How to Open a LinkedIn Group

LinkedIn groups are another way to connect with professionals in your field.

LinkedIn offers groups for universities, companies, conferences, nonprofits and professional organizations, and also allows users to create their own groups. A group includes a discussion board, job board and an area to post promotional material. When opening a LinkedIn group, you can create either an open or members-only group. While members-only groups allow group members to view your discussions and limit who can contribute to your group's content, open groups let everyone view your discussions and provide ways for users to publicly share content.

Instructions

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account, then click "Groups" on the page's menu.

2. Click the "Create a Groups" link under the list of the existing company groups to which you belong.

3. Click the "Browse" button near the top of the page if you want to upload a logo for your group. Type the group's name and select its type from the fields below, then type the summary and description you want users browsing for groups to see. Type your group's website address, if applicable, then type your own email address next to "Group Owner Email."

4. Click either "Auto-Join" or "Request to Join" for your group's access setting. Auto-Join doesn't require you to approve new members that join the group, and Request to Join requires your approval. Click "Display This Group in the Groups Directory" if you want to make your group visible to the public.

5. Select your group's language and location. Click "Check to Confirm You Have Read and Accept the Terms of Service" after you have read the terms of services for LinkedIn groups. Click the "Create an Open" button to open your group to the public, or click "Create a Members-Only Group" to create a private group for members.

6. Type the names of the members you want to invite to your group on the invitation screen that appears, then click "Send Invitations" to send the invites. You may also click "Skip This Step" if you'd rather invite members later.

Tips & Warnings

• To manage your group's settings, click the "Manage" tab on your group's page to view member requests and to set advanced options for your group. You can also send additional invitations, preapprove certain members and delete your group from this page.

References

• Dummies.com: How to Create a LinkedIn Group
• LinkedIn: Groups