E-mail marketing from LinkedIn Groups - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009

Has anyone marketed their virtual assistant services through their contacts and or groups (that you are a member of) on LinkedIn?
- Was it successful?
- Any tips?

Thanks

#2 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009

I am a member of Linkedin - but I have not marketed myself on there. Wouldn't know how to go about it. Any suggestions?

#3 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009

I haven't either. I have interacted directly with specific connections in terms of offering my services (& vice versa), but haven't tried out actually sending messages to my list yet.

Someone I'm connected with did just do that, in order to introduce someone he knows & recommended them as a connection (giving instructions on how to connect with this person - who I assume gave him the ok to do so). If you have a connection who knows you well enough to recommend you in a mass email, that may be worth a try just to see what kind of response you get - new connections or maybe potential clients.

#4 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009

My LinkedIn participation has increased since I've joined groups there, and get in on the discussions. It's not at all blatant marketing, but people do go visit my site from comments I make there.

#5 (**permalink**) 04-28-2009

I am on linked in but haven't taken it to the next level yet. I agree with VW, commenting/answering question is one way to draw in prospective clients. I always check out the profiles when I read the Q&As.

I've also joined some local business groups and this seems like it could lead to some clients as well. Other than that, I've been at a loss as to how it can help me.

#6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009

What kinds of groups are you joining on LinkedIn? I'm trying to immerse myself in social media a little more, but not sure what groups to look for.

Thanks.

#7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2009

Donovanassist - There's the Tweeple group, the Social Media Marketing group, I like Dan Schwabel's Personal Branding Network ... the list goes on and on. Just look at the list of groups and pick a few that look lively!

#8 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009

I've joined a couple of local small business networking groups and alumni groups. There are lots of VA groups as well.

#9 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009

I have been on LinkedIn for years just to keep in touch with my contacts until recently having lost my job and starting my VA business.

Participating in the groups and joining discussions has been promising and even received a request to be quoted in an upcoming article -- I hope that this will lead to some client leads but not yet!

I found this ezine today about using LinkedIn with contact requests and I plan on implementing today and even going back to my contact lists and using the tips.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Get-Client...dIn&id=1971255

#10 (**permalink**) 05-08-2009

Thank you for the article. I am also on LinkedIn, but have not done much with it.

#11 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009

Wow... I am linked.. but never used it to market myself.. didn't know how it worked... Thanks for these tips.. I will check it out today!

#12 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009

I haven't marketed my own servics there but have done so for other clients. What I find that the best practice is, is to create an engaging group for their targeted industry. Make the group a great resource -- include articles, guidelines, tips -- whatever is relevant to their target market. Then, invite contacts. Once they are in there, continue to engage them with useful information and serve as a content provider. Then, you can begin marketing the special services that you provide (perhaps with a discount to your Linked In contacts, as an extra incentive)

#13 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009

I haven't marketed any services there, although I have made some connections as a result of commenting on topics that interest me. I personally think the attempts at marketing on LinkedIn in my groups have been frowned upon by the group members, and one moderator banned a group member for his blatent posts.

I think LinkedIn presents a great opportunity to make some real connections and do some viral marketing with your relevant and topical posts.

#14 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009

As some have stated already, I use LinkedIn to network with other professionals and to keep in contact with ex-coworkers/bosses. I too, joined several groups and participate when I can; small business groups, VA groups etc. But I've also joined a couple of groups that are for my target markets; that way I can convey my message and help them too!

I also go through the questions and see what I can answer (to build my reputation/credibility), this has gotten some inquiries to my services.

Great question by the way!

#15 (**permalink**) 07-29-2009

Hiya!
Read this article (http://www.melissadata.com/enews/mar...es/0907d/3.htm) and see if it helps...