Paying someone a compliment is lovely. Being paid a compliment? Even lovelier. It’s even more lovely when it’s on LinkedIn for everyone to read.
The term “social proof” sounds a little complicated, but it’s really just another term for being paid a compliment. The difference is that everyone who looks at your LinkedIn profile can see it. Consider LinkedIn Recommendations as your own personal portfolio of compliments and professional references. They’re the digital equivalent of your own five-star rating. In this article, I outline how to use LinkedIn Recommendations as a tool for building your credibility and reinforcing your professional reputation.
Find the right people
Seeking out a LinkedIn Recommendation is a strategic undertaking. Rather than simply sending off requests for them, think carefully about who you’d like to receive a LinkedIn Recommendation from. Instead of sending dozens of requests for LinkedIn Recommendations, consider your network, and choose 10 people you’d like to receive a Recommendation from. Seek out those people who can speak to specific accomplishments or projects you’ve collaborated on. Focus on securing recommendations from past clients, colleagues you’ve collaborated with on successful projects, or even industry influencers who have witnessed your expertise firsthand. A detailed recommendation highlighting a quantifiable result you achieved together is worth its weight in gold. Then, rather than using the automated request function, send a well-crafted, personalised message when requesting your LinkedIn Recommendation.
Keep it simple
When you’re drafting that personalised message, make sure to include a mutual point of reference. For example, if the person you’re asking for a LinkedIn Recommendation from worked with you on a particular project, don’t simply mention the project. Take it a step further and share an anecdote from your experience with them, and focus on common ground you share. Keep your message concise and clear, with a little guidance on talking points or examples they may want to reflect upon in their LinkedIn Recommendation for you. Lastly, end your message with an expression of gratitude. And, don’t forget: once they have provided you with a LinkedIn Recommendation, send them a heartfelt thank you note.
Curate your collection
It’s great that you’ve gathered 20 or 50 LinkedIn Recommendations, but what’s the point if the best ones are barely seen? Curate your collection of LinkedIn Recommendations by strategically highlighting the most important ones. While we can’t reorder our recommendations, we can make sure that the top ones are the ones we want others to see. As you send out your requests for LinkedIn Recommendations, consider the order that they’ll come in, and add them to your profile accordingly. In particular, try to ensure your most recent recommendation reflects your current or recent work and projects. Up-to-date recommendations make it easy for other users to understand your influence and your work.
Make it a deal
The power of the recommendation isn’t a one-sided affair. If you’ve been given a LinkedIn Recommendation, immediately give one back to the person who recommended you. This builds goodwill and strengthens your network. Make it a habit to post a recommendation for someone you’ve worked with on a regular basis. Or, make it part of your project task list. As you round off a project with someone, add “send a LinkedIn recommendation” to your do list.
Keep it going
Building a strong recommendation collection is an ongoing process. As you take on new projects and collaborate with different individuals, continue to seek out testimonials that reflect your evolving skills and experience.
Go beyond your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn Recommendations don’t only have to live on your LinkedIn profile. You can repurpose them for other materials too. Consider incorporating them into proposals, case studies, and website testimonials to further amplify your credibility across platforms.
Now that you’ve started to reinforce your reputation with LinkedIn Recommendations, don’t forget to keep up the practice and continue to build brilliant relationships with people within, and beyond, your network.
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