While I was building my personal Web site here at WillHull.com, I was also exploring new ways to increase my networking capability in the “real world,” post-graduation from graduate school. As I am experienced with many social networking techniques and new media strategies, I decided to look for a group of alumni on the LinkedIn network.

Finding a group for public policy alumni but no group for public administration alumni from George Mason, I decided to found a group purely for George Mason University Public Administration (MPA) Alumni. Since then, the group has grown to twenty members (today’s count). I also found a Web page dedicated to this same audience, but it is a little broader, encompassing all graduate alumni from the Public and International Affairs (PIA) graduate programs.

I have started a discussion within this new LinkedIn group entitled, “Looking for Work? How are you searching?.” Here is where I am seeking your input. I have found from experience and patience that continuously posting information and comments, even if no one else responds is a good way to get activity started in groups and forums. I would like to ask you if you too have had this same experience or if you think my strategy needs adjustment?

I understand that this is a fairly niche group.  However, I am really hoping to help this MPA group to accelerate to the next level amongst alumni from George Mason, but participation is something that could use some nurturing. What do you think? Am I doing the right thing? Should I start other forms of conversation such as discussions surrounding the possibilities of events or steps to take post-graduation?

What is your experience with group organizing? I am hoping to learn something from this experience and I am sure that there are others here who are reading this who could also benefit. I look forward to hearing from you.