LinkedIn Recommendations Add Credibility
Trust is the glue that holds LinkedIn together and recommendations are a way to cement stronger bonds within your connections. Recommendations are important in building your image and brand. Authentic references from customers and people you have actually worked with speak volumes about you.
Endorsements from colleagues, clients, and employers add instant credibility and strengthen your profile. These recommendations are really your testimonials that are powerful because they are written by others.
How do you get recommendations? LinkedIN allows users to ask for recommendations from past managers, co workers, business partners and service providers. Don’t be shy about requesting recommendations.
Recommendations
- Targeting: Seek testimonials from business leaders and satisfied customers. Testimonials from friends and fellow workers will hold much less weight.
- Customers: Encourage customers to give you a recommendation as you complete work or a project. This is the ideal time to ask for feedback.
- Give to get: If you are feeling awkward about asking for recommendations, start by giving one. You’ll be amazed at how flattered they are, and they are likely to leave you a professional endorsement.
- Add value: Think about what value your recommendation will give. It should address the person as a professional or their business. They are meant to show a professional endorsement for that person.
- Be specific: General comments are weak endorsements. A good recommendation has specific information or examples. Instead of saying “John puts on excellent workshops”, say “John’s workshops are interesting and full of tips and examples that you can immediately apply to your own business.”
- Be credible: If your recommendations are full of hype and raving statements, they will be discounted by readers. The best recommendations are honest and transparent.