Some use LinkedIn to connect with people with similar experiences, others to find jobs or to hire, maybe you do all three. But, still, many might find it hard to connect with the right people. That's where groups come in. You've probably joined a few, but are you using them effectively?
Initially, LinkedIn Groups didn't have the best rep as they weren't regulated and ended up becoming an endless sea of spam and promotional advertisements that weren't helpful, which led many users to distrust groups and to stop using them altogether. More recently, however, LinkedIn has made substantial changes that allow private groups, limits members that can join, and enforces stricter oversight to assure that most interactions are meaningful.
LinkedIn groups are a great source to connect with others in your same field of interest. You can get tips or give helpful information, but it's also a great way to help your business grow. Unfortunately, most people don't take full advantage of the Groups feature; most of them don't know what to do after joining.
Here are a few tips to maximize your LinkedIn Groups' experience. Whether you're looking for a new job, connecting with new people, or growing your business. LinkedIn groups can be a valuable asset if utilized correctly.
First, What groups should you join?
The great thing about LinkedIn is that it makes it easy to find groups relevant to your business and hone down on the audience you're trying to reach. You can do a search using simple keywords and filters to find the right group.
Look for groups that are related to your industry, your job, and your current or target geography. Join a few and pay attention to the discussions, see if they're thoughtful, and give helpful information. If they do, stick to those.
Second, Give it time.
Before you invest too much time posting to the groups, check them periodically to see if they're unusually dormant or filled with spammers and stick to those that will be helpful and are still active but without the spam.
Now that you've joined the right groups, here are 8 tips to up your group game.
Engage: After you've joined a group, don't just stay dormant, or no one will know that you're there! Join the discussions, contribute to the conversations, and post on the different threads. Be sure that your post and comments add value or insight, don't just post random things, or use it solely to advertise your business. If you have excellent interactions and helpful insight, more people will start to notice you and want to engage with you. Interacting in the correct groups can help you to meet valuable people in your industry and position you as someone knowledgeable in your field.
Post your questions or content: This is similar to the point before, but here you are starting the discussion. Ask questions, share valuable information through articles (LinkedIn prefers original posts from its own page), or introduce yourself. Follow the group's rules, but make sure to have a presence in the group, so people start noticing you and want to interact with you.
Research: After joining a group, see which members are part of this community, as each chose to become part of the group for a reason. Ask questions about potential business ideas, test the waters with intelligent and valuable professionals. These groups may host a high concentration of individuals who would fit your target; this is extremely valuable. Engaging with the people in LinkedIn groups could be vital to knowing your audience and understanding how to interact with them. Don't make a huge mistake many people do by copying and pasting the same message and content across all groups. First, not all audiences react the same way to the same message, and second, if your groups are centered around a specific topic, there will likely be similar members in different groups who might notice that you're recycling content undermining any trust you've built.
Contact fellow members: After a while of interacting in the group, find someone who may be beneficial to talk to or know long-term. Maybe start a little banter or a normal conversation. While being in the same group, you can email people directly, even if they're not members of your network. You can approach them by commenting that you're both from the same group. This method is excellent because the connection feels more organic than a cold call.
Connect in other networks: After you've been interacting with someone for a while, connect with them on other social platforms like twitter or their business' Facebook page. Most people are in these groups for the same reason as you are, so they'll be happy to connect and extend the relationship.
Don't over-promote: When posting information, sharing posts, or answering questions, your goal is not to promote yourself or what you do but to build relationships. When your content is heavy on "me", "I", or "my" it's most likely going to get sent to the Promotions tab of the group.
Research your ideal customers: Most businesses know that to create great content, they need to develop a buyer persona. Often, you create these personas through interviews and research. LinkedIn Groups are a fantastic and exclusive sneak peeks into the challenges, motivators, and interests of individuals who have similar interests.
Start your own group: Ok, I know this may not be what you're expecting, but this can be an excellent way to brand yourself in your field. Nothing defines you more as a leader than running your own group. Still, if you're going to use this tip, be committed, and make sure to be an exceptional moderator that regularly engages with the members. If you're going to make a group only for it to be dormant, it's better to stay as a member of established groups.
Remember that LinkedIn groups aren't a place for businesses to blast advertisements but a channel to share content as this allows for quality interactions. It's a tool that can help you boost your brand's name and online reputation. After you've made a name for yourself, you can start sharing your brand's content and building credibility.
Many people don't see the point of these groups, but they are quickly becoming a must-have tool for B2B businesses. There is no fast way to get a solid presence in LinkedIn groups, but constant and real interactions will help you grow your business and your relationships in the community and establish a name for yourself in your field.
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