One year later: replacing LinkedIn with AI in my workflow
Jobs to be done: B2B networking, sharing content and recruiting
One year ago, I shared my plan to replace certain functions of LinkedIn using a combination of AI tools, personal networks, and event-based networking1. At the time, I identified several areas where LinkedIn seemed to fall short—especially in generating genuine connections or deal flow—and I became increasingly skeptical of its actual value to my workflow. This past year has been an ongoing experiment to find more targeted ways to engage with my community, share content, and discover new relationships. Here is what I’ve learned so far.
Networking
While I haven't found a direct, one-to-one replacement for LinkedIn, my exploration has led me to a diverse array of tools and strategies that have collectively enhanced my professional networking and information gathering.
I've experimented with services like People Data Labs, which offer robust APIs for accessing professional data. These tools have provided a more targeted approach to finding and connecting with relevant professionals in my industry.
Perplexity AI has become an invaluable resource, offering deeper, more contextual insights than traditional search engines. This AI-powered tool has helped me gather comprehensive information on companies, trends, and individuals more efficiently than scrolling through LinkedIn feeds.
Surprisingly, X.com (formerly Twitter) has proven to be a powerful complement to my networking strategy. It offers a more dynamic, real-time view of professionals' thoughts and activities, providing fuller context beyond the static career timelines typical of LinkedIn.
Content sharing
I've completely migrated my professional writing from LinkedIn to Substack. This move has allowed for:
More in-depth content creation
Direct engagement with a dedicated audience
Better control over content distribution
To manage the influx of information without LinkedIn's feed, I've implemented a new system:
Created specific folders in my email inbox for topics of interest
Curated a selection of high-quality newsletters
This approach has resulted in more focused and relevant information consumption, eliminating the noise often found on social media platforms.
Reflections and Future Outlook
The area where I've made the least progress is recruiting. As I didn't have to hire directly in 2024, I haven't fully tested AI-driven alternatives for this crucial function. This remains an area for future exploration and development.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this experiment has been the renewed focus on personal networks and face-to-face interactions. Over the year, I took 24 business trips to meet with people I wanted to work with in person. This enabled me to attend more in-person meetings, which led to deeper and more meaningful connections. Additionally, I intentionally leveraged close personal networks, resulting in high-quality introductions and partnerships.
This year-long experiment has reinforced my belief that professional networking and information gathering can be more effective when personalized and decentralized. While LinkedIn served as a valuable tool in the past, this new approach has led to:
More meaningful professional relationships
Higher quality, targeted information gathering
A more balanced approach to online and offline networking
I will keep refining this approach. The integration of AI and APIs will continue to evolve as these technologies advance, while personal connections will remain at the heart of my professional endeavors. For anyone considering stepping away from traditional platforms like LinkedIn, I encourage you to explore alternatives that align with your specific needs—and don’t underestimate the power of offline relationships.
Thanks for following along on this journey! If you have thoughts or questions about these experiments—or if you’re navigating similar transitions—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the conversation going!
This is a post about ecosystem resources which was also posted on Medium to benefit founders and investors. Email me at mk@gex.vc or leave a comment if you’d like to exchange ideas.