Hey, are you in the administrative support business?
Then come join our new ACA group forum on Facebook!
I’m finding there is a lot more interaction and engagement on group pages.
AND because we have it set to private (only members can view the discussions), you can feel safe in asking any ol’ “dumb” questions you like without fear of any clients and prospects seeing them.
Your colleagues and I would love to have you there and get to know you. 🙂
Dear Danielle:
I received the following email on LinkedIn and am so confused as how to respond or even treat this:
“Hello. My name is [BLANK]. I am a Healthcare Recruiter with [BLANK] Staffing. I am doing a search for a client of mine, a hospital in Los Angeles, that is looking for a Transcription Support person. The person doesn’t have to be a transcriptionist. They should have anatomy and physiology knowledge, medical terminology. But they really need to be technologically savvy. Someone comfortable with computer systems. Someone that can also communicate clearly and effectively with doctors and their office staff. The shift is 1-9:30 pm, Monday – Thursday and 7:30 am – 3:30 pm on Saturday. I wanted to reach out to you to se if you or someone in your network may be interested in this opportunity. This is a long term contract. I can be reached at…”
Would this be considered contract work? Your advice/suggestions are greatly appreciated. —MP
No, this is not contract work. This is a job an employer is trying to fill.
You’re a business owner right? You don’t work “shifts.”
Just because they’ve used the word “contract” doesn’t make it business.
What defines employment is control. If they are dictating the days and hours you must work, where you work, what equipment and systems to use, and if you are subject to supervision and time reporting, by law that is an employer, not a client.
I mean, if you want a job, that’s perfectly okay. But it’s important you understand the difference either way so you are not cheated out of the Social Security, Medicare, Unemployment, Workers Comp and other benefits that employers are required BY LAW to pay into your accounts on your behalf.
Anyone who tries to pay you as an independent contractor when you are really working with them like an employee, not only is a lawbreaker, they are cheating you out of your rightful benefits and treating you like a schmuck.
They also want someone in medical transcription, not administrative support. Big difference.
This is the problem with LinkedIn. It was originally created for employers and those seeking employment. Even though B2B business owners have since jumped on that platform to connect with colleagues and clients, it’s still really not ideally suited for business.
So you’re going to get contacted by a lot of recruiters. Just ignore them.
It’s neither business nor an opportunity. They’re looking for an employee, and it’s not your job to waste your time finding one for them.
Trust me, they have messaged this to a thousand other people besides you, basically indiscriminately spamming anyone and everyone, so you weren’t specially singled out. If they were really interested in you personally, they would have read your profile and seen that you are in business, not seeking employment.
Then again, it’s important that everyone in business make sure that their LinkedIn profile clearly portrays them as business owners seeking CLIENTS, not employment.
Your profile should include a link to your business website and a clear call to action instructing potential clients to visit your website where they can learn more about how you can help them in BUSINESS and what the next step is to working together (typically a consultation and process that YOU dictate, not them).
If not, then your profile could be the thing giving out the wrong signals.
In business you’re going to have to get good at discerning what is real business.
Anyone coming to you who doesn’t read your profile, doesn’t go to your website, and approaches you inappropriately (e.g., sending you recruitment messages) is not a business prospect.
Dear Danielle:
How would you recommend transitioning my LinkedIn profile from having a 9-5 job to being in business as an Administrative Consultant without giving the impression you are unemployed and want to start your own business? The reason I ask is I am a caretaker and executor of my uncle and his estate and handle all his finances. I am also a fitness coach. I also created my own website. Currently my profile shows all my administrative experience, but I just don’t know how to make it sound like I am in business to help others and am just starting out. I would appreciate if you could give me a tip —GR
Oh, this is SUCH an easy one!
Get rid of EVERYTHING you have on there now in the “Experience” and only list your admin business.
Just because LinkedIn focuses everything on employment doesn’t mean you have to. 😉
How you market a business is different from how you go about finding a job.
You don’t need to list every job or bit of experience you’ve ever had.
For the purposes of your LinkedIn, you don’t need to focus on the “features” of yourself, “features” being things like your work history and all the jobs and positions you’ve held. That’s all just a bunch of blah blah blah.
Plus, you’re not applying for jobs or seeking employment, you’re looking to attract prospective clients, not employers, recruiters and HR people.
Instead, use the “Summary” section for your marketing message.
In a conversational voice (i.e., write how you would speak with anyone in person), talk about how you help clients, how the work you do helps them grow and what kind of benefits and results they can look forward to from your work together.
And have a good headline that clearly states what you are/do and who you do it for (your target market).
For example, mine would be “Administrative Consultant. Administrative rescue for IP and entertainment law attorneys.”
In looking at your profile, you also have wayyyy too much going on that is going to confuse and detract from your business purposes. You’re putting your entire life history in there and trying to make your profile do too many different things, work to too many different “titles.”
Get rid of anything that doesn’t relate directly to your business and stick to ONE term (i.e., Administrative Consultant).
Also, move the “Summary” section to the top of the page. That’s your first opportunity to educate those who come to your profile with your message. That’s the first thing you want to focus them on and what you want them to see.
Remember, LinkedIn is just another inbound marketing avenue.
While yes, you’ll be participating in groups and connecting with people, you want your profile to just be a stepping stone leading them to your website. Give them just enough to intrigue them and provide a clear call to action directing them to your website where your full marketing and client education happens.
Let me know if that helps!
What’s your favorite social networking platform? Inquiring minds want to know. 🙂
Ha! That got your attention, didn’t it. Let me explain…
Social networking is nothing new. It’s simply the latest catchphrase for something that has always existed and will continue to exist in business: networking and relationship-building.
The only thing that’s different is that we have new technology tools available for nurturing and facilitating those things.
Now, I’m not saying social networking is bad or not to use social networking tools. Not at all. Just be smart about it. Use your head. Know your target market.
It makes little sense to expend days and months twittering away if that’s not where your serious clients are spending their time and all you have to show for your effort are a few nickel and dime project customers.
So here are some questions that might help you gain some productive direction in your social networking efforts:
Social networking can be a great leveraging tool for finding and getting to know new prospects and drawing them into your own pipelines. It can also be a complete waste of time if you’re doing it without any thought or intention.
Do your homework so the former is the case for you. 
