In the fast-paced world of small business, staying informed and inspired can make all the difference between thriving and merely surviving. LinkedIn has become more than just a networking platform—it’s a knowledge hub where professionals share insights that could transform your business approach. But with millions of content creators, who’s actually worth your precious time? We’ve cut through the noise to identify five LinkedIn thought leaders who consistently deliver actionable insights for small business owners. No fluff, no platitudes—just genuine expertise that can transform your business approach.
Here are five LinkedIn industry leaders every small business owner should add to their feed immediately:
1. Melanie Perkins (@melanieperkins)
Why follow: Perkins has revolutionized design accessibility for small businesses through Canva, now valued at over $40 billion. Her content offers rare glimpses into scaling a business while maintaining core values and company culture.
Standout Quality: She provides practical design tips, startup growth strategies, and authentic leadership insights without the corporate jargon. With real talk about bootstrapping, and democratizing design for non-designers Perkins offers advice that is applicable to the Small Business Owner.
2. Adam Grant (@adamgrant)
Why Follow: Organizational psychologist and Wharton professor who translates complex research into practical business strategies. His content strikes the perfect balance between evidence-based insights and applicable business wisdom.
Standout Quality: Grant challenges conventional thinking without being contrarian for its own sake. His posts on building team culture and effective leadership are particularly valuable for small businesses navigating growth phases.
3. Melinda Emerson (@smallbizlady)
Why Follow: Known as the “SmallBizLady,” Emerson provides laser-focused content for small business owners, particularly those in early growth stages. Her advice on cash flow management and sustainable scaling is grounded in real-world experience.
Standout Quality: Emerson excels at breaking down complex business challenges into manageable action steps. Her weekly #SmallBizChat offers direct access to her expertise and a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs.
4. Seth Godin (@sethgodin)
Why follow: The marketing legend delivers daily bite-sized wisdom that consistently challenges small business owners to think differently about their value proposition.
What he shares: Counterintuitive marketing concepts, customer psychology insights, and thought-provoking questions about business purpose.Follow for: The ability to pack more business wisdom into three paragraphs than most deliver in a book.
5. Guy Kawasaki (@guykawasaki)
Why Follow: Silicon Valley marketing veteran who distills decades of experience into practical wisdom about product development, customer acquisition, and strategic storytelling.
Standout Quality: Kawasaki’s “been there, done that” perspective cuts through entrepreneurial myths and focuses on fundamentals that actually drive business success. His candor about entrepreneurial challenges is both refreshing and reassuring for small business owners navigating uncertain territory.
Why These Five Industry Leaders Stand Out
What separates these thought leaders from the countless others on LinkedIn isn’t just their credentials—it’s their consistency in delivering value without self-promotion overtaking substance. Each provides a unique perspective that, when applied thoughtfully, can help small business owners navigate specific growth challenges.
Unlike many influencers who recycle generic advice, these five regularly share fresh insights based on emerging trends, research, and personal experiences. Their content manages that rare feat of being both immediately applicable and strategically profound.
While building your LinkedIn network, consider these thought leaders your personal advisory board—a curated source of wisdom that can help shape your business decisions without the hefty consulting fees.
Beyond the Follow Button
Simply following these LinkedIn thought leaders won’t transform your business. The real value comes from:
- Implementing one idea per week from their content
- Engaging with their posts to refine your understanding
- Connecting with other followers to build your own network
- Using their perspectives as starting points, not gospel
The most successful small business owners don’t just consume content—they test ideas, adapt approaches to their unique circumstances, and develop their own voices in the process.
At The Recruiting Squad, we believe surrounding yourself with the right influences is as important as hiring the right team. Looking for more personalized guidance on building your business leadership network? Check out our blog content here or contact us to discuss how strategic connections can accelerate your business growth.
