I asked on here a few weeks ago if it's ok to offer my services in LinkedIn groups and someone said yes, so I decided I'm going to post my services in a few relevant groups that I think may be interested. I dont want it to sound like I'm selling or spamming though. More like I'm networking and at the same time looking for clients.

This is what I came up with so far but I feel like I need to add something to it. Suggestions?

I recently launched my own virtual assistance business based out of New York City and would like to offer my services to attorneys, small law firms and small to mid-sized non-legal businesses. The services I currently offer are legal secretarial support, general office support, and social media marketing. In the very near future I will also be offering internet marketing and web design services.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term Virtual Assistant, “a Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis.”

For more information, please visit: http://rhythmvs.com/

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Paulette R.
Rhythm Virtual Solutions | Alpha & Beta Translations

Honestly? I don't believe in promoting services to groups in this way unless it's on a "introduce your business" type discussion.

I realise it's subjective, but if I saw your post I would just think "spam" and wouldn't bother to read it.

Networking is about adding value - why not share some useful articles etc. and start discussions in that way? You could be clever about it and share something that, once the conversation gets going, gives you the opportunity to share the information about your business without it being so blatant.

Sorry, it's hard to say what I want to without it coming across as harsh, not meant that way just trying to help.

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
The professional's choice

I agree with Birdie 1000%. The purpose of groups is to share and for you to show your expertise through helping others, or just sharing in the form of a discussion. It is extremely important to remember that most of marketing these days is absolutely no longer about "advertising" but about "relationship."

I would like to offer you a bit of mentor type of input here, as well. You may want to consider rearranging the approach a bit in what you wrote above, from a general marketing standpoint. You may want to change it from a message that is "I" focused to what you do for others. Consider for a moment that your PC's will want to know what you can do for them vs. what you want to do. When you say..."I would like to offer..." people may immediately turn off. However, if you were to say..."I help attorneys....get [value statement, value statement]. Let them know how you solve their problem.

I know that wasn't part of your question, but thought I'd take the opportunity to help in that aspect as well.

@Birdie - I would like to say that I personally didn't think you were harsh at all.

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Pam Blackman - The Process Coach
Get more done in less time by streamlining!

Thanks Pam, I just worry sometimes that what I'm trying to say isn't so easy to write and I don't want to offend anyone!!

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
The professional's choice

I agree - it's nice to use social media in all forms to develop relationships/friends/colleagues and obtaining new business is a nice side benefit.

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Leslie Sansone Williams
LeslieSansoneWilliams.com

Paulette, you have been given good advice from the others. I'll just add, I recently saw a group owner reminding members once again that there is to be no self promotion to the group. If you spend some time reading the posts of groups of interest to you, you will get a feel for how they are run.

Mary

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Mary Jansen
www.MyVirtualMarketingCenter.c om

Paulette,

I also agree that this may cause people to tune you out. I would introduce myself in the group and then follow the conversations. You may be able to offer your opinions and experiences so that others get to you know as the expert for the services you offer.

I have had a great deal of luck getting clients from LinkedIn simple by adding to the conversations. Those in that group would then contact me for follow-up to inquire about everything else I do. Keep in mind that this did not happen overnight.

Also, I have gotten leads from people in the groups who passed my information on to others in their own circle so build those relationships first.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I think the priority is building the relationships first by participating in the forums, and fingers crossed it leads to something from there. Even if you did post something along those lines and you did sign clients from it, building relationships first has more chance of leading to long term, repeat clients.

Hope this helps!

I found an article that Dun & Bradstreet posted recently about the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant which I used to post in a couple of linkedin groups. I also mentioned I'm looking to network so we'll see what comes of that.

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Paulette R.
Rhythm Virtual Solutions | Alpha & Beta Translations

I agree, Social Media sites are about networking and building relationships by adding value.

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Shelley R. Drasal
Your Faithful Assistant