Gather More Clients With The Help of LinkedIn Groups

By Terry Savannah


LinkedIn is a social media site for professional networking. It's useful for connecting to other businesses and professionals, but it can also be used to build a stronger link with your customers and it certainly helps you to get in touch with new ones. LinkedIn Groups is a feature that provides an opportunity create this type of customer connection.

Through LinkedIn , an online forum or a group can be created among members. The group, just like the forum talks about a topic that is familiar with the clients. This would mean they can talk about anything especially the products and services but this would not just be limited on these particular ones.

Joining Groups to Get Ideas

One of the best ways to get ideas for your group is to join several and see how they work. You'll discover things you like and don't like, and you can use this to create your own group. You'll see how they work from inside and also find ways to make your group unique. Once you've set up your group, start by brainstorming topics your customers care about. If possible, base your group topic around challenges they face or areas where they need help and your expertise would help them.

With this, you can now create the group using your LinkedIn profile. The name of your group should have a meaning that is easy to understand and it should be able to convey what it has in store. You can opt to have it as an open or closed group. A closed group is more private and can only be participated in by others via direct link.

Spamming and Self-Promoting

Establish clear guidelines for your group. Make it a place for interaction among like-minded people, not a place for promoting and spamming. Unfortunately, many people join LinkedIn Groups only to promote their website or business. In your guidelines, warn that this isn't allowed.

Do your best to manage and prevent spamming. Try to monitor the discussions carefully. If in case you have discovered some violations, delete their posts and give them a warning. If they do not stop, remove them from the group.

Another way to manage this is to create a sub-group for promotions. Those who want to promote their site or business can do so here instead of in the main forum.

LinkedIn Groups Best Practices

It is advisable to set up the group so that you can monitor its membership. This is a great way to stop spammers from making unnecessary actions. Try to get in touch with those new members and send them an email of welcome, informing them of the profile of the group as well as the contact number.

Set aside some time each day to monitor the group. Starting it is just the first step. You'll need to be present not just to delete inappropriate posts but also to give it a personal touch.

Communicate with group members well and often. Be personable and positive. Start and lead discussions, and offer help anywhere that you can. Your friendliness as well as your expertise will make it a place people want to be.

Be on the lead in recruiting new members. Look for LinkedIn profiles of people who may be able to find your group important. Make it more warm, friendly and personalized.

And, of course, there's nothing wrong with sharing your articles, info and press releases with your own group. Do you have some cute new plush coming out for the holidays? Do a press release and share it with your groups. You'll be amazed at how your business will grow.




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