My Four Favourite Linked In Groups
Linked In is often the punchline in people’s social media jokes. But honestly if you are ignoring this platform entirely then you are missing the point. Linked In can be a powerful search engine and a very useful professional channel for connecting and sharing leads and information. Linked In Groups are one of my favourite things about Linked In.
I’m forever amazed at the business people and bloggers who are not yet capitalizing on connecting via Linked In or Linked In Groups. I have heard Linked In dubbed boring and dull, even pointless. Frankly I am not here to convince you if you don’t understand the power of networking on Linked In.
I am happy to use Linked In in addition to the rest of my social channels to expand my reach, share contacts and network. Linked In is the office and the place where my resume resides. You can view my profile here. Remember how ridiculously tedious that old school printed out resume and cover letter process used to be? I do too, which is why I am more than happy to use Linked In and Linked In Groups to build my business and connect professionally with likeminded business people. In fact, last year I fielded at least one new client request from Linked In a week.
The other day a blogger friend who is new to Linked In asked me something about Linked In and we started talking which brought me to the topic of Linked In groups. Linked In is a social tool and social tools are rarely static. Just like other platforms and channels you get out of it what you put in. So you need to visit regularly. You need to join groups and even contribute once in awhile. Follow businesses that are of interest to you and pay attention to trends in digital publishing or your particular domain. Joining groups and commenting, and sharing professional opinions on Linked In may mean your profile is viewed more often than some other businesses. If that translates into jobs, then you have a clear edge by using Linked In well.
I explained this to a few other bloggers last week and one asked what my favourite groups are on Linked In. For a minute I considered sending a lengthy email update to those people when I realized this topic made more sense as a post. Now, call up your profile and head to Interests along the top. A menu of items includes Linked In groups. These are the few Linked In Groups I like the most.
My Four Favourite Linked In Groups:
1. Succeed – Small Business Network Powered by Staples
I found this one through Aliza Sherman. If you don’t know who she is, you should Google her. She’s a web pioneer, who is extremely on point for trends and one of the brightest women in technology and digital. I highly recommend her newsletter. She often shares smart new apps and groups and tools that help digital business people.
Staples Small Business Space has grown rapidly and it’s a great forum to talk business strategy and marketing plans. It’s even occasionally a place to pop in and contribute to a philosophical talk. What three words define your business? Can you start a business without a business plan? Introduce yourself, share a comment once in awhile if you feel like you have something to contribute. But first hang out and get to know the space before jumping right in. Linked In is the office and a professional tone is demanded. Linked In Groups are no different.
2. Type A Parent Conference #typeacon:
This is a space for bloggers. If you blog as a business and you approach your blog as such then you should be here. Kelby Carr is founder of Type A Parent, which has grown to be a multi-facteted business that I admire. Kelby sets trends in blogging and is incredibly smart. Plus she asks the hard questions – like are we killing the golden goose by taking on too many sponsored posts? This is a smart space where you can learn more about blogging opportunities, conferences, chats and developments.
3. Pro Blogger: run by Darren Rowse
This is the group for professional bloggers striving to be entrepreneurial. High level business focus for bloggers. Not blogging 101 at all. Rowse is a blogger, speaker, entrepreneur from Melbourne, Australia. Pro Blogger is a place to go to find the webinars necessary to build skills. If you only have time for one of these Linked In Groups or sites mentioned this is the one you should pick.
4. Social Media Today:
A smart space for people working with, or in social media. This is another space where I keep abreast of trends in the industry. Digital discussions about SEO, Keywords and best practices in WordPress and other formats. This group helps you grow your business smartly. Click here to find the group.
Are you in any Linked In Groups? Do you have a favourite? Share it here.
27 Comments
Mom vs. the boys
such a great read, especially from someone who doesn’t have a clue about linkedin lol
Wendy S
Great list!! I’m going to have to check those out!!
Christine McN
What a great list! Definitely going to check them out!
De Balino
This is so wonderful – thank you! I haven’t been as active as I should be on linkedIn. This will give me a good start! Thanks for the list of groups!
Emily
I love LinkedIn! Thanks for the group recommendations, I’m going to check them out.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I am so not active on LinkedIn, but I know I should be. I need to check some of these out.
Nicole
I haven’t been on LinkedIn in a long time. I have an account but haven’t really done much with it at all.
Kristen from The Road to Domestication
Thank you for this post! I have always heard that it’s great to be in groups in LinkedIn, but I had no idea what the good ones were!
Krystal
Thanks so much for this great info. I haven’t used Linked In nearly as much as all of the other social media sites. I might have to rethink that.
Jeanine
Great list! I has linked in for literally a week and had no idea about it so I deleted it. I’m on so many social channels so I just gave up but I may look into it again!
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life
I’ve bookmarked this page and am going to read this article again and follow your tips. Thanks so much for sharing this. As I am getting re-started after a long hiatus due to my mother’s illness, I need to find avenues to continue to build my brand. Thanks again
aimee fauci
Thanks for this. This is now on my to do list. I have a Linked In account. I know nothing about it.
coolchillmom
I love that linked in is a great networking serious space. Thanks for the group recommendations. I will look them up
Gingermommy (@Gingermommy)
I am one of the people still not on there. I know I should be. Just need to do it.
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom)
I didn’t even know there were groups. I’m going to join them!
Liz Mays
I’m not very active on Linkedin so this is really helpful. They all sound like good groups to be a part of. It would be nice to meet other people with similar goals.
Pam
LinkedIn is one of my favorite ways to connect with other professionals. It’s definitely not utilized as much as it should be.
Paula
Pam: I agree wholeheartedly! Linked In often helps me with my leads and people find me that way as well.
Amber NElson
This is definitely something I need to work on. Pinterest and LinkedIn are the social media networks I need most improvement on.
Chrystal @ YUM eating
I’ve been a fan of Darrin’s for about 8 years now. I admit I don’t utilize my LinkedIn as much as I should. Years ago when I got on there it was more for a resume and portfolio. I joined a few groups and now I pop in from time to time. I should really dust it off and put it to use.
Lois Alter Mark
Great information. I have to get better at paying attention to LinkedIn. I think it’s a really good resource.
Veronica
I am a part of several interior design groups on LinkedIn and the support is amazing, We share ideas, ask questions of each other and yes….sometimes even vent. I cannot imagine doing business without the support of these groups
Tough Cookie Mommy
This is some great information. I love to network on Linkedin and I will definitely be checking out these groups.
Pam
I will also check out these groups. Especially interested in the Social Media Today group. Seems like there would be some great information all in one place there.
Tess
I really don’t know a lot about linked in. Thanks for telling me about those groups.
Life As A Convert
I am one of those people not yet using linked in. There just seems to be so much available to bloggers it can feel overwhelming sometimes.
Onica {MommyFactor}
I keep telling myself I need to be on Linked In but haven’t yet. Didn’t know they offered so many useful groups. I need to check it out more.