Steven Burda, MBA
Senior Financial Analyst ● SunGard Data Systems ● Open Networker ● 11,000+ direct connections ● burda.mba(at)gmail.com
Why Join Groups on Linkedin? — Business AND Pleasure?
Dear Friends, Classmates, Colleagues, & Linkedin Member Community –
Being a well-connected Open Networker and loyal Linkedin member, I have created, maintained and managed several dozens of groups here on Linkedin Groups. The groups range from Alumni and Corporate association, to Networking and General Interest networks. The primary function of these groups is to get back in touch and keep contact with past/current colleagues, classmates and friends, as well as connect with other trusted individuals and interesting, innovative and trustworthy connections. Although I admit that some groups are more active than others, we do share interesting conversations, engage in strategic conversations or stimulating idea-sharing, and offer observations, advices and support to one another. Feel free to contact me or join the groups per URL below.
Link to my Group list, in six (6) .pdf pages:
Thank you, and have a wonderful day!
- Steven Burda | burda.mba @ gmail.com
P.S. In my opinion, Linkedin is the greatest asset in today’s virtual professional networking world. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns about using Linkedin to your advantage, see the FAQ section or feel free to contact me as I have couple of years under my belt in using Linkedin. I’m not affiliated with them directly, but as a dedicated member, I’d be more than happy to discuss this with you in greater detail. Have fun!
Clarification added 19 days ago:
Recently, a blog was posted by Ted Hopton, titled “Index of Groups on LinkedIn”
http://yaichablog.com/2008/01/30/index-of-groups-on-linkedin/
Answers (20)
Thank you for making your list available. I find the lack of a way to search for groups and the woefully deficient groups directory absolutely bizarre for such a “power” networking site.
Allen Roholt {LION} AllenR@GlobalSourceIT.com
Resource Manager at GlobalSource IT
Best Answers in: Blogging (1)
Hi Steve, thanks for the list! I just started creating groups on LI. I too find the lack of a way to search for a group to be a downfall of LI, but instead I’ll search for the types of individuals that would be in the group I want to join and see if I can find it that way.
Brett A. Scudder
President/CEO, The Technology Suite, Inc. / The IT Security Suite Network “TITSSN”
Mr. Burma,
Thank you for sharing this info. Yes, the limitation of a group search is a major problem but the approval process should mitigate any conflicts if any.
I would hope that even if the search feature is not available, LinkedIn would publish an updated monthly groups list.
Keep up the good work, much appreciloved.
~Brett A. Scudder~
Ron Graham
LION; Engineer, Educator, Editor of “Rhetoric for Engineers” and “start me up!”; advisor to student entrepreneurs
Best Answers in: Advertising (1)… see more
I’d like to know how you manage to use groups for discussions. That would be a wonderful capability, but I can’t find it. Don’t know how you’d measure activity otherwise. Cheers!
Clarification added 27 days ago:
Steven, I know you have tried to answer this question, but I must be thick or something. I don’t get it. I see no way within LinkedIn itself to start a discussion within a Group. <snif, snivel>
Linkedin is a great virtual networking tool, short of actually going out and meeting people face-to-face and exchanging business cards, this venue offers the opportunity to exchange strategic ideas with a much larger base of professionals from a variety of fields. I’ve only been a member for the past 2 months and I particularly like occasionally posting answers on the Answers page.
Definitely a great tool for someone looking for work (me!) to be seen and recognized, albeit in a virtual world. I’d like to ask you though, Steven, if you know of anyone who actually was able to get a great job simply by networking in Linkedin rather than the normal process of sending applications on the Jobs & Hiring page.
Hailey Chamberlain
Business Consultant-Recruiting, Staffing, Relocation, and Employee Support
I agree that Linkedin is an excellent networking resource to be involved in. With the steady popularity and increase in social networking popularity, Linked in fits in perfectly with the business professional networking environment. I use Linked in for connecting with current business contacts to build and develop relationships to further levels, to meet new contact opportunities and create relationships, and to create awareness within a thriving community of my own work and interests. I have had opportunities for work and expansion and met some amazing professionals. Linked in provides all of the resources that a social professional needs to be successful and to continue to grow!
Links:
Kathie M. Thomas
Author, Blogger, Founder of Virtual Assistant Industry in Australia, Speaker, VA Coach
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (29)… see more
Once I actually found groups that were active my LinkedIn experience became extremely positive.
Aruna Dhir
Experienced Public Relations and Communications Professional
Best Answers in: Personnel Policies (2)… see more
LI is a great professional networking site, Steve. I quite agree with you. The possibilities are many. I am sure it keeps you visible, may perhaps get you an offer and stimulates you to engage yourself in healthy discussions.
While I have created a Group myself, I find myself sorely handicapped because there is no facility on LI to send a mass communique to one’s Group members, start topics or put up a discussion board.
Or is there an option and I am looking in the wrong place? Guidance of all LI pros is welcome.
Arun Sinha
(2000)*(500)LION. Corporate Transformation Mentor, Tech Recruiter, Specialist-RPO’s,Trained-ISO 27001-ISMS Lead Auditor.
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (2)… see more
Lets ask the birds..shall we?
They do so naturally dont they?
Now dont go and retort and say no wonder they are bird brained!
They did not coin this adage….Humans did.
” Birds of the same feather flock together”
Arun
I don’t understand why it is hard for LinkedIn to list all the groups and make them searchable. They could just add a Google search button.
Cher Lon Malik
Office Manager – INFORMATICA: OPEN NETWORKER: Branson vacation home owner:
Best Answers in: Exporting/Importing (1)… see more
I agree with Christopher. As a paying member, I utilize most of the networking groups and features, maintain daily activity for personal and professional reasons. I love the tool, however it seems that LI would create a tool (at least as a bonus for the high usuage fees they charge) for group communications and grouped contact communications. This would eliminate my mult tasking between programs and email accounts. Yeah, the ole “cut and paste” method is fine, but with 400+ personal contacts, this gets time consuming. In the world of technology, for goodness sake, somebody develop the integration tool and share with LI! lol
Tim Tymchyshyn (gone to vegas)
Chief Bottle Washer in the Church of the Evangelistic Unwired and LinkedIn’s Bad boy
Best Answers in: Using LinkedIn (3)… see more
Steve are you saying I can have all the fun I want????!?!?!?!!?!?
I just have to find the groups that I like is all,like the flakes and the fall out flakes… hey I am in them already
Thank you for creating this group list. Like I’m sure many are saying I don’t understand why there isn’t a directory of LinkedIn groups especially since in order to join a group you just need to click on the logo and request permission to be added. Without starting my own group I’m definitely looking for groups that are related to organizations/individuals in my local area.
-Bryan
Joining a group is the 1st step to great networking. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m a LI ‘neophyte’ and have not found a way to open discussion within the groups I belong to other than to pose a question.
Tyronne Clarke
Technical Project Manager at CACI, Owner Clarke investments, 1URSelf media corp, Riverside HOA Board Director
I think Linked is awesome; Although new ( about two weeks) I connected with a whole slew of business partners through contacts I didn’t even know I had. It’s funny how data can be reinterpreted in so many ways. I’ll never go back to old school business cards again!
Jageshwar Tripathi
Solution Architect ( open4connection@gmail.com )
Best Answers in: Compensation and Benefits (1)… see more
As others are saying I a also frustrated with the fact that there is no way to search for groups.
It can help you business and it is also for pleasure.
Aaron Jones- LION- 1900+
ACTIVELY SEEKING EMPLOYMENT aaron-jones22(at)hotmail.com
Steven,
I also find it important to join groups for business and pleasure. Since joining linkedin I have met a vast number of very knowledgeable people and learned a great deal.
I had stumbled across your groups listing before, and used it to join half of the groups that I am in currently. Thanks!
Is there someone to talk to or email about linkedin groups being searcheable through the site?
Doug Hering [LION]
Creative and Fun Strategic Leader with expertise in financial management, customer service, and inspiring teams
Best Answers in: Education and Schools (2)… see more
I agree with Mr. Lim. LI needs a way to search for groups. I also get invited sometimes to groups with extremely similar names. The list should include a brief description of the group’s purpose.
This is a great work from you. I always wanted to find out all the groups that are available. can we create some kind of mechanism to enhance this list?
