Close The Deal Podcast with Adam Houlahan

 Linkedin Expert

In this episode of the Close The Deal podcast, Ewell Smith has a special guest joining us all the way from Australia: Adam Houlahan. As a LinkedIn expert and best-selling author, Adam shares his wealth of knowledge on leveraging LinkedIn for business success. With over 35 years of experience and as the founder of Prominence Global, Adam provides actionable insights into building a successful global business and making a meaningful impact.

Adam Houlahan’s Background: From Australia to Global Success

Hailing from the Gold Coast, Queensland
Adam Houlahan resides in the beautiful Gold Coast, Queensland, a location known for its stunning beaches and as a popular holiday destination. Despite its serene surroundings, Adam has built a thriving global business, leveraging the power of LinkedIn to connect with clients and teams around the world.

35 Years of Business Experience
With a career spanning over three decades, Adam has been at the helm of five different businesses. His current venture, Prominence Global, focuses on helping individuals and organizations enhance their LinkedIn presence. Adam’s journey through various industries and technological shifts has given him a unique perspective on business growth and adaptation.

Overcoming Challenges in a Global Business

Building and Managing a Global Team
One of the significant challenges Adam faced in his current business was managing communication and interaction across a global team. With team members in Australia, the Philippines, South Africa, India, Eastern Europe, and North America, time zones and communication were initially difficult to navigate. However, with advancements in technology, Adam and his team have successfully overcome these challenges, allowing them to operate seamlessly on a global scale.

The Importance of Technology in Global Operations
Adam highlights how technology has played a crucial role in managing a global business. From virtual meetings across time zones to collaborative tools that keep everyone on the same page, technology has made it possible for Adam’s business to thrive in a globally connected world.

Gratitude and Mentorship: The Keys to Success

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Adam attributes much of his success to the mentorship and support he received from two influential figures in his life. The first is Dr. David Dugan, now his business partner, who has been instrumental in helping Adam accelerate his business ventures. The second is Paul Dunn, co-founder and chairman of B1G1 (Buy One, Give One), a global giving movement. Paul introduced Adam to the world of impactful giving, which has become a core value in Adam’s business operations.

Creating Impact Through B1G1
Through the B1G1 initiative, Adam’s business has helped nearly 11 million people over the past decade. By integrating giving into their business model, Prominence Global ensures that every client interaction creates a positive impact. For example, when someone attends one of their online events, a child in Cambodia receives a day’s worth of food, or clean water is provided to those in need.

The Evolution of LinkedIn: From a Clunky Platform to a Business Powerhouse

Adam’s Journey into LinkedIn
About 15 years ago, while running an organic skincare company, Adam discovered the potential of LinkedIn as a business tool. Initially clunky and underdeveloped, LinkedIn resonated with Adam, who intuitively understood its potential. Over the years, he leveraged LinkedIn for personal and business growth, eventually founding Prominence Global, one of the largest LinkedIn agencies in the world.

Common Mistakes on LinkedIn
Adam notes that many newcomers to LinkedIn treat their profiles like a resume, listing achievements and job history. However, the key to success on LinkedIn is to focus on the outcomes your clients can expect by working with you. The most critical part of your LinkedIn profile is the professional headline, which should clearly state the value you provide to your clients, not just your job title or past accomplishments.

Maximizing LinkedIn: Tips for New and Seasoned Users

For New LinkedIn Users: Start with Your Profile
For those new to LinkedIn, Adam emphasizes the importance of creating a profile that speaks to the needs of your target audience. Instead of listing personal achievements, focus on how you can help your clients achieve their goals. This shift in perspective can significantly increase your visibility and effectiveness on the platform.

For Experienced Users: Leveraging New LinkedIn Features
LinkedIn is constantly evolving, and seasoned users must stay updated with the platform’s latest features and changes. Adam highlights a significant shift that occurred in early 2024, where many of LinkedIn’s valuable tools are now only accessible through paid subscriptions like Sales Navigator. These tools include the ability to send personalized connection requests (200 per week) and advanced search features that help users strategically connect with the right people.

The Decline of Free Account Utility
Adam points out that LinkedIn has reduced the effectiveness of free accounts, particularly when it comes to lead generation and personal branding. For example, free account users can only send 10 personalized connection requests per month, compared to 200 per week with Sales Navigator. This limitation makes it challenging to build a network and leverage LinkedIn’s full potential without a subscription.

The Future of LinkedIn: Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Landscape

Regularly Updating Your Strategy
To stay ahead on LinkedIn, it’s essential to regularly update your strategy based on the platform’s ongoing changes. Adam’s company runs events every 10 weeks to help users stay informed about the latest LinkedIn updates and how to make the most of them. These sessions are invaluable for both new and experienced users looking to maintain a competitive edge.

Investing in LinkedIn for Long-Term Success
Adam strongly advocates for investing in a paid LinkedIn subscription to unlock the platform’s full potential. With access to advanced tools and features, users can effectively manage their connections, improve their personal branding, and generate leads that drive business success.

Final Thoughts: LinkedIn as a Business Growth Engine



LinkedIn’s Power in Business Development
Adam Houlahan’s insights into LinkedIn reveal the platform’s immense potential as a business growth engine. Whether you’re new to LinkedIn or a seasoned user, understanding how to leverage its tools and features is crucial for success in today’s digital landscape.

Building a Purpose-Driven Business
Beyond the technical aspects of LinkedIn, Adam’s story underscores the importance of building a purpose-driven business. By integrating giving into your business model, you can create meaningful impact while achieving your professional goals. This approach not only sets you apart from competitors but also contributes to a better world.