Josh Turner - one of the top experts on leveraging LinkedIn - wrote in a blog post about the value of creating your own LinkedIn Discussion Group. Here's my comments I posted on his blog:
Excellent recommendation to build a group that meets the needs of your niche, whether that be for an executive recruiter making accounting placements in Garden Grove, CA -- OR -- a real estate broker in Louisville, KY.
Establishing my own group has lead to tremendous branding, pr, thought leadership, trust, and direct business.
Great suggestion - I'm surprised more professionals don't do this.
Maybe I shouldn't be since it requires hard work to attract members, sustain a rich dialogue, and engage continually with the members offering high value content and advice.
As a speaker, consultant, coach, or trusted advisor - this could turn out to be your greatest marketing accomplishment and sales lead generator - having your own group that you moderate of people interested in your thought leadership. It's a captive audience!
Barry Deutsch
Social Media Coach to Vistage and TEC Speakers and Trusted Advisors
Not a Vistage or TEC Speaker or Trusted Advisor, then be sure to visit our public blog on how to drive sales through social media, AND/OR our open discussion group on LinkedIn, Sales Through Social Media