How To Use LinkedIn- Getting Involved With Groups

LinkedIn is more than one massive community. One you learn how to use LinkedIn it will become apparent that it actually consists of many smaller communities and you can be a part of more than one of them. One of the ways LinkedIn makes these manageable, targeted communities possible is by allowing for groups.

Groups are collections of people with shared interests. When one is part of a group, he or she is provided with a number of ways to interact directly with other group members. This includes sharing news, getting involved in discussions and other valuable networking tools.


LinkedIn members are allowed to build up to ten groups of their own. They can be a member of fifty total groups. That may sound like a lot, but the numbers aren't as big as you might think. Some groups can be very niche specific and may be incredibly valuable even if they're not consistently busy. Some disciplines may have scores of different groups that cover the same terrain. You do need to choose wisely when creating or joining LinkedIn groups.

The real value of a group doesn't stem from merely watching the discussions of others. It comes from being actively involved. This is a key point to keep in mind as you learn how to use LinkedIn. Passive learning isn't necessarily a bad idea, but it doesn't pack the networking punch of being a contributing member of the group. Whether you build your own group or join an existing one, make a point of staying involved. Share interesting news and important ideas. Answer questions posed by group members when you can. Engage in the dialog. Remember, the word "social" is part of "social networking" for a reason.

If you do opt to create a group of your own, prepare yourself. You're not just responsible for setting things up. You're also going to be "in charge" of recruiting new members, establishing group policies and promoting the group elsewhere. While that isn't necessarily complicated or incredibly difficult, it does require a time commitment and you need to be willing to handle the responsibilities properly if you want your group to thrive.

New LinkedIn participants will probably want to dip their toes into the group water by joining established groups. That will familiarize them with the way things work and what groups can really accomplish. As time goes on, one may see a justification for a new group and should then seize the opportunity.

If you're not involved with groups on LinkedIn, you're probably just using the service as a little more than a personal resume. That's not the best way to use the service. The social networking doesn't take place on the top level. It happens in vibrant, high-quality groups. Find them. Join them. Make them. Use them. Taking action is the best way to learn how to use LinkedIn and it is also the best way to network on LinkedIn.

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