linkedin2We have been discussing on this blog on how to utilize Linkedin for your career. You can use these techniques I share with you to grow your connections fast on Linkedin. If you are new to Linkedin and would like access to my network you are welcomed to send me an invite. My profile can be found here:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/JonathanMilligan

These last two techniques that I am about to share with you will grow your network fast. You will be at 500+ connections on Linkedin within weeks if not days. Now I am sure you are asking the question: “Why do I want to be connected to so many people and possible even people that I do not know?” Well, I cover this in more detail in my book (you can gain free access to it on the right), but basically you must remember Networking 101.

The six degrees of separation does exist. You are just a connection or two away from someone who can solve the problem you are now facing. Alright, now let’s get right into reason #3 and #4.

3. Join [LION] Groups
If you are on LinkedIn for very long, you will come across people who put [LION] next to their name on their profile. Simply put, LION stands for “Linked In Open Networking.” In other words, people with this next to their name are telling you two things.

1. They WILL accept all invitations whether they know you or not.
2. Their network is wide open for you to use once connected

Now here is where it really gets exciting! After you have joined a LION group, you can do a detailed search for people in that group. By the way, there are several different LION groups but start with the largest members. Do a search inside the LION group starting with your geographical area!

Get connected with the people (regardless of profession) that live close by where you want to work. These people are the “super-connectors” in your area and probably know a lot of people and are the friendliest.

For example, a Realtor might have several thousand connections in your metro area. By connecting with them you will have access to these people. Do this process over an over again and within a few weeks you will have a large network quickly!

4. List of groups I recommend that you join!

Below is a list of groups that I recommend that you join. A few of these groups are “Open Networkers” and a few are not. Remember the difference is that “Open Network” groups will accept all invitations regardless of how well they know you. The more your network grows, the more your network grows.
At the time of this writing I have over 2,500+ 1st level connections and over 10m+ in my network. Meaning I have name and contact info to over 10m+ professionals.
Of course, you can also join groups and discussions with non-open networking groups and still grow your network.

Linkedin Tip: Join a group like “accounting & finance professionals” and then post in the discussion that you are open to accepting invitations from other accounting & finance professionals. You will be amazed at people who will send you an invite. So, you do not have to join, and “open networkers” group to grow your network fast.
Here are some of the groups that I am a part of:

LIONCPA – Linkedin Open Network for Accounting & Finance Professionals
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1882706
**This is a group that I recently created on Linkedin. Upon joining this group you can send invite requests to all of the members. The group does consist of accounting & finance professionals, but they are all across the country.

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Top Linked Accounting & Finance Professionals
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=143749
Another Open Networker Group for accounting people
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American Institute of CPA’s Network
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=76246&trk=anet_ug_hm
Large network of accounting & finance professionals
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Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Network
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=51826
Another large network of high-level accounting professionals
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Finance & Accounting Professionals
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=39259
One of the largest groups on Linkedin created by Steven Burda (one of the largest networkers on Linkedin)

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IFRS Discussion Group
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=129994
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Tax Professionals Group
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=42838
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Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=107948
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Young CPA Network Group
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=160705&trk=anet_ug_hm
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Now, there are many more groups that I would recommend that you look into on LinkedIn. These are some of the largest and most productive for accounting & finance professionals.

If you have not picked up a free copy of my entire 5 step plan on how to used Linkedin. Get your copy today by going to the right side of this post.