When using linkedin groups, you should only join groups that match your business/career focus:

So after having optimized and glamorized your profile, it’s time to network. Active participation in LinkedInGroups is one way (among others which I will address in future posts) to increase your reach, grow your network and create more leads for your business on LinkedIn.

So let’s start with a definition…

What is a LinkedIn Group ?

A LinkedIn Group introduces the opportunity to strengthen connections with like-minded individuals in an exclusive forum. The Groups function provides a private space to interact with LinkedIn members that share common skills, experiences, industry affiliations, and goals.

Got it. So why would I want to invest time to participate in yet another online activity ?

What are the Main Benefits of Joining a LinkedIn Group ?

• You get to strengthen connections with individuals in an exclusive forum
• AND you can send members of the group direct messages

Why is this so important ?

Because on LinkedIn, by default, you cannot send messages to people you don’t know. But if you share a group, this option becomes available and presents a major benefit. You can get in touch with people that you wouldn’t be able to approach otherwise. So whenever you see someone’s profile that’s of interest to you and you would like to get in touch with them, check if you have a group in common. If you don’t, just join a group that the other user is part of so you can send a direct message. You can always leave the group again if it’s not of value to you.

Of course there is more to Groups than just being able to send private messages.

More Benefits of Using LinkedIn Groups:

• You widen your network because LinkedIn considers members of a common group your 2nd degree connections. So in other words your 2nd degree network will increase considerably just by joining 1 group.
• You can start relevant discussions
• You can comment on discussions
• You can submit your blog posts and articles: only if they are relevant to the group, otherwise you will be considered a spammer

The 80/20% rule also applies here. Share 80% of interesting content, and only 20% self-promotion. If you do promote your own services, be smart about it and “present wrap” it nicely by offering your know-how, not just telling people “Buy from me”.

Every time you post something, your photo is featured and other members of the group can click through your profile. By posting valuable content you position yourself as an expert in your field and chances are that curious members visit your profile where they find your website.

Which LinkedIn Groups Should I join?

When I work with new clients I often realize that they have joined many personal interest groups. So for example a coach is part of 20 coaching groups. But if this coach is on LinkedIn to get more clients, he will not find them in the coaching groups. You need to join the groups where your clients hang out and be visible as the expert there !

Update

Greg Cooper & I have recently hosted a Google Hangout to cover exactly this topic. Here's the replay of that 30 minute content-packed event: 

4 ways to get the most out of this article

1. Browse through the group directory and join 3 new relevant groups
2. Share this post with your LinkedIn network or any other Social Media channel Sharing quality content increases your visibility and credibility, positions you as an expert & creates conversations & potentially new business leads.
3. If you join lots of groups, make sure you turn off the daily digest e-mails in the settings section. Watch the video on the original of this post on my blog before you get bombarded by daily digest e-mails.
4. Download my '10 Ingredient Recipe for LinkedIn Success' ebook

==> If you liked this post, please consider following me to get my updates in your news feed. I alternate French and English posts, 1 per week, so maybe you pick up some French on the way ;-)

Sarah Santacroce helps small business owners get clients online. She will teach you how to increase your online visibility so you can quit chasing clients and get found; how to tap into the power of social media to increase your leads; and how to understand and master the intricacies of Internet marketing. LinkedIn is her favorite platform & she helps businesses & entrepreneurs to use it in order to capitalize their growth.

Download her 10 Ingredient Recipe for LinkedIn Successnow and create a strategy that will generate new leads & clients for your business.

Sarah's expertise and eagerness to share her knowledge with others have made her an in-demand expert and a sought-after presenter at numerous workshops and webinars. Sarah lives & works in beautiful Switzerland but works (in 3 languages) with people from all over the world.