D is for… Discussion

D is for… Discussions

In addition to getting involved in Twitter chats, it is important to also engage with discussions on social media in the different forums that are available. This is most likely to be in Facebook Groups that have been built around communities and interests as well as LinkedIn groups (which are perhaps a little less active). Discussions on twitter and instagram are more about engaging with particular followers one on one and building on those conversations.

Facebook Groups

You might have your own dedicated Facebook group or you might be discussing common interests with friends and communties with shared interests (or a common IRL connection). Facebook groups can be a great way to learn. It can also be a great way to bond over casual interests.

Some groups are more active than others and different groups have different rules so it is important to look around and find the right group for you. In Facebook Groups participants tend to engage in discussions, share links, share tips and tricks and ask for advice and answer questions.  All of these things are ways to build your relationships and expand your network and would be the same as what you would do (and should be doing) in your own personal network. The only dfferent thing is you won’t neccessarily have met these people face to face.

The more you engage the more you will build your relationships.

Some groups share pain points and collectively tackle challenges, these types of groups can strengthen relationships and lead to more honest conversations.

Focus on a few groups where you can actively participate and that align with your strategy. If it’s a closed group you will need to request to join, but sometimes these groups can lead to more active conversations.

LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups are similar to facebook groups, just on a different (and more professional) platform. Groups tend to be tied to industries and organisations and professional interests. There are still millions of discussion groups, therefore as with facebook groups it is important to identify the right group for you. Preferably an active one.

Discussion groups are a place to discuss relevant topics, news and best practices in a given industry. They are for engaging with your connections and meeting new people.  As with all groups you should share information and links, ask and answer questions

Read our blog post from last year’s A to Z to find out more about what a LinkedIn group is, how to find the right LinkedIn Group for you and how to start you own.

Thank you for stopping by during the A to Z Challenge.

Do you use groups for Networking?