Using LinkedIn - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

Hi, Just wondering for those of you on LinkedIn what industry do you say you work in? they don't have an administration and I wasn't sure what to use. If I specialized in a certain field I would use that but I plan to start off broad.

Also, have you had much success with that site?

SupportMyOffice · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I have not had much luck with Linked in as a resource for potential clients but I think its a good thing to have because it gets you out there. When I was first starting as a VA my mentor had me do this exercise where I had to try and get my name or business name in 10 hits on google. In other words, type in your name OR biz name. How many things come up in google? When I started the exercise I had 3 and none of them had anything to do with my biz but they did make me look good because they were community service related. As I started posting in blogs, got my own website, joined more forums, I noticed my name had more and more hits. I think it gives credibility and makes people see that you are doing something real. Just a thought.

#3 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

Thats a great excercise to do. I'm waiting for my registration to come through before I start using my business name anywhere as I don't want to have to backtrack and change everything if I have to pick a new name.

What industry are you registered as on LinkedIn?

Jorren Co. · #4 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I am listed under consumer services. There is other VAs listed under internet. If you offer a particular service such as web design, you could select something more along the lines of that industry. Those are tough because they never list administration.

Dusty Warren
Jorren Co.

SupportMyOffice · #5 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I am registered under real estate.

I wonder how many of us would need to email them directly to get them to ADD administration to the list? Should we give it a try?

Here is the link to the customer service form:
http://www.linkedin.com/feedback?dis...ck=&trk=ftr_cs

Modern Marketing Support · #6 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I am listed under marketing and advertising. I suggested a virtual assistant category to them but have never heard back.

Remote Admin Services · #7 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

The closest thing I had was Internet, since I do my business using Internet technologies. I have sent suggestions to LinkedIn to add:
* Administrative
* Clerical
* Virtual Assistance

Tess · #8 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

We're listed under programming or software development....something along those lines. Too bad they don't have Virtual Assistant (yet).

Office Goddess · #9 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I'm listed under accounting services. Close enough for now

My Office Zilla · #10 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I asked this same question worded differently earlier this month and got different answers than what you did.

I think that "they" aren't providing good service when the categories are to broad or not broad enough. I guess a happy-medium is hard to find!

I haven't completed my profile on LinkedIn yet. Do they allow multiple selections? Although I've never seen it mentioned in a definition I think at least some of what we do falls under consulting regardless of what service you provide! It just so happens that is my niche too so it works out nicely!

Make it a great day!

Sundi

karibean · #11 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I just joined LinkedIn too and was disappointed that our industry wasn't better represented. I chose Management Consultant...probably not the use they were intending it for but I feel it's true!

You're all welcome to add me as a contact...I feel kind of lonely with one connection!

I'll send LinkedIn feedback/suggestions too. Maybe they will get tired of hearing from us and just add it in! LOL!

Kari Bullen
Virtual Cornerstone, LLC

Modern Marketing Support · #12 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I'll add you right now Kari!

karibean · #13 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

Thank you Shari!! Now I'm up to two connections!

#14 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

Hi Kari, I added you too.

Every one add me : http://www.linkedin.com/in/officemagic

I've also requested they add administration as a field but no luck as yet.

kathiemt · #15 (**permalink**) 02-27-2008

I think I chose Internet technologies.

I've been an active member for a year now and have been very successful with it. You need to join some of the membership groups to get real benefit and get to know the people you are linked to. I would be one of the highest linked VAs at LinkedIn (number 4 I think) and have been able to do podcasts, gain new clients, get new team members, met people when travelling overseas, and found new resources for my business, all through LinkedIn. One of the best discussion forums has over 5,000 members and is very active - it's run via yahoogroups.com.

My profile is http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathiethomas and you should be able to see all the groups I belong to there - I don't participate in daily chats with them all.