Sarah,

I use it. It doesn't bring in alot (2 new clients/projects a year) but when you have long-term clients that do use it and know of other people that are looking for a VA, it's helpful when they connect their contacts with you.

I love LinkedIn! I too wish the groups had more participation as there is so much potential there to connect with people that you never would have had the opportunity to otherwise. The more active you are the more you get out of it. I know I have participated in a couple of discussions in the industry groups that I have been involved in (disaster restoration) and it seems like every time I commented on something 2 or 3 people would ask to link in with me.

Here's a cool thing you may or may not know. On your home page, if you scroll down the right you will see a box that says "Who's viewed my Profile". How cool is that! Now if you do not have a paid subscription they will not tell you exactly who, their search just pulls that person and other people that come up in that same search. The info it gives you is like "Project Manger in the Construction industry in Baton Rouge LA". You can usually figure out who was looking.

And here's a way to use it to your advantage... A lot of people have the paid subscription and they are shown exactly who looked at their profile. So the kind of back end way to get someone to notice you is to look at their profile. Coz they always look back.

Kathy

I just got into LinkedIn last week and since then I have joined three sites, one for marketing, one for VAs and one for the AIPB, which I already belong to, but figure I may get a different crowd working in LinkedIn.

So far, I like it, it is like the forums here more than anything else to me, and I have not put any feelers out there for potential clients yet, but I have high hopes!!

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~ Norma Guerin
DSA Virtual Assistant Services

I just read several interesting blogs about using LinkedIn by Maisha Walker on Inc.com. She clarified the whats and whys in easy-to-read English. In fact, I'm now reading her blogs regularly. Like all social media, it requires a time commitment to make it work. And as a new business owner, I'm trying hard to focus my priorities. I appreciate any advice on managing the start up phase of one's business.
Vicky

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Vicky A Stein

Thanks a bunch for the Linked In insite. I will add that to my list as well

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Joanne

I actually do my VA work for an executive search firm by using Linkedin for potiential candidates to fill posted positions. I use keyword searches in the "search people" category to find matches for the key skills and experience necessary to fill the positions. If you do want to use this service to its best potential, it is always best to give as much description in your summary, education and experience as possible so you can give people as much detail about you when making a job contact. Also, see about joining some Linkedin groups with your personal and professional interests at heart. You can get connected with so many people that way.

This is awesome Sheila. Congrats! I am glad to see that Linked In pays off!

Linkedin is very beneficial to me. Along with this forum I have created a subcontractors advice group to connect both contractors and subs. Within the group I hope to connect people that will benefit both parties. It happens I find Linkedin to be more beneficial than I do Facebook but that's just me. Everyone has to figure out which one works best for themselves. Good luck.

Thanks for letting me know how you're using LinkedIn
Vicky

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Vicky A Stein

I only recently updated my LinkedIn profile to include my VA info. I have already received 1 inquiry from it. I think it could be a great resource

I use LinkedIn extensively and have received several clients through LinkedIn. In fact, many of them were interested in social marketing and wanted to take advantage of my large network. Linking a blog to LinkedIn also helps keep your profile fresh. Asking questions, offering recommendations for other people, and staying active will make your LinkedIn experience useful, even if a client doesn't directly contact you through LinkedIn.

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Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke

I joined as well this year a few months ago. I have not been able to complete the registration but I hope to get into it, network and obtain more clients.

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Tawana Randall
www.tnrbusinessservices.com

I Love LinkedIn. Does anyone here pay for the upgraded profile? And if you do, do you find it worth the money?

Hello,

I have not paid for the upgraded profile and do not intend to do so. I've been using Linkedin for several years, but I don't think it's necessary to pay for additional services.. the free ones are just fine!

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Sincerely,
Lindsey Schocke

I signed in a while ago (when invited by someone else who had joined up). At first I did not think it was worthwhile but have heard of a few VA's finding clients this way. I did not realise there were groups within LinkedIn until recently when I "found" one while searching for something. Seems like it might be worth joining a few groups and participating within the group - always a good way to make new contacts.

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Sandra van Statten
http://www.virtuallyassist.co.za