7 Internal Comms LinkedIn groups you should join right now
Internal communications can be a lonely place
It’s a statement we often hear. And that’s not just from in-house IC professionals who are running the show solo in their organisations.
IC consultants running their own business, EE professionals in small teams and even IC pros who are part of a large team, but one spread over many geographies (and timeframes) – we can all feel a bit isolated sometimes.
Couple that with the sheer volume of work we’re often tasked with, and it can often feel there aren’t enough hours in the day to connect. And that’s before we even start trying to carve a little time for keeping on top of the latest industry news, hot topics and research.
Sound familiar?
The good news is, while you might sometimes feel a bit cut off from the crowd, there are plenty of ways you can connect with other IC practitioners – many of whom are likely experiencing the same things you.
With the number of IC professionals on the rise around the globe, there’s never been a better time to grow your network and start some new exciting conversations
And the great news is you can do it all via LinkedIn
If you’re a professional working in internal communications, we’ll bet you’ve already got a LinkedIn profile.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned pro or an occasional dabbler in the platform. All you need to do is scroll down your home feed to discover a ton of industry insights, articles, and questions –all related to your professional interests. Thank you, LinkedIn’s nifty little algorithm.
At H&H, we like to share our latest thoughts, opinions, and best practice guidance on internal communication, as well as what’s been happening at the agency to offer a unique window into our world. If you’ve not already seen us around on the platform, why not take a look?
LinkedIn groups offer a place to post – and find – information and insights tailored around topics that matter to you. They’re also great if you need a bit of help or advice. Struggling with something? Your fellow professionals will come to your aid and share their expertise or experience on the issue – often in a matter of seconds.
In short, LinkedIn groups are a great way to be where the IC conversation is happening.
7 internal communications LinkedIn Groups you need to join now
We’ve handpicked our seven favourite LinkedIn groups for IC insights, inspiration, and conversation (in no particular order).
Have a goose and start getting to grips with the latest industry research and handy tips while connecting with other like-minded professionals. You might even have your IC burdens shouldered by fellow comms firefighters.
1. IOIC – THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATION
Number of members: 14,745
If you’re up for meeting and connecting with your industry peers – along with a healthy dollop of enlightening discussion – this is the group for you.
As the official LinkedIn group for the UK’s Institute of Internal Communication, the group is dedicated to expanding the IC conversation. It provides a collaborative, constructive space for IC professionals to share inspiration, ask questions, and post the latest industry research, articles and blogs.
You don’t have to be an IOIC member to get involved in the conversation – the group’s open to anyone who’s interested, no matter where they’re based or what they do.
What sets this group apart? Its emphasis on conversation and connection. Just scrolling down for a few seconds reveals all sorts of IC-related queries, questions and quibbles from professionals around the world – along with loads of friendly, helpful advice you can take away and put into practice in your own organisation.
Join for:
- Internal comms tips and guidance from folks on the ground
- Eye-opening articles from IC experts
- Content on change management, IC strategy, leadership communication and more
Become a member here.
And if you’re an internal communicator who’s based in the UK, why not check to see if your local town or city plays host to an IoIC Hub?
These Hubs are informal networking events where groups of local IC professionals get together to share insights, experiences and knowledge over a cuppa.
2. SIMPLY-COMMUNICATE.COM INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
Number of members: 7,167
Ever come across simply-communicate.com? It’s a really useful website with loads of insightful articles, case studies and reports on internal communication – with a particular emphasis on IC’s role in the digital workplace.
Their LinkedIn group is devoted to sharing the IC love further than just their URL. In it, you’ll find a ton of useful content shared by IC champions and experienced leaders that’s easy to dip in and out of.
The net is thrown a bit wider here too – with content on topics ranging from enterprise social networks and internal channels and media to presentation skills.
Join for:
- The latest insights from IC experts
- A diverse variety of internal communications content
- Inspiring articles on digital communications and the future of IC
Become a member here.
3. INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS BEST PRACTICES
Number of members: 30,107
A group that does exactly what it says on the tin. This community is designed to help internal communications professionals share best practices, lessons learned and trends.
Why do we love this group? Because it strikes a healthy balance between shared content and personal discussion.
You’ll find plenty of IC practitioners seeking and offering support and advice – all sitting side-by-side articles, research and resources that further industry knowledge and understanding.
Expect to learn from first-hand anecdotes of your peers’ experiences in the field, which make up a regular feature in this group.
Join for:
- Valuable and insightful conversations with other internal comms professionals
- Useful information about IC best practices and changing industry trends
- The opportunity to learn from first-hand experience across the industry
Become a member here.
4. CIPR INSIDE
Number of members: 1,396
This group is managed by the folks at CIPR Inside, which is a branch of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. And like the IOIC LinkedIn page, you don’t need to be a member to join in the discussion.
Expect lots of debate, insight, and information around internal communications (sharing best practice around IC is stated as a core aim of the group). Plus fun yet relevant conversations added in for good measure.
Conversations like: what three comms items would you take with you to a desert island?
It’s also a great place to keep up with the latest news and events from CIPR Inside – whether that’s updates from the IC Book Club (a must if you’re a bookworm), information about upcoming conferences, or notifications about practical webinars.
Join for:
- Handy updates straight from CIPR Inside
- Interesting articles shared by IC professionals
- Conversation and discussion with industry peers
Become a member here.
5. INTERNAL COMMUNICATION
Number of members: 29,195
The content game is strong with this one.
With articles and features from a variety of sources, it’s a great group to dip into when you have a bit of downtime. You’re bound to discover something new that might open your eyes or make you think differently about a crucial IC concept.
Even better, the content themes stretch beyond just internal comms. So anticipate articles tackling everything from team building and communication psychology to employee engagement and L&D.
Join for:
- Interesting articles from a diverse range of sources
- Content on different perspectives related to internal comms
Become a member here.
6. PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONALS
Number of members: 395,665
This group takes on a broader focus than just internal communications (the clue’s in the title).
It covers the whole of the communications profession – including marketing, PR and advertising. So it’s a unique gem if you want to connect with practitioners across the communications spectrum.
If you’re looking for your next career move or weighing up switching to a new communications discipline, you’re in luck – the group plays host to regular job adverts, meaning you might just stumble across the perfect opportunity.
With a high content turnover, you’re sure to spot something new each time you check in.
Join for:
- Networking opportunities with communicators from a variety of disciplines beyond IC
- Content on a range of comms issues, from social media and storytelling principles to change management and Diversity & Inclusion
Become a member here.
7. EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE AND ENGAGEMENT
Number of members: 42,111
As an internal communications professional, you’ll know the focus on the employee engagement has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years.
IC is no longer just about improving employee engagement – it’s about creating an exceptional experience for employees, right across the board.
Taking a step back from strictly internal comms, this group explores the connection between employee engagement and the employee engagement. So you can expect a variety of content covering all bases around creating an organisation where people genuinely love what they do.
Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion, leadership, engagement psychology – it’s all in here.
Join for:
- Interesting content covering all aspects of the employee engagement
Become a member here.
How to make waves in LinkedIn groups
Before you post, ask yourself: Will others find this interesting? Will it expand their knowledge or spark a lively debate? Could this post brighten someone’s day?
If you can’t answer ‘yes’ to any of the above then have a think about whether it’s worth sharing it. And remember nobody likes spam or a barrage of self-serving posts so always design your content around what you reckon your audience wants, needs or will benefit from.
The IoIC group sums it up nicely in the first of their group’s rules:
‘Please consider other members of the group when posting, is it going to engage them? Inform them? Offer practical advice? Enrich their working life? Is it relevant to internal communications?’
Whatever group you choose to connect with, remember to stick to the rules when it comes to sharing content – or you might just find yourself being unceremoniously removed.
Happy posting!
Is there an internal communications LinkedIn group we’ve missed that you think should be on our list? Let us know with an email or tweet us with the hashtag #ICLinkedIn
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