LinkedIn recommendations - the social proof that can skyrocket your credibility!

LinkedIn, the premium professional networking platform, has the power to elevate your business & career to new heights, but are you tapping into one of its most influential features?

I'm talking about LinkedIn recommendations - the social proof that can skyrocket your credibility and online reputation. Let's dive into a step-by-step guide to harness this game-changer.

I'll never forget the moment when a new client decided to work with me, and a big part of their decision was influenced by the over 170 recommendations on my LinkedIn profile.

They saw a consistent pattern of trust, expertise, and satisfaction reflected through the words of colleagues, clients, and industry peers.

This client's journey with me started with a simple yet profound realization:

"If so many professionals had taken the time to vouch for Wojtek's skills and results, there must be something worth exploring."

And indeed, they were right. Together, we achieved remarkable success, and their own glowing recommendation eventually joined the chorus of voices on my profile.

The science behind it: Why recommendations are so powerful?

Social proof is not just marketing jargon; it's rooted in science! Our brains are wired to follow the people, which explains why recommendations are so powerful.

Witnessing others' positive experiences with a service influences our decisions. That's evolutionary psychology at play, and it's a game-changer in trust-based industries like law and finance.

Are you leveraging social proof to enhance your credibility?

Are you afraid to ask for a recommendation?

Let's be real, asking for recommendations can be intimidating. You might worry about seeming pushy or fear rejection. But here's the thing: fear holds you back from unlocking the full potential of social proof.

Remember, people generally like to help and share positive experiences. If you've delivered value, most clients will be happy to sing your praises. So, push past the fear and just ask! You might be surprised by the willingness of others to support you.

HOW TO ASK FOR A RECOMMENDATION?

Timing is Everything

The perfect moment to request a LinkedIn recommendation is when your professional relationship is at its peak. Think post-project completion euphoria or that instant when your client can't stop raving about your service. And if you're fresh on LinkedIn, don't hesitate to reconnect with past clients and colleagues - nostalgia can be a powerful ally.

The Right Communication Channel

Not everyone's inbox is created equal. Some contacts may prefer a LinkedIn message, while others stick to the good old email, WhatsApp or a personal call. Choose wisely based on your relationship; it's all about making it easy for them.

Follow Up and Offer Assistance

No word back? Follow up gracefully, and remember, everyone loves a time-saver. Offer to draft something they can tweak. It's thoughtful and efficient.

Provide a Recommendation Example

Crafting a recommendation doesn't have to be daunting for your clients. Sometimes, the best testimonials are rooted in the genuine words they've shared during your collaboration.

Imagine a client once said on the phone or emailed you saying,

"[Your Name], your insights have been game-changing for our business. We've seen a noticeable improvement in our sales!"

Use this as a springboard for a recommendation example:

"It's been an incredible journey working with [Your Name] over the past year. His game-changing insights have directly improved our sales. I highly recommend his services to any firm looking to make a significant impact in their market."

Great, but how to approach it?

Approaching a client with a recommendation example can feel a bit awkward, but it doesn't have to. A personal touch goes a long way. Start with a gentle reminder of their positive feedback to pave the way.

You might say something like:

"Do you recall the other day when you mentioned how impactful our collaboration has been on your sales? That feedback made my day! If you're comfortable, I'd be honoured if you could share that as a recommendation on LinkedIn. To make things easier, I've drafted a quick example based on what you said, but please feel free to adjust it to reflect your own voice and experience."

This approach shows you value their opinion and provides a clear starting point for them to craft their testimonial, all while giving them the freedom to personalize it.

Remember, a recommendation is a personal story of a shared success.

Encourage clients to adapt this framework with their own words, maintaining the authenticity of their experience while highlighting the value you delivered.

Have you ever turned client feedback into a powerful recommendation?

A Simple Guide to Request a Recommendation

Confusion is the enemy of action. Below, you can find crystal-clear instructions on how to request a recommendation, both on desktop and mobile. Here's how:

Requesting a Recommendation on Desktop:

1. Go to the profile of your client you'd like to ask.
2. Click the 'More...' button found right next to their profile section.
3. Select 'Request a recommendation' from the dropdown menu.
4. Fill out the brief form, personalizing your request to make it sincere.

Requesting a Recommendation on Mobile:

1. Open the LinkedIn app and visit the individual’s profile.
2. Tap on the 'More...' button (three vertical dots).
3. Choose 'Request a recommendation'.
4. Customize your request—remember, a personal touch goes a long way!

Embrace AI

Embracing AI in crafting LinkedIn recommendations can be a game-changer for those who may not have the time or feel they lack the writing prowess.

AI writing tools have come a long way, and they're incredibly adept at creating structured, articulate, and engaging content. By leveraging these tools, your clients can quickly generate drafts for LinkedIn recommendations that they can then personalize.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use AI to write better recommendations:

• Choose an AI writing tool: There are several out there, so pick one that suits your needs.
• Input relevant information: Provide the AI with details of the recommendation.
• Edit and personalize: AI can give you a solid draft, but the personal touch is what makes a recommendation stand out. Edit the draft to reflect the genuine experience.
• Keep it concise: AI might get carried away with details. Ensure the final recommendation is succinct yet powerful, highlighting key traits and accomplishments.
• Proofread: Before sending it off, proofread the recommendation to correct any errors and ensure it reads naturally.

By coaching your clients on using AI tools, you're not only helping them save time, but also encouraging them to provide recommendations that could significantly impact someone's career.

Have you or your contacts ever used AI to write a LinkedIn recommendation?

Let's embrace the future of writing and make professional endorsements more accessible than ever!

Final Point

Always keep it professional. Respect their decision if they choose to decline or delay.

Remember, a LinkedIn profile with robust recommendations is like a book with rave reviews - it's simply irresistible. Start gathering your endorsements now, and watch your professional narrative thrive.