LinkedIn Groups connect people who have a common history/interest:

·         Former colleagues from a specific employer (e.g. Arthur Andersen), colleges, etc.

·         People within a state

·         Same profession (marketing, sales, teaching, etc.)

·         On-line communities (e.g. ExecuNet) or Professional Groups

·         Entrepreneurs

·         Non-profit/Charity

A LinkedIn Group is essentially an on-line networking group – the tools for the group (discussions, etc.) allow you to begin to connect with individuals.  Also, as you look at the profile of an individual within the group, LinkedIn provides how you are connected.

Many people in a group will allow other group members to contact them.   This openness is great for networking and researching a firm or person. 

I am amazed at how many people I rediscovered by paging through the group members.   For yourself, these groups may lead to finding people with a vested interest in you.