Meet Deanna Russo

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The Purple Squirrel of LinkedIn Strategy

“Purple Squirrel: a term used by employment recruiters to describe a job candidate with precisely the right education, set of experience, and range of qualifications that perfectly fits a job’s requirements.”

Vast Experience

I worked as a TV News Producer for 6 years, then moved into Online Marketing, Communications and Sales. Over the years I’ve learned how to use words in the best way along with the ins and outs of Content Management.

Rapid Growth

I grew my network on LinkedIn from 400 to 11,000 connections (and counting!) in just 18 months. I started Leverage Up to pass on my knowledge and help others achieve all the benefits that I learned independently.

Trusted in the Industry

I have appeared as a guest speaker many times and have received countless testimonials from my coaching clients. Hard work and consistency has built me an incredible amount of trust within the LinkedIn industry.

A Note from Deanna:

I love sharing the knowledge, having grown my network on LinkedIn organically and independently.

I started Leverage Up to help others.

I help people understand the value of creating an “all star” LinkedIn profile, being more visible with the people that they want to do business with AND how to create the right content to get their attention on this platform.

Outside of my business, I speak out about the dangers of drinking and driving.  My younger sister Karen was tragically killed by a drunk driver in March of 1998 and soon after it happened, I made it my mission to speak out about the dangers of DWI.  I tell Karen’s story, what type of person she was, what happened on that cold night, and what life has been like since it happened.  It’s a story that is heartfelt, pulls at the emotions, and the ultimate goal is to change lives so no other family has to endure the pain again.

I’m happily married to my husband, AND the proud mom of 3 kids who are in all the activities. Every weeknight I am either driving to gymnastics, cheerleading, lacrosse, baseball, football, scouts, music lessons or all of the above.

I’m a proud Buffalo Bills fan. Every Sunday, my family and I LOVE to watch our hometown team. I’ve been a Bills fan since I was very young, having experienced all the highs and lows. Being a Buffalo Bills fan is a roller coaster ride and I’m in it for the whole wild ride.

-Deanna Russo

Guest Appearances

“She knows her stuff but more importantly, she knows how to communicate her knowledge to you and apply it to your needs.”

Talar Herculian Coursey

“Deanna is constantly learning something new about how to leverage LinkedIn and passing that knowledge along to her clients and network.”

Jeff Young 

“If you don’t want to work with a “pretend expert” (by that I mean someone who has not been there and done that) then hire Deanna immediately.”

Joseph Occhino

Leverage Up Your LinkedIn

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