I vividly remember when I got what writers refer to as The Call, the day Medallion Press phoned to tell me that they wanted to publish my first novel, “Thy Kingdom Come.”
I was thrilled, of course, but quickly realized that I was blissfully ignorant of what publication actually meant: contracts, legalese, marketing plans, a website, social media, blogs, newsletters, e-books, tax matters, etc.
I needed a place to go for answers to specific questions and items. And it would be helpful if I could get those answers and meet people who might advise me without dashing to a bunch of nonproductive meetings. When I scoured LinkedIn, I found the answer for me: “Linking Locals West Shore – Harrisburg” started by Joe Malis, a professional financial planner.
Linking In
LinkedIn is a social networking website like Facebook and Twitter, but more focused on a business and professional point of view. It operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 100 million members in more than 200 countries and territories. There were nearly 2 billion people searches on LinkedIn in 2010.
In Greater Harrisburg, Linking Locals is the largest public LinkedIn group with nearly 1,900 members. In 2009, Malis began building the membership with a community philosophy of “pay it forward,” giving to others without expecting anything in return.
“I’m Italian and like many other nationalities, new immigrants relied on their community to provide work, shelter, safety and protection,” said Malis. “They fed each other’s families when food was short, offered companionship, empathy, they watched each other’s children, offered a helping hand to the members of their group until they got on their feet.”
For LinkedIn to be of value, individuals must be active within their group. They must engage in the discussions and, when they have something noteworthy to share or need help finding a reputable painter or realtor, for example, they can start a discussion. By participating, group members get to know one another. It’s a natural tendency to do business with people we know and trust. And, once members trust one another, they can begin referring business or sharing their skills.
Linking Locals offers networking opportunities for its members, as well as face-to-face connections. Lunchtime networking and happy hour events are held monthly. Plans are now being finalized to offer breakfast networking opportunities, as well. So, no matter the member’s personal obligations or time restrictions, a networking opportunity is available to build relationships with other Linking Locals members. Conversations from these events continue in Linking Locals discussions.
Chris Lawrence, the marketing manager at Quantum Imaging & Therapeutic Associates, is a member of the group.
“I was at a stage where I needed to get references on three projects for our company that involved contractors (painting, carpeting and building),” he said. “We have already completed the first two projects, a direct result of referrals from Linking Locals recommendations. I was spared from having to interview prospects, and that saved me a world of time that I could use on other duties.”
Linking Locals also offers members the opportunity to form sub-groups. One such group is the new Linking Locals Lone Wolf Group, which is for individuals who are either a “one man shop” or work out of their home as a satellite office for a larger company. Group members hold each other accountable to meet their own personal goals, whether they be daily, weekly or monthly, professional or personal.
In addition, Linking Locals recently entered an agreement with the West Shore Chamber of Commerce to co-host and jointly market additional networking opportunities. “Our first monthly event will be open to the public and provide speakers to educate or offer interesting information on a variety of topics,” said Malis.
As in any group, problems have arisen along the way.
“All too many LinkedIn users see the group discussion boards as free advertising platforms, screaming I have something to sell,” Malis said. “These sales pitches promoting a product or service stifle interaction between group members, discouraging discussion.”
Also, many of the so-called social media experts teach their LinkedIn clients to start a discussion daily, as though they are blogging. This too can drive potential clients and referral sources away. Too much of either can kill a group, turning it into a ghost town.
“This is the exception,” Malis said. “The vast majority of LinkedIn users are professionals who wouldn’t consider such behavior.”
Next Steps
So, what’s next for Linking Locals West Shore – Harrisburg?
“My goals are simple,” Malis said. “First, to engage more members in the group, second, to grow the happy hour meet and greet events to over 100 attendees, third, to ensure the co-hosting relationship with the West Shore Chamber is mutually beneficial, and fourth, to encourage more discussions and posts.”
Lisa Heintzelman, president of Illuminations Consulting, is likewise enthusiastic.
“We have the opportunity to meet face-to-face twice a month, while continuing the conversations online,” she said. “I particularly enjoy the diversity and collaboration with other members. Joe encourages members to develop relationships. I see our strategic partnerships as a win-win because members may become referral partners and that helps us all.”
I’ve been a member of the Linking Locals site for about two months. In that short period of time, I have met a number of businessmen and women in Harrisburg and the West Shore and learned a great deal. And one of the best parts is I don’t have to put on a blue suit and tie to learn. I can do it from my own house in sweats if I want and can keep working on my computer. No commute. No wasted time. And I get the help I need.
For more information on the site, Linking Locals West Shore – Harrisburg, go to the LinkedIn website: www.linkedin.com. If you are not already a member, sign in, then go to groups and search out the site. There is a Help Center if you should need assistance.
Don Helin published his first thriller, “Thy Kingdom Come,” in 2009. He recently published his second, “Devil’s Den.” Don lives in central Pennsylvania and is hard at work on his next thriller. Contact him at www.donhelin.com.
