To Get the Most Out of LinkedIn Groups, Follow These Guidelines If utilized correctly, LinkedIn Groups can be an amazing resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Otherwise, they can just be a waste not.

By Stephen Key Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

LinkedIn groups can be a great resource for people looking to network on the career-social platform. Not only do they connect you with other like-minded people but also provide a bevy of information small-business owners and entrepreneurs can use. But are they for you?

When I first joined LinkedIn, I wasn't sure how I would benefit from it. I wasn't looking for a job. I wasn't looking to hire anyone. I wasn't interested in reconnecting with old colleagues.

Also, I'm a bit old school. When I want to reach out to someone, I pick up the phone. Regardless, I decided to create an account, because I was curious if LinkedIn could benefit my business somehow. And what I discovered is that yes, it really can.

Soon after I joined LinkedIn, I learned there was a bit of a Goldilocks phenomenon going on. Some groups were simply too large to meaningfully engage with people. Others were so small there was little active discussion.

I also noticed many people were blatantly fishing for new clients. Making a sales pitch on LinkedIn groups is awkward and obvious. Almost everyone avoided those conversations, (which weren't really conversations at all but sales pitches) because they weren't looking to be sold.

Related: 17 Must-Have Features on Your LinkedIn Profile (Infographic)

Let me be clear, I've made all the mistakes you can make on social media sites. I've jumped in too fast, I've written about all my accomplishments, and I've used them as a way to promote my brand and image. But people see right through all of that. Getting people to know you and trust you can't be rushed, even on a site like LinkedIn. The best thing you can do is to start off slow. Sit back and observe the dialogues that are happening: What are people looking for out of this group?

On LinkedIn, I tried something new. I realized you need to provide people with good content to keep them coming back -- information that will benefit them. You need to really care. So I started asking questions. What were entrepreneurs and small business persons interested in learning? What would help them?

And something amazing happened. People started to respond. Comments flowed in. We were all learning from one another, and the information was actually valuable! I consider myself an expert in the field of licensing and small-business entrepreneurship but hearing other expert's perspectives on different subjects was hugely beneficial to me. I thought I was going to be teaching, but I ended up learning.

Related: Have a Blog? LinkedIn Wants Your Copy.

To make the most of LinkedIn-discussion groups, follow these guidelines.

Ask questions that can benefit everyone. The only way to do that is to really understand the goals and purpose of the group. So do your homework first and observe the group. What are members asking for? What do they want to achieve? Don't jump in without knowing, or you will look foolish.

Don't sell, be social. Joining a group is like being invited to a party: It's best to get to know people first. Demonstrate your sincerity by asking questions. What do people do? What are their interests?

Avoid dominating the conversation. Take the time to let a dialogue get going. Pause before you respond. This reaction will let people know you're open to hearing their opinions.

Don't brag. (You're not the only expert.) Your achievements are much more impactful when you let others discover them on their own. Being humble speaks volumes. And it's actually a great sales tool.

Thank people when they contribute. It's such a simple thing to do but giving thanks makes people feel needed and helpful, which goes a long way towards establishing a trusting relationship.

Keep an open mind, even when you disagree. It's okay to disagree. It makes the conversation that much more interesting. It's amazing what you will learn when you put yourself in someone else's shoes.

Is participating in LinkedIn discussion groups benefiting my business? Absolutely. Because of this new approach, we're receiving anywhere from five to 10 leads every day. That's pretty remarkable. People see that we're invested in our community. And because of that, they feel encouraged to reach out to us for more information. That's powerful. Do yourself a favor and contemplate how you can make the most of the LinkedIn community.

Related: How to Make Networking Suck Less

Stephen Key

Co-Founder of inventRight; Author of One Simple Idea Series

Stephen Key is an inventor, IP strategist, author, speaker and co-founder of inventRight, LLC, a Glenbrook, Nevada-based company that helps inventors design, patent and license their ideas for new products.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Business Process

The Best Times, Days and Months To Post on YouTube (2023)

When is the best time to post YouTube videos to maximize their effect? Discover the best time to post on YouTube in this detailed guide.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

From Elite Athletes to Tech Titans — Discover the Surprising $100-Million Habit That Leads to Extraordinary Success

Success comes from mastering focus, eliminating distractions and prioritizing what truly matters.