So you want more connections? Well I have yet another way for you to find QUALITY connections! LinkedIn
Groups.
You can find groups for almost anything:
- Common Interest
- Alumni
- Clubs
- Networking Groups
In order to search for groups you can click on the “Groups” link on the main control panel on the top of your screen.
Once inside of Groups you can see four tabs (shown above):
My Groups – The groups you belong to
Following – Groups you follow
Groups Directory – Organized listing of groups – Excellent tool
Create A Group – If you want to start something, click here!
Now let’s click on Group Directory.
Group directory allows us to search for the groups we would like to join by category, keywords, and language. For example if I am a Job Hunter and I am seeking a group of job hunters to brainstorm with, I would type “Jobs” into the keywords and choose the appropriate category, and press “Search”.
Check out those results!
Over 3,000 Groups found!
First, the definition of a “Group”: LinkedIn Groups is your destination to find and join communities of professionals based on common interest, experience, affiliation, and goals. Stay in touch with organizations, schools, and companies that you are and were a part of, network with professionals with similar interests and goals, and collaborate in a professional community online.
Imgine Groups as a giant online trade show or conference with those who share the same interests as you! Group discussions can leads to Connections, partnerships, jobs, and more!
Lets take a look at the the description of the Groups first. You will be able to tell, almost immediately, if this group is something you would be interested in.
So let’s assume am interested in the first result, LinkedHR. I will click “Join This Group”.
Now I am brought to a screen which asks a few simple questions (Shown below).
Group Logo:Group logo will show in your profile if checked
Contact Email: Group Communications Sent Here
Digest Email: How often do you want group activity emails
Announcements: Receive Group Announcements or Not
Messages: Do you want Group members to message you?
Then click on the “Join Group” and you will be added to the Group Owners list to Accept Or Deny your membership.
Don’t worry most of the time you are accepted!
Join Your First Group!
Hey I have a good idea! How about you join your first group right now?
There is no better time than now, and I have the perfect group to learn with!
The Gross Life Group!
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2602765
If you would like to stay up to date on all of the newest trends in Social Media, Job Hunting online, SEO, PPC, and much more you should join today! Remember it’s free!
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2602765
Practice here before you join the other groups you are interested in so that you can learn the interface and become more adept at LinkedIn Communication as a whole.
So let’s take a quick look at the group interface. Once you have joined The Gross Life group on LinkedIn you will see the groups overview page. You will notice 6 tabs (we will discuss the 4 main tabs):
1. Overview – This page allows you to submit a discussion OR news article.
2. Discussions – Interact with other members – get involed
in group discussions!
3. News – Read all news submitted by other members (likely relevant to the groups industry or focus)
4. Jobs – That’s right! Groups have job postings too! Some of these jobs simply cant be found elsewhere. See how powerful groups are?
Now we will take a look at each of the tabs individually.
Overview: The overview tab is really pretty simple. When you are at the overview tab in a group you belong to, you
can do one of two things.
1. Start a discussion – say whats on your mind and let others in the group respond and add insight to the discussion.
Enter a Topic or Question: Self Explanatory
Additional Details: Elaborate a bit!
2. Add a news article – if there is something you read online that is relevant to the group add it here!
Discussions Tab: This tab is quite simple. This allows you to see all group discussions and reply to them. Get involved! Make connections by answering and helping others in the group!
News Tab: View all news added by members of the group.
Jobs Tab: This tab shows the jobs that are specific to that group! If the owner of the group chooses to post a job opportunity for the members it will show here! Check your groups Job boards often!
RELATED ARTICLES
Part 1: LinkedIn: Introduction
Part 2: LinkedIn: Creating Your Account
Part 3: LinkedIn: Connect With Contacts and Invite Friends
Part 4: LinkedIn: Building Your Profile
Part 5: LinkedIn: Add Your Resume Elements
Part 6: LinkedIn: Adding Connections
Part 7: LinkedIn: Adding Connections – Other Methods
Part 8: LinkedIn: Adding Connections – LinkedIn Groups
Part 9: LinkedIn: Adding Connections – LinkedIn Answers
Part 10: LinkedIn: For Job Hunting
Part 11: LinkedIn: For Job Hunting – Strategies
