How To - Use a Linked In Group To Enhance Business ...

It's such a shame that Linked In Groups are under-utilised but Linked In are now setting about trying to change that.

I've put together my thoughts as to how and why you might want to use Groups a little more.

Remember that a Linked In Group is like a networking room - where other people in your particular sector hang out. They are people who are in the best place to pass you business referrals since they have the same target market as you, but don't do the same job. You certainly want to network with them and stay front of mind for them. Here's how...

• When you put out a Linked In status update, it is very quickly pushed out by everyone else's - why not also post it up in a group? This will anchor it in a place where your synergy connections are more likely to see it.
• There are people in your group who are not your first degree connections and therefore would not see your status update unless you posted it up in there. 
• Have a look at who the other members are. Send a connection request to those with whom you think you can best cross-refer business.  IMPORTANT NOTE: Even the basic, free version of LinkedIn will allow you to see the full profiles of, and connect with, your 2nd and 3rd degree connections ... AND those with whom you share a group - so join groups to extend your reach ... particularly if they are groups where your target market hang out. So - even if you never post in a group - you still have a big benefit.
• Get a 121 coffee with other members of the group to see how you can refer contacts and business to each other. 
• Facts tell, but stories SELL. Impress the other members with your success stories and examples of your work. Stay front of mind by posting regularly. 
• When you are networking, you need to educate other people with HOW to refer you. Why not post up just how to do that? e.g. ... "when you are next talking to a *** or if you spot **** ... tell them you know someone who can help by *** and see if I can give them a call" 
• Post up questions to start discussions. 
• Take part in discussions started by other people
• Tell other group members something that could be useful to them.
• Think of a noticeboard where lots of people are advertising what they do, and it's free to post up great adverts for your business. A group is like that, but if you don't post up those adverts, how do people get to know about you and keep you front of mind? 
• Comment (positively) on other people's updates
• Start your own group if you can't find a suitable one. In that way you can do your own moderation.
• You can can now tag other members of a group and ask their opinion on your post - great way to build relationships.

It's free networking, free advertising ... why not use it?