Few take full advantage of all that Linkedin has to offer. One of those offerings are the Linkedin Groups. This is where your expertise on a certain field will shine and certainly shape you out to be the expert in your industry. However, if you set out to join a group, there are a few things to remember. Here are my top five Don’ts when joining a Linkedin group.
DON’T join too many groups: although it’s a good idea to join a variety of groups, joining too many will become too difficult to keep up with. You want to join those that offer the most quality to your overall goal, but you also want to make sure you offer the same level of quality as well. Join the ones you feel will be the easiest to keep up with, have the highest number of members and active discussions.
DON’T Spam: There’s nothing more annoying than a member who continually “spams’ discussions with direct advertisements or pitches. Linking to a blog or asking for opinions on yur own content is fine, but don’t pitch, and don’t make it all about you. You’re there to offer your expertise and knowledge on certain subjects; not to hock your wares.
DON’T be a wallflower: You joined the group for discussions and ideas, so talk! The only way to know how group members see issues or steps you’re curious about is to pose the question. Polls are also a great way to elicit advice. Ask group members questions you face in your own business; issues you face, or anything else you would appreciate a second (or third, or fourth) set of eyes on.
DON’T just join any group: Join the groups in your target market. Doing this will help you identify potential customers and make you a viable choice among these other businesses. This is also a great way to do market research-seeing what the issues are that many of these people are facing will help you strengthen the services you offer.
DON’T be shy: if you have a company update, a blog post, or an article you would like to share, or even a keynote, a networking event, or anything else of value, share it with the group. They will support you in the same way you support them. After all, you may be inadvertently helping grow their businesses as well, which to me is a win-win all the way!
Any way you look at it, it’s a good idea to join a LinkedIn group, but of course, only do it if you can commit the time. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting yours and those of the group as well.