Internet Marketing Tools

In its essence, all social media and social networking is a group of people who come together to have a conversation around a common topic.  The internet eliminates the space and time considerations associated with traditional networking.  To be successful with Linkedin Groups, you must participate in the conversation.

Spirited Conversations

Think back to some of the best face to face conversations you’ve had with friends or colleagues.  What happen in those spirited conversations?

You talked about an important topic that interested everyone.  People had definite opinions and feelings about the issue.  Each person was involved and paid attention.  Each person made contributions to the conversation.  People took time to listen and ask questions.  Each person respected the opinions of others, even if they disagreed.

The qualities found in a lively person to person conversation are the same qualities that you want to bring to your conversations within the Linkedin Groups you join.

A Different Behavior

Participation in Groups conversations requires a different form of behavior.  It takes a different form of energy and time commitment.  You can be more or less involved in the Groups, but you do have to be there consistently if you are going to gain the respect you need to have others look at you and your business.

What would you think of a person who joined a Group six months ago?  Since that time, they have made three new connections.  They made two comments, the last one made 5 months ago?  Is that someone you would want to follow?

Because it is digital, your level of participation is open to everyone in the Group.   They see how many and when you made your last contribution.  If you went into a store in July that still had up their Christmas decorations, would you do business with them?

Conclusion

If you are going to be successful with Linkedin Groups, be prepared to participate in the conversation.  It is not a one time event.  It is an on going commitment to participate in the conversation.  Participating in Linkedin Groups are a wonderful way to foster your job search.  To be successful, you must participate and participate on a regular basis.  You will learn much from members of a Group and they will can be extremely valuable resources for your job search.

In the next blog, I will return to Linkedin Group process and how to join a group and how even to form your own Group for networking purposes.

Your comments are welcomed…

Al Hanzal

Tags: Linkedin Groups and Job Searches

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 at 5:52 am and is filed under Social Marketing, Web Marketing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.