step: Pick ONE Tactic & Implement Today

These tactics work—but they only work if you use them.

Before you close this email, pick one and take action:
💡 Send 10 connection requests
💡 Write a value-driven post
💡 DM someone who engaged with your last post

Small actions compound. Start today. 🚀

PS: Which of these tactics resonates with you the most? Hit reply—I’d love to hear.

PPS: Want to go deeper? Check out my CEO’s Guide to LinkedIn. This 83-page PDF contains everything I know about LinkedIn… and it’s 100% free.

— Justin

Justin M. Nassiri | Founder & CEO
M: 650.353.1138 | E: justin@executivepresence.io
250 Fillmore St Suite 150, Denver, CO 80206
www.ExecutivePresence.io

Executive Presence specializes in helping top-tier executives boost their visibility, activate their network, and position themselves as thought leaders via our premium, fully-managed LinkedIn service.

Our unique process involves ex-McKinsey, BCG, and Bain consultants conducting monthly hour-long interviews with our clients, and turning them into impactful daily LinkedIn posts to establish their unique voice and authority. On average, our clients see a 500% bump in engagement in their first 30 days with us. Data is continuously analyzed to improve engagement and identify impactful messaging that you can use for conferences, podcasts, and internal communications.