I used to think networking was about collecting business cards and forcing awkward conversations. Then I discovered Twitter. By sharing my thoughts, asking questions, and genuinely connecting with others, I built a network of incredible people from all over the world. These digital friendships have led to unexpected opportunities, lifelong bonds, and a valuable community that has helped me in more ways than I can count.
Unfortunately, Twitter/X has gone from a platform of ideas to a cesspool of negativity and echo chambers. It’s a sad sight to how it has devolved into such a toxic wasteland.
Recently, I’ve found a lot of my old L&D friends over on Bluesky—without the noise and chaos of Twitter/X? Bluesky feels like the good old days and seems to be emerging as a valuable place where L&D professionals share insights, build meaningful connections, and have a little fun mixed in along the way.
If you have never used Twitter or are looking for an alternative, here is a guide to get started.
Create your profile
Let’s start with setting up your profile. Your profile is like your personal landing page
Creating a well-crafted Bluesky profile is an important first step. A complete profile includes a clear bio, a relevant profile picture, and a thoughtfully curated list of interests. This helps you connect with like-minded individuals and discover content that matches your preferences. A strong profile enhances your credibility and establishes your identity within the Bluesky community.
Profile Essentials
- Handle & Display Name:
Consider including “L&D” or “Learning” to signal your expertise It’s not required but may be helpful. Example: @sarah.learning or “Sarah Chen | Learning Experience Designer” - Bio:
A good bio is concise, engaging, and informative. It should clearly state who you are, what you do, and what you’re passionate about. Think of it as your digital elevator pitch. - Visuals:
A great profile image and banner graphic are your digital first impressions. They instantly communicate your personality, interests, and professionalism. A strong visual identity helps you stand out, attract followers, and build trust within the Bluesky community. - Pinned Post:
Pinning a post on Bluesky allows you to highlight a specific post at the top of your profile. This is a great way to draw attention to important announcements, share your latest project, or express a key opinion. By pinning a post, you ensure it remains visible to new and existing followers, increasing its potential reach and impact.
Start Building Your Network
Bluesky’s value lies in connections. Build your network intentionally. Bluesky offers a unique opportunity to forge meaningful professional connections.
By engaging in thoughtful discussions, sharing industry insights, and collaborating with like-minded individuals, you can expand your network, gain valuable knowledge, and potentially open doors to new opportunities.
One useful feature of Bluesky is the ability to create “Starter Packs.” I’ve created one to help you connect with top Learning & Development experts and get a jump start on building your network.
Using Lists
I’m a big fan of using lists. Lists are a great option for organizing and managing your feed. By creating lists of specific users or topics, you can curate a personalized newsfeed that aligns with your interests. Instead of all your interests being mashed together, lists are smaller and more focused.
You can see what this looks like by taking a look at my Learning List.
What to post?
On Bluesky, share what you know, what you’re learning, and what you’re passionate about. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a helpful tip, or a creative project, authentic sharing builds connections and fosters community. Remember, you don’t have to be an expert; even sharing your learning journey can inspire others. So, keep sharing, keep learning, and let’s build a vibrant Bluesky together!
Helping others is the best way to position yourself as a valuable voice in the L&D community.
If nothing else, like things you find valuable and say thanks when others are sharing helpful info.
If you’re curious about learning an efficient way to keep up with topics that interest you, this post might interest you. “How I Create My Weekly Newsletter (and personal curation tips you should steal)”
Conversation Starters
- Share works-in-progress and ask for feedback
- Post polls about industry challenges
- Ask for tool recommendations
- Share contrarian views on common practices
Event Leverage
- Live-post key takeaways from conferences
- Create threads summarizing webinars
- Host impromptu discussions around industry news
- Coordinate meetups with local followers
Getting Started Checklist
- Set up your profile
- Follow your favorite L&D people
- Join active discussions
- Share what you learn
- Start building relationships
Join the conversation: What learning challenge are you tackling this week? Did you learn something valuable recently? Share it on Bluesky. Tag your post with #LearningDesign #LnD for maximum visibility.
If you decide to give it a try (and you really should), you can find me here https://bsky.app/profile/tmiket.bsky.social.
Please say hi and let me know you’re there!
Mike Taylor 