Have you joined a group on LinkedIn and found value in that move?

When an update came from LinkedIn recently showing that two of my contacts had joined the "NAWBO group" on LinkedIn, I checked it out (since I am also a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners). I signed up for the group and a day later got an email that I was approved. So I now have a "plus sign" beside the word "Groups" when I log into LinkedIn, as well as the NAWBO logo on my profile page. I also get the group updates on my opening page and as emails (per my settings). 

The NAWBO group site has an overview, discussions (the content appears to be a duplication of "overview" so I will look forward to some improvements here), news (some of the same things that have already appeared and I'm asking: "Why isn't the association promoting next week's conference in Chicago?), jobs (none posted) and more (lists group members—only 1028 at the time of this writing—plus updates and a place to determine one's settings).

The "discussions" option, which offers a few words about each WBO's posting, including one on Thursday by Cherish Anderson summarizing organizational steps to the successful Summit our chapter held earlier this year. This offers opportunities to comment and start conversations. One posting is from a WBO looking for a Wordpress expert; another asks women to take a quick survey; a third wants green vendors for her catalog. WBOs are sharing their expertise, building their brands, exchanging chapter best practices and promoting NAWBO events in their local area using LinkedIn.

There's a search feature in "members" so that one can find out who is LinkedIn via name or a particular chapter. There's also an advanced search with industries, language preference and what one is interested in (potential employees, consultants, deal-making contacts, industry experts, etc.). There I can search by relationship to me (1st and 2nd level connections), relationship + recommendations and keywords. Playing around with the search features revealed some insights.

Many NAWBO members (like ME) just put "owner" in their title. I've now changed my profilt to "owner, writer, project manager" to enhance my ability to be found for the work I do. And I'm going to go back and review my profile thoroughly. The more details there are, the more opportunities to be identified in a search. Try doing searches (not just in groups, but using all of LinkedIn) to be sure that you can be located for the talents and strenghts you possess.

Check out 20 Ways to Use Linked In Productively by Leo Babauta. The post is two years old, but still applicable for neebies.