I’m currently a member of 50 LinkedIn groups. Out of the 50 groups, 12 are social media and internet marketing. Even though I have increased my connections and met some informative social media professionals, I was not generating much leads from these social media groups.

Two months ago, I started a collaboration project with an advertising and marketing company for music artists. One of the objectives was to scout for independent artists to be featured on their entertainment portal. Well, the first platform I jumped on was the music groups on LinkedIn.  As I was scouting and conversing with independent music artists and record labels, I starting to noticed an increase in my connection. Plus, I have received an increase of inbox messages asking for assistance with their social media presence.

Let’s stop for a minute. Once again, I have joined 50 groups, 12 are social media and internet marketing, and 12 are music groups. Out of the 12 music groups, I have increased my connection by almost 11% in less than two months and a 5% increase in leads of music artists who were interested in social media marketing.

Trick #1:  Expand your reach of professionals outside of your industry
A group of professionals of the same genre can provide industry news, creative strategies/ tactics, encouragement or even referrals. But, interacting outside of your industries and targeting your ideal audience are the keys to generating leads. This means, you would have to join groups of people who are seeking for your expertise.

Trick #2: Don’t advertise your services
Become a thought leader and provide assistance by answering other people questions. I’m not a pushy person, so I don’t mention my profession unless I have been asked. I would only provide an opportunity for these independent artists to gain more exposure.  Once your target audience knows you’re informing them instead of trying to sell your services, they will review your profile and contact you. Trust me, this trick always works.

Trick #3: Build a connection while on the job
Oh yeah, I just thought of another trick. While you are working on your client’s projects and interacting with their target audience, you can also increase your reach and generate leads as well. Just be mindful of the stipulation outlined in your service agreement or contract.

Give some of these tricks a try! Find your top groups, listen to what the members are saying and start engaging. The more informative and visible you are, the better chance of you generating leads and closing sales. I want to hear your thoughts. What LinkedIn group strategies have you implemented and have noticed great results?

In May, I had dinner at the Tin Lizzy’s Mexican Restaurant in Atlanta, with two of the most down-to-earth and high-spirited LinkedIn /Social Media Trainers. They are known as Mike O’Neil and Lori Ruff, of Integrated Alliances; the world’s first Social Networking, LinkedIn & Social Media training company. As a dynamic speaking team, Mike and Lori are highly trained expert connectors who deliver social media training with the type of energy compared to a live rock concert.

They know how to party, too! For real!!!!

For this week show, I’m pleased to have Mike O’Neil and Lori Ruff as our LinkedIn experts. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with over 75 millions members and growing rapidly. These LinkedIn gurus will provide us with effective LinkedIn strategies from their book, Rock the World with Your Online Presence: Your Ticket to a Multi-Platinum LinkedIn Profile. We will discuss key topics from the book:

• Keys to an Effective High-Profile LinkedIn Account
• How to Meet and Interact with Connectors
• LinkedIn Applications to Showcase Your Expertise

Nan Ross Show

Show Topic: Need a Ticket to a Multi-Platinum LinkedIn Profile?

Show Time & Date: August 12 @ 8:00 PM Eastern Time

Show Page Link: http://budurl.com/nza4

Call-in#: (347) 324-3703

2. Seeking Your Connectors: By joining, a few niche groups. LinkedIn group directory allow you to find communities of professionals who share a common experiences, goals and interests. Once upon approval, jump into many discussions and engages with your network. You never know, the CEO of the top corporation may be checking you out.

3. Share & Help Others: Heard of the saying. “Don’t give out information for free!” Bump that! In this economy, you must give and share information to help others. Just as if you are hiking up a mountain with friends, would you leave them behind? No. You help them up the mountain with you or before you. Social media is about edification and gratification. Here is how this work? As soon as you connect with someone in your industry, get to know who he or she is as a person. View their profile, compliment their skills, listen to their talk show or watch their video. If the information they provide is useful to you, let them know. Listen, watch and give feedback. They will appreciate and remember you. Try using the Q&A section. This forum is an excellent way to show your expertise by answering very simple questions.

4. Market Research: Market research is the blood of your business. At times, you will need some specific information from a targeted group of people. LinkedIn Poll is an application that allows you to find answers to your business questions. It provides more consumer insights tools for us in the future, especially when launching a new product.

5. Offline Networking: Take advantage of the free or low-cost face-to-face networking events held in your local area. Meeting people offline will give you the opportunity to invite them to join you online and join your social networking community.

LinkedIn is not a numbers game, like MySpace and Facebook. It is about the relevancy of your network and the relationship you have built. As long as you are part of an association of people with shared interests, either virtual or in person, you will benefit from belonging to something larger than yourself. In addition, that collaborative energy will strengthen you and your fellow members. Always remember, make sure there are others in your network that is sharper than you are.