LinkedIn launched a new feature last night which aims to help small businesses and freelancers alike to grow. Open for Business allows small and medium business owners and professionals to network and connect with members looking for the services they offer, and it allows service providers to reach potential clients.
The launch event took place under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai with a ceremonious flashing of this LinkedIn project over the LED screen of Burj Khalifa.
If you’re a creative person, you can list your skills such as graphic design, web design, photoshop, painting, content creation, etc – to increase your visibility to potential clients that may be looking for your services.
This feature is FREE for both company pages or personal profiles.
LinkedIn is gradually rolling out this feature so it’s not currently available to all members. They are in the process of reviewing the members that are identified as business owners or freelancers. If you’re identified as an owner/freelancer, you’ll receive access in the coming months.
Otherwise, you can join the waitlist to be added when the feature is available to all LinkedIn members.
Once your account becomes eligible, you can enable this feature in the settings page. Once you have marked yourself ‘Open for Business’, prospective clients can start sending you direct messages to inquire more about the services you offer.
For more information, please check this FAQ page.
