Once you have set up your account and filled out your profile, what is your
next step? Like any social site you want to start interacting with people. One
of the easiest ways to do this is by joining LinkedIn Groups.

Before you go ahead and start joining think about the type of groups that
would be beneficial to you. What type of people are you looking to connect
with? Are you using LinkedIn primarily to find work or to generate leads and
contacts for your business?

If you want to promote your services and generate leads then look for
LinkedIn Groups that could use what you have to offer. At the same time join
groups related to your area of expertise. This way you can offer advice and
tips to people, plus this will help build a solid relationship and brand you as a
professional.

As we mentioned before LinkedIn will automatically recommend groups for
you on your home page. These recommendations are based on how you
filled out your profile information. So this area is a good place to start when
searching for suitable groups.

To search for groups on LinkedIn go to the top of your home page and click
on Groups. There will be a drop down box with the following
recommendations:
• Your Groups
• Groups You May Like
• Group Directory

• Create a Group
The Create a Group is a good feature if you cannot find any suitable groups to
join, or if you want to start your own group on LinkedIn. This might be a great
option for starting a local business network or for a creating a specific niche
group.

The LinkedIn Group Directory is huge so you want to take some time to go
through it to find suitable groups. Look for groups that have a good number
of members and ones that are active.

With most groups you have to apply for membership within the group and will
need to be approved first. This may be done quickly or it could take a few
days. You will be notified by email once you are approved and then it is time
to start getting active in your group.

It is important to not join too many groups at first, otherwise your entire day
could be taken up with posting and commenting in the group. Instead it is
recommended to just join a handful of groups first and then see what the
group has to offer. If you are not receiving any valuable content or
engagement then leave that particular group and join another.

When being active in the group it is wise to offer advice and helpful tips to
other members. Provide them with answers to their questions and be sure to
comment on their articles or other posts which they make.

Only after you have been an active member in the group for a while is it a
good idea to promote yourself or offer your services. Done the correct way
this will look like a natural advancement and not blatant self-promotion.