One of the most valuable and simplest ways to create business connections that will lead to both growth and credibility for your business is through LinkedIn groups. LinkedIn has become a network and marketing tool that has played a defining role in many businesses and corporations throughout the world.
Because there are well over 1.5 million groups to choose from, it may often seem both difficult and frustrating deciding which groups to become a part of. One of the keys you will want to look for is groups that are managed properly. Many of these groups are not well managed which causes very little benefit or productivity to being part of the group.
Spend More Time in Smaller Groups
LinkedIn will allow members to be a part of up to 50 groups at a time. It may be difficult to create extra time to participate in that many groups while gaining traction throughout any particular one of them. You may want to consider going ahead and joining up to 50 groups, but then select 5-10 of your favorites and devote your time interacting within this smaller circle of groups.
Use LinkedIn search to look for groups that share your common interest and purpose. The LinkedIn search has been drastically improved, and now has the ability to search for both groups and open group discussion topics. To get started, use keywords to search for groups that would be a natural fit, based on your education history, location, geographic location, or your hobbies and interest. Use keywords that will describe the affinities you are looking for.
Choosing LinkedIn groups to Join
When deciding which groups you are going to join and spend your time participating with, find out exactly who the group managers are look to see if they are visible and interacting within the group. You will also want to take the time to read any and all of the group rules. If the rules that have been put together for the group is poorly written or flat out do not exist, there is a good chance that the group may not be worth your time.
Pay attention to the amount of questions and dialogue within the group. A group with good involvement is definitely a group worth spending some time with. Within a well-managed group, you will more than likely find that the group’s manager has a strong set of rules or guidelines and is part of any discussions that are currently taking place within the group.
