Leveraging Groups in LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of those things that most people join and then aren’t sure what to do with it. Many people I speak to say they tend to simply accept invitations to connect but then end up staring at the screen not knowing what to do next. One of the most important things about any kind of social media platform is to engage with people in a similar way to how you would at a networking meeting and groups are a great way of getting started.

Use the search function to find groups that are:

• in your geographical area
• in the same or similar industry
• that form the majority of your clients
• that contain specific people you want to connect to

To start with join about 10 groups. Take a look at the comments and conversations that are going on, see if there is anything you feel you can comment on yourself and do so. Be careful about shouting down someones opinion or coming out with phrases like “why not talk to us we have a great ******* that could solve all of your problems” people don’t want a sales pitch, they want genuine advice.

Try and spend some time in the group area each day and once you feel a little more confident why not start your own conversation going. If there is something in the news that impacts your industry or you have a burning question you would like answered then this is a good place to start. Make sure you answer or reply to any comments that are made and again, ensure you respect everyones opinion whether you agree with it or not.

Once you get the hang of it and start forming relationships with people they will begin to trust you a little more and so when they are looking for the services or products that you offer they are far more likely to come to you to help them out. When this happens they are far more likely to convert to a new customers as they already think they want to work with you before they have even approached you.

If you struggle to find groups that you think you would be interested in then why not set your own up to encourage conversation that way.

Now, let’s not get too carried away with the sales side here. Leads and customers do come from social media but you shouldn’t embark on it with this solely in your mind, approach it with the mindset that you want to build relationships and actually help people out. This way you will come across as genuine and as someone that people do want to do business with.

If you need any help understanding more about LinkedIn or any other social platform, then please leave a comment below and we will be more than happy to help answer your questions.