LinkedIn is a place for professionals. So in essence, it means business. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t talk to the next professional in the social networking site. If anything, LinkedIn is a great place to start conversations about industries that each of you businessmen and Internet marketers would appreciate.
LinkedIn Groups allows professionals to be in places where they want to be. All they have to do is search for a group that’s relevant to their industry and join in. Of course, some of these groups would need to screen you first before they let you enter. Others would just let you in at the click of the Join Group button.
In any case, you have to know how to mingle with the masterminds if you want to be someone influential in the LinkedIn groups. Here’s a list of things to do in a LinkedIn group:
- Interact – You’ve got to respond to a new discussion especially if it’s aimed at your industry. That also means talking to people and calling them by their first names. Remember, be professional – that means that you shouldn’t be a know-it-all.
In my case, I enter a group with an attitude that shows the eagerness to learn. Being that way, humble and thankful, makes you a more approachable person worthy of a mention.
- Share your thoughts – Now, when you’re participating in the groups, remember to post comments that’s filled with value. You don’t just say: “Nice article!” or “I agree with you on that one, George.” Say something with sense and with value.
If you have to take a side, do it. This sends the impression that you’re ready to engage anyone in a healthy discussion and that you’re confident in your case.
- Agree to disagree – In discussions, it can’t be helped to have a few people go against a specific concept. That’s natural and sort of exciting. You can engage or totally uncover that tiny kernel of truth in a person’s arguments. But if you’re really into your case, then that’s okay.
People have different views and what may work for one person may not work for another. Just be nice, and thank the person for participating.
- Share your stuff – After you’ve reached a level of acceptance and influence in a LinkedIn group, don’t resist to post something off your blog. It’s also advisable that you don’t do this more than thrice per day just so you don’t go off as someone who’s spamming. Remember, share only the best stuff from your blog so they can get to know what you can do.
Talk and engage in a healthy manner, and you won’t go wrong with LinkedIn. Who knows? You might actually start a new idea with the people you’ve been discussing business models and concepts with. What matter is that you maintain an open mind and a professional aura.
That’s it for my tips, folks. Make sure that you interact with a level of professionalism, but don’t be a corporate robot. Let me know what you think.
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