How do you get client and peer recommendations?

1 Deliver quality work

The first and most important step to getting recommendations is to deliver quality work that meets or exceeds your client's expectations. This means being professional, reliable, responsive, and proactive in your communication, deliverables, and problem-solving. You want to make your client's life easier and help them achieve their goals. By doing so, you will earn their trust, respect, and appreciation, which will make them more likely to recommend you to others.

2 Ask at the right time

Timing is everything when it comes to asking for recommendations. You don't want to ask too early, when you haven't established a rapport or delivered results, or too late, when the project is over and the client has moved on. The best time to ask is when you have completed a milestone, delivered a positive outcome, or received positive feedback from your client. This way, you can leverage the recency and relevance of your work, and the client's satisfaction and gratitude, to ask for a recommendation.

3 Make it easy for them

Asking for a recommendation can be awkward for both you and your client, so you want to make it as easy as possible. Be specific about what you would like them to say, such as highlighting a skill, result, or benefit that you provided. Additionally, provide options on how they can give the recommendation, such as writing a testimonial for your website or a LinkedIn recommendation. To save them time and effort, offer them a template or draft that they can edit or approve. Lastly, follow up politely and respectfully - don't be too pushy but don't let the request fall through the cracks either. Send a gentle reminder after a reasonable period of time and thank them sincerely when they give you the recommendation.

4 Reciprocate the favor

One of the best ways to get recommendations is to give recommendations. By recommending your clients and peers, you can show your appreciation, build goodwill, and strengthen your relationships. You can also demonstrate your credibility, authority, and generosity by sharing your insights and opinions on their work. When you give recommendations, make sure they are genuine, specific, and relevant. Don't expect anything in return, but don't be surprised if they reciprocate the favor.

5 Showcase your recommendations

Once you get recommendations, don't let them go to waste. Showcase them on your website, social media, portfolio, proposals, and pitches. Use them to highlight your value proposition, differentiate yourself from the competition, and persuade potential clients to work with you. Also, don't forget to thank your recommenders publicly and privately, and keep in touch with them. You never know when they might have another opportunity for you or introduce you to someone who does.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?