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Most entrepreneurs know that LinkedIn is the largest business-specific social network on the web today. This article will discuss three tips to find targeted leads for your small business.
First of course, if you do not have a profile on LinkedIn, you will need to create one. Be sure to list all your job skills on your profile. The more complete your profile is the better.
LinkedIn Answers
This section of the site is in existence for people to ask industry specific questions and obtain advice. By regularly reading and responding to questions you can establish yourself as an expert. If you have blog posts or a website that relate to the question, be sure to link to it in your response. Make sure your response is search engine optimized as well (using keywords) because LinkedIn comes up in search results. The more your name appears the better.
LinkedIn Groups
This is the most obvious road to travel for lead generation. Many make the mistake of joining groups that are only related to their industry and niche (e.g. virtual assistant groups or real estate virtual assistant groups). You have to think outside the box and join groups that can have a direct impact upon your business growth. For example, a virtual assistant should join groups for entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, small businesses and others. These groups will have many individuals who may be receptive to your services.
LinkedIn Mobile
Many of us are still attending networking meetings. This is a prime opportunity to utilize the LinkedIn mobile app. Most individuals have a smart phone and if you're networking and speak to someone, ask if they have a LinkedIn mobile (which they most likely do) and ask if they have the Bump app on their phone (another likely positive response). If they do and have the settings correct, you can lightly bump your phones together and it automatically transfers contact information to your phones address book and LinkedIn contacts. There's no time wasted typing and there definitely aren't any misspelled words or things you forget. You have a lead that you can now follow up with both on social media and with your traditional marketing methods.
LinkedIn has a wealth of ways in which you can generate leads for your small business. The three listed above will get you started on your road to success!
About the author:
William Burley is a high energy, in demand virtual paralegal and virtual assistant with more than twelve years as a paralegal and six years providing freelance support services to clients across the United States. He is the owner of Burley-Wilson & Associates and manages a team of nine virtual independent contractors. To contact William you may email wburley@burley-wilson.com or visit him online at http://burley-wilson.com. | 
