On the Web: Get Linked In; Get Answers

If you could have access to hundreds of great food & beverage industry minds without paying a single cent, would you take advantage of that offer?

If you answered yes, then I certainly hope you've taken a moment to check out our LinkedIn Group, the Food Processing Network Group (www.FoodProcessing.com/linkedin).

With more than 1,300 members (and growing), the group is filled with experts in nearly every field of the food and beverage industry. Given the travel restrictions most companies have imposed these days, it's become increasingly more difficult to get out to a trade show or conference and meet your industry peers. Our LinkedIn Group solves that issue by letting you mix and mingle with the same folks you would have met on the show floor. Only in this format, you never have to leave your desk.

The Food Processing Network LinkedIn Group isn't just a place to drop your electronic business card and say hi (although you're more than welcome to do that). There are numerous opportunities to reach out or be reached out to. For instance, did you know:

• Group members are able to post and answer questions to other members. In the nearly 18 months our group has been up, we've asked and answered a lot of great questions for each other. From the pros and cons of an advanced degree to whether or not there exists a worldwide supplier list, there is nothing too complex or too simple you can ask.
• Group members can post links to their own company news or upcoming seminars. If you've got something to announce, then we all want to know about it! From new ingredient profiles to your successful social media campaign, there will be numerous folks out there who will want to know more. (One caveat to the news postings, though: If you've advertised in another magazine and want to provide a link to that ad…we ask that you don't. This group is meant for the readers of Food Processing magazine and FoodProcessing.com. Posting a link to someone else's site makes us look a little silly.)
• Group members can set their own preferences for how often they receive alerts from the group. I know an e-mail a day from your LinkedIn peers can be a little frustrating which is why I encourage you to use the Settings function under the "More" tab. Select the options that will make your inbox the happiest and move about your day. It's that easy.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the group or if you feel that there are certain members that are abusing the group, please don't hesitate to contact me.