LinkedIn is the best social media site for professional conversations. LinkedIn Groups are communities of like-minded people who share a common interest. As someone who is a member of LinkedIn Groups and also manager of my own group, I have extensive experience from both sides of the fence.
Here are a few etiquette tips when participating in LinkedIn Groups:
Create Community
The main motivation of most LinkedIn users is personal advantage of a professional nature. Seek to start or add to conversations in a manner that builds your overall influence, credibility, and reputation while building relationships by adding valuable content. Be respectful and courteous. Don’t take personal shots at others if you disagree with their point of view.
Focus
Demonstrate expertise and share knowledge. When you create conversations, think of yourself as a thought leader within the parameter of your value proposition.
Frequency of Discussion Posting
Generally, once a week is an adequate level of participation. If you find yourself wanting to start more than one discussion a week, you can start your own group or discuss a larger role in a group with the group manager.
External Links
If the content in your conversation is aligned with both the group mission and adds value to the larger group, then add a link to an external site. Be prepared to back this up if the group manager believes otherwise.
Overall, think of your social media behavior on the same level as the behavior expected of you when you are serving on a board.
Tracy Houston
Tracy E. Houston, M.A., is the president of Board Resources Services, LLC. She is a refined specialist in board consulting and executive coaching with a heartfelt passion for rethinking performance, teams and the boardroom. Her company, Board Resource Services, LLC, is online at www.eboardmember.com and www.eboardguru.com. You can follow Tracy on Twitter @BoardGuru. Headquartered in the Denver, Colorado area, Tracy is an avid hiker.
Follow Me:
