Strategies for Using LinkedIn Groups Effectively

Groups

LinkedIn Groups is one of the best tools for growing your business and your professional advancement. It’s also one of the most used features for effective relationship building. But from what I understand from speaking to people, it’s also one of the most underutilized feature for many. Just joining groups isn’t enough of a strategy, what matters most is how you pick them, and what you do once you’re in a group.

To me, the purpose of Groups is to create a common denominator for people with similar professional interests that will lead to a mutually beneficial relationship. This is why groups are limited to 50. Since everyone is forced to choose their 50 groups wisely, you know that the groups they’re in really play a role in their life, and it serves as a real common grounds to spark a relationship.

You can use Groups to:

1. Get expert advice, news, and up-to-date information about your industry.

2. Help others with your valuable advice, tips, and information – and get noticed.

3. Identify and develop relationships with potential partners, clients, and team members.

4. Communicate directly with others (without actually connecting).

5. Position yourself as a subject matter expert and attract new opportunities.

6. Shape the future of your career.

Some Practical Tips:

1. Join at least two types of groups – for different reasons. Some groups provide you access to new relationships, and some groups keep you involved in the industry you’re in.

For example, as a software localization consultant, I joined groups in the software and medical device industries – where my clients are, and the localization groups where I learn about the latest news, technologies, and where I can find strategic partners.

2. Join all 50 groups (the limit) – even if you don’t have time to do much with it, joining 50 groups that are relevant to your industry allows for people of interest to contact you directly (see below)! Groups have their own Search feature, so just being can lead you to a new opportunity if you’re a part of the same group.

3. Join large and small groups. Large groups opens you up to a large crowds of people in the relevant industry, but small groups allow you to get noticed.

4. Actively connect, meet, and expand your network. Think of it like a trade show or networking event in your industry that is always open. If you have a common group with someone, chances are you have a few things in common – possibly even help them with something or ‘do business’. If you took the time to craft a well branded profile, they also know who you are and what you can do for them. Once you show up in each others’ lives, something can begin to happen. If you can help them achieve their goals they will want to connect. Just be sure to customize the email invitation to connect and make it a personal invitation. 

5. Get in touch. When you belong to a group, you can easily send an email to anyone in it via the “Member Search” – even if you are not connected to them. So if you come across a person you’d like to speak with and you have nothing in common but a group, you can easily find them in the group by using the Member Search and send them a note. What you say in it, can spark a conversation that can lead to something (but that’s for another post). Again, be sure to have a well branded profile before you contact someone if you want to get a response.

6. Take the time to participate in the discussions, and start your own. It takes a few good conversations for people in the group to remember your name, recognizing you as a valuable resource and a subject matter expert. It only takes a few minutes, and if you’re consistent, you’ll find that it’s well worth the effort. The key is to make sure it’s a GREAT piece of content, or a very good question/topic that will engage people to participate in it.

Group Discussion
Finally, there are General Limits for LinkedIn Groups, you can review in the LinkedIn Help Center.

There’s a lot more to say about Groups… My question to you: What have you found works well and how do you use Groups to find opportunities, advance your career or professional mission?

 

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