A social media site that is usually used in professional networking is LinkedIn. This particular social site has a great significance to many businesses and professionals however, it can also be utilized as formidable link with clients and it can surely help to gather fresh and new clients. LinkedIn Groups is very useful an opens new chances in establishing relationships with customers.
A group is basically an online forum that you can join or create and manage through LinkedIn. Like a forum, it should be about a topic that's of concern to your customers. It shouldn't necessarily be about your business or products unless that's what they're discussing.
Joining Groups to Get Ideas
One of the best ways to get ideas for your group is to join several and see how they work. You'll discover things you like and don't like, and you can use this to create your own group. You'll see how they work from inside and also find ways to make your group unique. Once you've set up your group, start by brainstorming topics your customers care about. If possible, base your group topic around challenges they face or areas where they need help and your expertise would help them.
Create the group through your LinkedIn profile. The name should be self-explanatory and tell potential members quickly what it's about. You can choose whether to make it an Open or Closed group. A Closed group is a private one where members can join only through a direct link.
Spamming and Self-Promoting
Create specific guidelines for your group. Try to establish a venue for mutual interaction among people who share common interests, not for promoting and spamming. Ironically, there are people who become part of LinkedIn Groups for their own vested interests. It should be stated in your guidelines that this should be prohibited.
Actively manage your group to prevent spamming. Check in at least once daily to monitor the discussions going on. If someone violates your guidelines, delete their post and send them a warning. If they continue to spam the group, kick them out of it.
Another way to manage this is to create a sub-group for promotions. Those who want to promote their site or business can do so here instead of in the main forum.
LinkedIn Groups Best Practices
It's good to set up the group so that you must approve all new members. This is another measure that will cut down on spammers. Send each new member that is accepted an email welcoming them, telling them what the group is all about, and offering your contact information in case they need to get in touch with you.
Make sure to set a time to check on the group daily. This is the basic step. Your presence is very important in providing a personal touch and making certain that insignificant posts are removed accordingly.
Do constant interaction with members of the group. Be positive and amiable. You need to initiate discussions and offer your services anytime. Your being personable, friendly and being of good service are the factors that make people join your group.
Take an active role in getting new members. Search LinkedIn profiles for people who may benefit from your group and invite them. Make it a personalized invitation and not a canned message.
And, of course, there's nothing wrong with sharing your articles, info and press releases with your own group. Do you have some cute new plush coming out for the holidays? Do a press release and share it with your groups. You'll be amazed at how your business will grow.
A group is basically an online forum that you can join or create and manage through LinkedIn. Like a forum, it should be about a topic that's of concern to your customers. It shouldn't necessarily be about your business or products unless that's what they're discussing.
Joining Groups to Get Ideas
One of the best ways to get ideas for your group is to join several and see how they work. You'll discover things you like and don't like, and you can use this to create your own group. You'll see how they work from inside and also find ways to make your group unique. Once you've set up your group, start by brainstorming topics your customers care about. If possible, base your group topic around challenges they face or areas where they need help and your expertise would help them.
Create the group through your LinkedIn profile. The name should be self-explanatory and tell potential members quickly what it's about. You can choose whether to make it an Open or Closed group. A Closed group is a private one where members can join only through a direct link.
Spamming and Self-Promoting
Create specific guidelines for your group. Try to establish a venue for mutual interaction among people who share common interests, not for promoting and spamming. Ironically, there are people who become part of LinkedIn Groups for their own vested interests. It should be stated in your guidelines that this should be prohibited.
Actively manage your group to prevent spamming. Check in at least once daily to monitor the discussions going on. If someone violates your guidelines, delete their post and send them a warning. If they continue to spam the group, kick them out of it.
Another way to manage this is to create a sub-group for promotions. Those who want to promote their site or business can do so here instead of in the main forum.
LinkedIn Groups Best Practices
It's good to set up the group so that you must approve all new members. This is another measure that will cut down on spammers. Send each new member that is accepted an email welcoming them, telling them what the group is all about, and offering your contact information in case they need to get in touch with you.
Make sure to set a time to check on the group daily. This is the basic step. Your presence is very important in providing a personal touch and making certain that insignificant posts are removed accordingly.
Do constant interaction with members of the group. Be positive and amiable. You need to initiate discussions and offer your services anytime. Your being personable, friendly and being of good service are the factors that make people join your group.
Take an active role in getting new members. Search LinkedIn profiles for people who may benefit from your group and invite them. Make it a personalized invitation and not a canned message.
And, of course, there's nothing wrong with sharing your articles, info and press releases with your own group. Do you have some cute new plush coming out for the holidays? Do a press release and share it with your groups. You'll be amazed at how your business will grow.
About the Author:
Boost your business potential! Gather new customers with the Use of LinkedIn Groups. Build your Bear Stuffing Business and see it grow tremendously with this strategy .
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