Get LinkedIn with these Top Ten Groups

EMBA candidates can look up and join the following groups on LinkedIn, keeping them firmly in the business world loop.

What groups on LinkedIn should EMBA candidates join?

It is no secret that LinkedIn has become the most important network for EMBA candidates to be a member of. Statistics* reveal approximately two new members are joining LinkedIn every second and to date, the world’s largest professional network has over 160 million members.

One of LinkedIn’s most valuable tools is the range of groups you can join. But which groups should EMBA candidates join, and how can they get value from them? According to John Hayes, EMEA Business Development Executive for iContact, an email and social media marketing company for small and medium sized businesses, group membership can bring about a number of benefits.

These can include the delivery of a broader insight into industry news and trends, partnership opportunities, recruitment and new job opportunities.

“One of the main reasons a business professional should join a LinkedIn group is to position themselves amongst their peers in an industry specific group,” says Hayes. “By doing this they can expand their network of industry contacts beyond their personal connections and also glean a wider insight into industry trends and opportunities, using the group as a platform to position their own company and personal brand.

“Group membership is also an ideal tool to promote your business, drive traffic to your website or blog and build your personal network,” Hayes adds.

However, it’s not enough just to join a group; the real value comes from participation. “As with all marketing, group participation needs to be relevant, interesting and timely,” says Hayes. “Try at all times to add value to group discussions. Share information freely, but don’t be overly salesy. Ask questions and engage with other members – it’s called social media for a reason.”

QS TopExecutive recommends these top ten LinkedIn groups for EMBA candidates:

1. The Project Manager Network

Active since 2007
300,000+ members
This group discusses all aspects of project management, including software, methodology and business opportunities. It also provides a valuable forum to keep up to date on changes in the industry.

2. Social Media Marketing

Active since 2008
350,000+ members
The largest social media marketing (SMM) group on LinkedIn, it also includes 20 different subgroups inviting discussion on specific topics in relation to SMM, such as non-profits and politics.

3. Harvard Business Review

Active since 2010
180,000+ members
Keep abreast of the latest in management thinking from Harvard Business Review. This non-profit group publishes a range of magazines, books and digital content that could enhance your management practice.

4. On Startups – The Community for Entrepreneurs

Active since 2007
250,000+ members
If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, extend your network of other like-minded professionals. Discuss relevant issues and share insights with members of the largest entrepreneurship community on LinkedIn.

5. Future Trends

Active since 2008
140,000+ members
In a rapidly changing business world it’s important to stay one step ahead. This group looks at future trends across a wide range of industries from marketing to product development.

6. Career Management Best Practices

Active since 2009
90,000+ members
Job seekers and recruiters can embark on in-depth dialogue surrounding specific jobs and careers in this LinkedIn group. Job adverts are also posted to the 20 industry-specific subgroups.

7. Leadership Think Tank

Active since 2007
75,000+ members
Continue your leadership development post-EMBA by becoming a member of the Leadership Think Tank community. The focus is on improving leadership concepts and practices in business and industry.

8. The Economist Newspaper readers

Active since 2007
75,000+ members
It’s important to keep abreast of local and international news, particularly while studying your Executive MBA. This group encourages discussion of newsworthy topics with other Economist readers and EMBA candidates.

9. Google Universe: Jobs, Tools, Trends and Galaxies of Ideas

Active since 2010
55,000+ members
Google is one organisation that doesn’t sit still. Keep up with the evolving world of Google products as a member of Google Universe. Particularly relevant for those in the IT industry.

10. Jobs: Job Openings, Job Leads and Job Connections!

Active since 2009
790,000+ members
Search for jobs across all industries through this LinkedIn group. A valuable community to discuss all aspects of job hunting and recruitment.

*Statistics as of 31 March 2012. Source LinkedIn Press Office.

John Hayes is the EMEA Business Development Executive for iContact, an email and social media marketing company for small and medium sized businesses.

He is also the author of the book: Becoming THE Expert: Enhancing Your Business Reputation through Thought Leadership Marketing, published by Bright Word Publishing.