About

Mentoring

Articles & E-books

Links

Book shop

» Why Aren't You Networking? - Kim McGuinness

» How to Craft an Introduction that Positions You Professionally - Camille Valvo

» Five Habits of Highly Effective Conflict Resolvers - Dina Beach Lynch

» Getting Smart about Emotional Intelligence - Katina Cremona, People Savvy Consulting

» Fearless Leadership Part 1 - can we overcome our brain's hardwiring? - Katharine McLennan

» Viva La Revolution! The 5 C's to recruit, engage and retain in a post industrial world - Kim Seeling Smith

» Predicting the Unpredictable - Amantha Imber

» Build Your Profile with a LinkedIn Group - Catriona Pollard

» Will You Get Your Next Promotion? - Dianne Jacobs

» How to organise table at Network Central Events where guests pay for themselves - Zoe Freeman & Kim McGuinness

5/10/2011
Build Your Profile with a LinkedIn Group
By Catriona Pollard

LinkedIn is a professional network that connects people based on common professional interests, associations and companies. It offers great opportunities for building your professional profile by joining groups, answering questions, connecting with like-minded people and even starting your own group.

Groups on LinkedIn are a popular application. They attract people from specific professions, industries or interest areas to discuss their common interest, ask questions and provide answers about industry trends and more.

Starting a LinkedIn group is a great way to be exposed to people in your industry or profession and raise your profile as an expert or thought leader. If you’re willing to make the commitment, follow these tips to best manage and build a LinkedIn group.

Starting a LinkedIn group

• Unlike Facebook, a LinkedIn group must be managed by a person rather than a business page. This person alone can manage the group, so choose carefully who should manage it.

• Do upload a profile image – it adds professionalism and credibility.

• Choose a group name that relates to a topic of interest or profession rather than the brand name, as more people will relate to it.

How to build your membership

• Invite your connections to join the group – chances are these people share common interests.

• Promote the group on your business website, email signature, e-newsletter and social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter.

• Identify key influencers already contributing on LinkedIn in the subject area and invite them to join your group.

Management of the group

• Depending on your privacy settings, you may need to approve comments before they appear on the wall. If this is the case, check the page 1-2 times each day to keep conversation flowing.

• Until members begin initiating discussions, you should post twice a week. A good tactic is one post that asks a question, and one that links to an interesting article that is relevant to the topic of the group.

• If there are already active discussions, contribute to these rather than starting another discussion.

Your LinkedIn group might take a few weeks to begin attracting members and generating discussion. But by following these tips you should find that before long you’ll be in charge of a lively discussion –a great way to position yourself as an expert in your profession!

About the Author

Catriona Pollard is director of CP Communications which provides specialist PR and social media strategies that achieve positive media coverage, increased brand awareness and improved sales results.

Catriona Pollard Communications Pty Ltd

Suite 6, 385-389 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest NSW 2065

P: (02) 9922 1063

E: cp@cpcommunications.com.au

W: www.cpcommunications.com.au

Blog: www.PublicRelationsSydney.com.au

T: @catrionapollard and @CPCPR

F: www.facebook.com/cpcommunications

L: www.linkedin.com/in/catrionapollard

Y: http://www.youtube.com/publicrelationstips