LinkedIn is one of the most powerful (and often mis-understood) business networking tool out there. Let’s talk a little about it:
LinkedIn Groups
Groups are one of the most powerful LinkedIn tools at your disposal.
Groups are formed based on geographical location, personal interest, business sectors, specific industries, etc.
Members can sign up to receive email digests about the activity of the group so if you post a message (or reply to a message) it will be sent to all the member of the group.
Pretty powerful if you think that you can reach thousands of prospects that are interested in your products and services.
Sometimes you find people copy/paste their messages and spam several groups. So beware…
How to manage your group:
- Clearly define the Group rules – that will save you from banning users and police your groups (it may still happen but not as much)
- Be personal – LinkedIn groups are all about community and bringing people with common interests together.
- Praise valuable members – always highlight valuable contributions to the group. Is problems arise resolve them privately
- Add news feeds – if you feel there is good relevant content out there, add their RSS feed. It will keep the content for your Group fresh and the members active
- Allow members to promote themselves – BUT only in a designated area (like a sub-group for example). That will keep your members happy and the group free from spam
- Group promotions – non competing groups are excellent places to promote your group. Adding a small pic with a link from your blog is also very effective
More about LinkedIn later…