Our Spotlight Recommendation
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have participated in Xocial Gong's LinkedIn Bootcamp. In just one week, my LinkedIn presence shifted in very tangible ways.
Through focused outreach, my...”
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“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have participated in Xocial Gong's LinkedIn Bootcamp. In just one week, my LinkedIn presence shifted in very tangible ways.
Through focused outreach, my connections grew meaningfully, not just in number, but in relevance. I learned tools and features I didn’t even know were available, and I created a banner that finally reflects the financial freedom message and the value I bring.
Most importantly, this bootcamp helped me clarify how I show up on LinkedIn so I can add value more intentionally and reach a broader audience. The guidance was practical, strategic, and immediately actionable.
If you’re looking to use LinkedIn with purpose rather than guesswork, I highly recommend working with Damian.”
–
Catalina Salazar
Desired Outcomes Coaching
About Us
LinkedIn Strategy Specialist | Community-Driven Brand Builder
Our key focus is to turn your LinkedIn account into a profit generating machine by acting as your personal virtual LinkedIn Networker.
What is a personal virtual Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER?
Let’s break it down:
Link(Ed)In = education, connection, access
Net(Work)ER = doing the work, increasing your net, becoming the responder who moves relationships forward.
It’s a philosophy, a strategy, and the title of my upcoming book. (A free course is in the works too — stay tuned 📚👀.)
I started as a personal trainer with no marketing budget and no visibility. Before I even named my company Iron Dog Fitness, I had a harsh realization: no one knew who I was. That sparked a journey of self-education and strategic experimentation.
I learned that Facebook creates awareness, LinkedIn builds trust, and newsletters keep you top of mind. I built my brand around these pillars, eventually growing from unknown to in-demand, and along the way, I helped others achieve the same success.
As I volunteered with chambers of commerce and nonprofits, I utilized my newsletter and outreach efforts to revive participation and drive genuine engagement. One council member even asked for my help on his mayoral campaign, based on the transformation I had sparked in his local chamber. That’s when I knew I wasn’t just promoting myself — I was building a repeatable system.
Today, I run Xocial Gong LLC, a LinkedIn-focused marketing agency for small business owners, startups, and freelancers — people like me, who wear too many hats and have too little time or budget.
Most of my clients don’t need to advertise on LinkedIn. They simply need to optimize their profile, apply the right etiquette, and utilize proven outreach methods to gain in the door with decision-makers.
That’s where we come in.
Xocial Gong is the “Link” and “Ed” educator who helps you get “In” with your ideal customers. We increase your “Net” profits by doing the “Work” for you on LinkedIn — using “ER” (Effective, Responsive) strategies to fill your calendar with quality leads who are already interested in what you offer.
Let’s connect if you’re ready to turn LinkedIn into your #1 relationship-building tool.
📲 Text me directly: 323-690-1659
The products and services we offer
Recommendations Received (126)
"Excellent Services!"
"Great reputation for helping professionals strengthen their LinkedIn profiles, refine their..."
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"Great reputation for helping professionals strengthen their LinkedIn profiles, refine their messaging, and build meaningful engagement—whether it’s optimizing profiles, improving outreach, or helping people create content that resonates. "
Products & Services
Is your business showing up when customers ask ChatGPT or Google AI to recommend a service/product like yours? Most small business owners don't kno...
Did you know you don't have to advertise on LinkedIn or anywhere to get new business?
Do you know the ins and outs of LinkedIn etiquette?
Besid...
Suppose you want to stand out as the go-to person in your industry. In that case, one of the best ways of doing so is by having an SEO-optimized we...
Recommendations Given (92)
"Helping people navigate their financial future."
"Knows the power of connection for business growth."
Recent Activity
This has always been an ongoing practice for me but I tend to launch my reflection stage (or what some call New Year’s resolutions) on the day of my birthday. I see it as a new year of life I have been blessed with. Every day to me is a day of reflection. Most people begin with a ‘New Year, New...
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This has always been an ongoing practice for me but I tend to launch my reflection stage (or what some call New Year’s resolutions) on the day of my birthday. I see it as a new year of life I have been blessed with. Every day to me is a day of reflection. Most people begin with a ‘New Year, New Me’ or ‘This is the Year’ annual resolution or proclamation and by February most find themselves a year later in the same place. My mentality is today is the day every day I am blessed to wake up to pursue my passions.
I’ve practiced Step 1 since forever. Specifically’Is this person is a customer, referral partner, collaborator, or connector and why’. I’ve had a process in place for Step 2 as well. Step 3 is a given. Step 4 has been a process in place just as long as the previous steps. I add tags and place...
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I’ve practiced Step 1 since forever. Specifically’Is this person is a customer, referral partner, collaborator, or connector and why’. I’ve had a process in place for Step 2 as well. Step 3 is a given. Step 4 has been a process in place just as long as the previous steps. I add tags and place people in groups inside my own CRM. A practice I’ve has ever since the days of the roll-a-Dex. In the past I would put all the business cards I collected in a 3 ring binder with plastic sheets that had sleeves similar to what sports cards collectors use. I still have those 3 ring binders with those business cards. Most of them do not work in the same place and some have passed away. Since I’ve had these practices in place Step 5 is done on a regular basis. As such, some of those in my network have become long term friends and some are like family. I started creating my follow strategies as far back as 2008 after quitting my last job 😂
Most marketers out there call themselves a digital marketer, a marketing specialist, but I call myself your Virtual Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER or LinkedIn specialist who helps you "Hook'm, Book'm, so all you have to do is Close'm."
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Most marketers out there call themselves a digital marketer, a marketing specialist, but I call myself your Virtual Link(Ed)In Net(Work)ER or LinkedIn specialist who helps you "Hook'm, Book'm, so all you have to do is Close'm."
I’m with you on this, Don. This breakdown captures the essence of why recommendations matter on Alignable, and I’d add that they also serve as a form of social proof that compounds over time.
When multiple people consistently highlight someone’s strengths with context and specificity, it...
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I’m with you on this, Don. This breakdown captures the essence of why recommendations matter on Alignable, and I’d add that they also serve as a form of social proof that compounds over time.
When multiple people consistently highlight someone’s strengths with context and specificity, it creates a narrative of credibility that’s far more persuasive than any self-promotion.
In fact, strong recommendations can function like mini case studies: they showcase not only what someone delivered but also how they operate in real-world conditions, which is invaluable for future connections evaluating fit.
Treating recommendations as strategic storytelling rather than quick endorsements, you’re not just building trust, you’re actively shaping your professional reputation and expanding your influence across the network.
And for those giving recommendations, they need to understand it's about the person they are recommending and not about themselves. I've seen some members here on Alignable use it as a self-promotional strategy, talking about what they do and adding some form of contact info to them. I block people who use recommendations to self-promote, because they have already demonstrated they lack professionalism, practice unethical behavior, and lack moral character. I would never recommend someone who uses the opportunity to recommend someone as a way actually to recommend themselves.
I think it’s a superpower to connect people with their ideal clients here on Alignable. My two biggest concerns are:
#1, someone sends me a connection request. I immediately thank them for connecting, and I often invite them to join me at a SmartConnect or in-person networking event. I get no...
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I think it’s a superpower to connect people with their ideal clients here on Alignable. My two biggest concerns are:
#1, someone sends me a connection request. I immediately thank them for connecting, and I often invite them to join me at a SmartConnect or in-person networking event. I get no response. I follow up yet again, but no response. Some start trying to sell me something or similar. Some are obvious scammers. Issue
#2 Someone new is asking me to introduce them to someone in my network. I respect that the other person may not be willing to accept the request, so I respectfully ask for their permission first. Because many members here connect but don’t engage, when they ask for a referral, it’s often someone I’ve never spoken to.
I look for content to engage with, but most of the time it’s pure sales-based gibberish, so I end up not commenting most of the time.
I’m generally very good at being proactive and offering to help (no sales pitch).
1 Reply
Thanks for sharing. A lot of great priceless gems of wisdom. If every member on Alignable implemented these strategies, just imagine how much more new referrals and business would happen every day 😊
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Thanks for sharing. A lot of great priceless gems of wisdom. If every member on Alignable implemented these strategies, just imagine how much more new referrals and business would happen every day 😊
This is such a smart and refreshingly doable approach to networking. The idea that consistency trumps intensity really resonates with me—especially in the whirlwind of small business life, where spare hours are rare and fleeting. I appreciate how you simplify the process into tangible steps...
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This is such a smart and refreshingly doable approach to networking. The idea that consistency trumps intensity really resonates with me—especially in the whirlwind of small business life, where spare hours are rare and fleeting. I appreciate how you simplify the process into tangible steps without feeling robotic or salesy. It encourages genuine connection while keeping things efficient, which is exactly what most of us need.
The comparison to brushing your teeth is spot on. It’s one of those small habits that’s easy to overlook but compounds over time. I’m definitely intrigued by the potential of this five-minute routine, and I’m keen to see how staying consistently engaged can organically grow my network. Simple, strategic, and sustainable. Love it.
I’ve made similar suggestions on applying a strategy like this on LinkedIn. People get so caught up on creating viral content while forgetting that engaging with other member's content is equally if not more important.
1 Reply
Here is your answer: If you create an account and that is it, you get nothing. You also get nothing if you sign up to attend an event just so people can see your account exists but fail to attend.
If you actually show up to SmartConnect, people here on Alignable will connect with you via a...
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Here is your answer: If you create an account and that is it, you get nothing. You also get nothing if you sign up to attend an event just so people can see your account exists but fail to attend.
If you actually show up to SmartConnect, people here on Alignable will connect with you via a one-on-one meeting (at least most of them will). Just don't turn that follow-up meeting into an instant sales pitch unless they actually asked for one.
If you want to get business from being on Alignable:
- Attend events
- Send connection requests
- Accept connection requests
- Have 1-on-1 meetings with the people you connect with, either in person or via an online meeting app like Google Meet.
- Avoid at all costs => Instant sales pitches, get to know people instead.
- Make sure you have filled out every section on Alignable. (Some people don't even add their website, which creates credibility issues. Are you legit or a fly-by-night scammer?)
Like anything in life, you get back what you put into it. Have realistic expectations. Don't assume your first connection will become a customer. Don't dismiss someone just because you think they won't buy from you. They may not want your offer, but if you build up the relationship, eventually, they will send a referral your way.
Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get - Forrest Gump
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I'm amazed at how many people have voted already. It is very exciting to see the enthusiasm to vote. I am looking forward to seeing where this all goes. 😃🥳
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I'm amazed at how many people have voted already. It is very exciting to see the enthusiasm to vote. I am looking forward to seeing where this all goes. 😃🥳
1 Reply
Great article. Thanks for taking the time to put this altogether 👏🏾👍🏾🥳
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Great article. Thanks for taking the time to put this altogether 👏🏾👍🏾🥳
