Maximize Groups in LinkedIn
Continuing from our “Getting More Out Of LinkedIn” discussion, here are a few more things that you can make part of your social media practices so as to reap higher benefits from your LinkedIn efforts…
- Get Involved: Join the Conversation
Obviously, just joining targeted groups that have members who may be your prospects by itself won’t do you any good. Start reading the conversations in the groups. “Listen” to what is going on.
In particular look for discussions/posts that have lots of comments. These threads will receive more weight as being “important” and will tend to stay toward the top in the list of the conversations.
Also, the more people who have commented, the more people who are monitoring the thread for additional content – i.e. – your comments.
After you have listened, when and where you can, post relevant, helpful comments – remember “lead with value”.
This brings me to the next point:
- Listen Before Speaking
Have you ever been reading a thread and someone, from seemingly out of the blue, posts a comment that basically repeats something that someone else already stated 5 comments back? Annoying right? Yes! When we are conversing person to person we would never find that acceptable, and we don’t online either. Few things will destroy your credibility within the group as quickly as the practice of not reading the conversation before commenting on it.
Show fellow group members the same consideration you would like yourself – “listen” to the conversation – in its ENTIRITY - before posting anything. Think of that as earning the right to comment.
- Follow Up
Don’t be the bore at the party who is only interested in what they have to say. When someone responds to one of your comments, when it makes sense, be sure to respond back, show that you are “engaged” in the community.
Also, “like” your comment after you post it. This will boost the activity of the post and thereby its visibility, and again, that is what you want.
Post an additional comment a day or two later with more relevant content. This will serve to increase activity on the thread.
I hope you find these simple, yet effective methods of enhancing your value from LinkedIn helpful! Let me know.
