Word of Mouth Within Your LinkedIn Group

Enhance your word of mouth marketing using LinkedIn

Linkedin is one of the best online social networking tools for the business owner. While sites like Facebook and Twitter have their own special uses, Linkedin has proven itself to be of great appeal for those seeking to discuss their business needs and wants with other like-minded individuals.

Where most of this linking is done is through the group networks that Linkedin hosts. Some target specific applications while others provide a range of material. Depending on your personal goals, you can choose from a wide variety of groups to help build up your Linkedin network.

What is your goal for Linkedin? Are you here to learn? To market? To expand through word of mouth marketing? Or is it all of the above, which is what it should be. Remember that a conversation is composed of two parts. First, one listens while another speaks and they discuss. Then, everyone learns and proceeds to share with others.

Participation guarantees

The first rule is: Consistent participation is essential to establishing your image. If you aren’t a regular participant, you limit your opportunities. Consider the fact that if you provided valuable information previously resulting in more individuals joining in to discuss you, but you failed to return or stay in regular contact- you would basically lose out on all those opportunities.

Schedule a specific time to participate in group discussions. Consider this a meeting and have a regular schedule on your weekly agenda to actively participate with the group. 

There are, of course, situations in which conversation turns to an unproductive direction, at least for your purposes. Don’t be afraid to change groups to find the type of activity that suits your needs and applications. Your time is valuable so don’t spend it where there won’t be a significant return.

Content gets the attention

When it comes to content, basically you need to share what you know. This allows potential clientele to get a feel for what you can provide for them. What can you do for them? They want to know what it is that you are capable of accomplishing. 

Provide value to the conversation. Remember, this is a professional setting and you should only add content that has value to the situation. Don’t detract or distract with unrelated or irrelevant material. It is often easier to connect with smaller localized groups because discussion is often specifically relevant. This can help you make better connections and reduce obtuse content as well.

Sometimes you must sit back and observe first before you can provide quality to the conversation. Don’t simply “butt in” or you might find that you’ve overstepped your bounds. Be patient and wait for the right moment to place your expertise. Then it will be most valued by your audience.

What about getting in touch with current trends? One thing to remember is that a group environment is the ideal place to not only increase image but learn as well. Groups often discuss the latest and greatest and even provide solutions to current situations. This is a great opportunity to not only share but learn as well.

Linkedin can be extremely useful to your brand image if you understand how to use it to your advantage. Above all else, you must remember that the first step to expanding your image will only take place when you participate. Never pass up an opportunity.