The Gift That Keeps On Giving

There are varying schools of thought on what advances you in your career...  the killer resume; "it's not what you know but who you know" connections; pursuing professional growth; putting in the long hours; tenure; even qualities like tenacity, assertiveness, and the ability to "read the room" during business restructures. Personally, I vote for networking and referrals.  And the pinnacle of this peak is a recommendation.

A recommendation is more than a reference - it is someone putting their own reputation on the line to promote you.  It says something about their judgement and character.  It is a personal investment - whether it is a post on LinkedIn, or a good old fashioned letter that makes its way into a bound proposal.  And it has longevity. People who respect you respect your opinion - they will look at the recommendations you have written for others on your LinkedIn profile when they are hiring, looking for service partners, etc. Because YOU thought they were great, it makes them think they might also.

As desirable as it is, it can be hard to ask for.  You are leaving yourself a little open to rejection, often at a transitional time when you are not at your most hale and hearty in self-confidence.  

Conversely - when someone gives you a recommendation "out-of-the-blue," it is a jolt of adrenaline to your professional psyche.  It feels like finding out the person in front of you in the drive-through line at Starbucks paid for your grande mocha... only better, because it *isn't* a random act of kindness, it's a targeted act of belief. 

You probably are thinking of someone right now that you thought was excellent... a co-worker, a previous supervisor, a staff member, a service provider (great and honest mechanic, amazing massage therapist, florist that went above and beyond on your wedding flowers, etc.)  

So let's stop thinking about it.

Write that letter of recommendation. Don't agonize over it; you don't have to be a writer.  Just do it, today. Post it on their profile. Maybe even put it in your reminders to do one a week.  Give someone's career a ninja boost of positive. You never know where it will lead for them - but I can guarantee you, it will come back to you in the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone you *know* is great at what they do.