Lisa's LinkedIn Tip: Are the LinkedIn Groups You've Joined In Line With Your Goals?

LinkedIn allows us to join 50 groups, more than most of us need or have time to participate in. Make sure the groups you do join are helping you attain your goal of promoting your expertise and growing your business. 

Let's face it, sharing your knowledge with your competition isn't going to get you business. This doesn't hold try every single time, there can be the opportunity for sharing projects with others in your industry. But most of the time, I recommend joining groups where your potential customers are. 

How to find the right groups:
1. Click on the search pull down menu at the top (see illustration) and choose Groups.

2. Put in different search terms based on the types of groups your clients and potential clients would be in. Include geographically specific words to find available groups. If the word Denver doesn't work, try Colorado, etc.

3. Once you're on the group page, click on the i at the top right, this will give you details on the group and a short list of members (you'll get the full list once you're approved).

4. If it seems like a group is worth joining, go for it. You can always leave if it doesn't turn out to be a good fit.

TIP: Scroll to the bottom of the group page and check out People Also Explored. This will give you additional group suggestions.

MY RULE: 85% Engagement, 15% selling. Share useful content that your potential clients will appreciate and engage with. Present yourself as an industry expert, and only post your sales message on a limited basis,

DON'T FORGET: You get out of LinkedIn what you put in to it. Like and Comment on appropriate discussions. Start your own discussions, stay engaged.

WATCH YOUR PROFILE VIEWS GROW! The more you participate, the more views you'll get, so make sure your profile is a professional representation of you, your expertise and your business.

What not to do on LinkedIn and why.

Best practices on LinkedIn are abundant, and so is the no-no list.
Here are some things to consider if you want to be successful on this great business networking platform.

1. Don't ask for recommendations.From people who don't know you, that is. Why would you expect someone without first hand knowledge of your expertise to say something great about you? I've gotten many requests like this and it always surprises me, and I never do it. Even worse: when it's sent out as a mass email...not cool.

2. You don't give back.
Great networking is based on giving, not receiving. Endorse another person's skills and you not only give them a virtual pat on the back, you may also help them show up in search results. Personally, I won't endorse anyone I don't feel comfortable endorsing, it's not genuine.

3. You've forgotten where you are.
LinkedIn is not Facebook. LinkedIn is a social networking site for professionals, so always present yourself in a professional manner. Show off your vacation and party pics someplace else. When you want to leave comments, share material, etc., always assume a potential employer, employee, customer, vendor is going to read it.

4. Don't be a salesperson in your groups.
Groups can be a great networking tool to grow your sphere of influence if you're engaged in the right way. DO NOT join a group if you're just going to promote your products or services, instead share useful information others in the group will find informative. The object is to build your reputation as a industry leader, and to develop useful relationships through communication.

Happy #NationalDonutDay!

I got mine!

Social Media Marketing Trends for 2014. Thanks Social Media Examiner!

Social media marketing trends for 2014 from Social Media Examiner

Listen, really listen.