Recently I had a post removed from the Graphic Design Professional Group on LinkedIn (Link to the group) that I am a member of and wanted to share about it here.
[UPDATE: Now I have been kicked out of the group... See a screenshot of my post on the forum asking for feedback on this]
My post on the group is detailed below:
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I wanted to ask the group about this... I am a graphic designer and part of this group, interating with many members almost daily as social media is a core part of where I get my business, collaborate with others and grow my business. This group is one of the most valuable to find talented guys and girls to work with and long do I want this to continue. I have never posted adverts or spammed this group with promotions to my services or any other. From my experience in growing my twitter following to over 3,500 is to provide content of real value to those that are following me. The post that was recently removed was a video posted on the internet by an internet marketer that offering a second video for free also (no sales here, no one other than the person watching would have benefitted from it). It was an external link to a free video about internet marketing yes, but I clearly stated that the principles outlined could be applied to ANY business. My understanding of the group is that almost all graphic designers on this forum are self employed or run their own business. In the moderators removing the link to the video, one that would help them understand how to position themselves for business and become attractive to potential customers, I feel that they have done a dis-service to this group. If you had watched the video, you would see what I mean. I normally run a mile from these internet marketing videos and free sign ups because they are never normally totally free like this video - you will normally have to pay $4.95 or some other small some. Not this time. 1hours 18mins of free video training to help you understand how to be attractive in the best possible way to your target audience. Having previously run my own business and employed staff I know that this is one crucial activity that every person in business needs to do to make their business a success. Maybe I should have given much more info about it and the reasons why I think that people should have watched this and what it would do to benefit the graphic designers on this group. And the way in which you can take what is shared and apply to ANY business. I have seen many comments about working in the industry and the business side of graphic design - why was my post any different? I think that in you removing it shows that the group moderators don't really understand the value of social media interaction or the principle of trying to develop an understanding for your target audiences core identity. I would like to see my post re-unstated please with a public apology, but I have already had a reply saying that this isn't going to happen. Please do not remove this post... If the interests of some 14,000 members are really at the heart of the moderation of this group then let the members reply to this and give their feedback. This is also going on my blog for others to give their comments...
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I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this my friends.
