So, you have joined a group or 50 groups on Linkedin, what is the next step?
Today’s Tip:
Participate in your Groups and in the Answers section on Linkedin.
Take a look at the types of discussions in each of the groups you have joined. The rules vary from group to group, but try never to spam. Add value to the discussions and start some of your own. It is never a good idea to post something that just looks like an advertisement.
One question I asked recently, received many informed responses, but one person answered with one word and a link to his website that had nothing to do with the question. Some groups allow discussions that begin with “I accept all invitations to connect”, some groups consider that connection spam.
What I have just said about the groups is true for the “answers” section as well. You can go through questions and receive really helpful information. You can answer questions where you feel you can provide valuable information. You can ask questions, too. Now yesterday, Doug commented here and asked, “Has anyone seen their revenue opportunities increase by a significant amount through social networking tools like LinkedIn?”
Well, here are two personal examples: the web developer of this site answered a question of mine on Linkedin and we hired him. I answered questions on Linkedin and a company reached out to us and hired us to recruit for them. So, two examples in one year from one company.
Does anyone have any social networking success stories that would like to share?
Tags: career tips, Linkedin, social networking
I agree and think LinkedIn groups is a great tool. All our careers are about groups anyway - a company is a group, a team collaborating with you on a project is a group.
Connections help you advance your career so whatever venue you use to keep in touch - LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or a local bar - will help you.
I recommend starting a LinkedIn group for some activity you do outside of work e.g. if you play volleyball on weekends create your own linkedin group for it and invite the people you play with. Knowing more about the people you spend time with will enrich your relationship and make stronger connections/bonds.
LinkedIn profiles give a lot of context about a person (e.g. past experience, work interests, other groups they belong to, etc.)
Thanks, Kirill. I just started a new group for bloggers to help each other find an audience. It is http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1942050 if anyone is interested in this new group.
The tips on how to effectively use Linkedin were very helpful. I look forward to applying them.
Thank you, Alex.