This is a big question that I am sure will generate a ton of response. So are you a believer in Linkedin Groups? I will tell you that I am without a doubt a strong proponent of Linkedin groups.

The reason why I am a strong believer is because you have a professional community coming together for like interest, goals, experiences, and networks. This makes it the perfect place to collaborate within a “targeted market” with your real investment being the time you put into it.

As a sales and marketing professional myself, I see this as a perfect place to build brand image, be a resource to potential clients or customers, and find solutions! Whether you are in sales, construction, accounting, unemployed, lawyer, doctor, engineer or any other field you can find value in the Linkedin Group communities. Through the group’s directory you can view already established groups or even pioneer a group as you may discover a need to fill on the Linkedin space. The group’s directory will allow you to easily find the right group by both category and keyword. This is a great tool because you then just determine your target audience you want to be in front of by relevant keywords and search to join those “liked minded” individuals

So here are some do’s and don’ts:

~ Be a resource to your group and bring value.
~ Respect the group rules.
~ Ask quality, thought provoking questions.
~ Give well thought out answers.
~ Do not promote your service as a new discussion without the group manager’s approval.
~ Be respectful of the members and when others may be less than professional be slow to respond and careful not to lash out. The community is watching to see how you respond. Respond well and win a valuable connection forever.

As an added interactive, I have posted the question to the Linkedin community on July 21, 2009 @ 8pm central. Here is what I asked, “Are you a believer in Linkedin Groups & Why?” click here to see the live responses.

Finally here is a group for All Linkedin Members, Linked Strategies offers strategies, tips, collaboration, and resources with the Linkedin community on how to be successful with Linkedin. You can join here today, as a way of saying thank you the owner has graciously agreed to host a “no cost” Linkedin Power Users Webinar that you can sign up for here. Strategies Webinar is hosted every thursday with different times emailed to you.  As well as access to the previously recorded.

Randy Schrum

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