The Power of Recommendations: Lessons from a LinkedIn Journey

In an era dominated by Tripadvisor reviews, Uber ratings, Likes and endless streams of online endorsements, the value of a well-placed recommendation has never been higher.

Personal and professional branding has evolved to rely heavily on the credibility and clout that only genuine recommendations can provide. My recent experiences on LinkedIn, a platform unparalleled in its capacity for professional development and networking, have underscored this reality more than ever.

A Revelation on LinkedIn

My journey into the depths of LinkedIn's potential began with a simple realisation: despite my active engagement and the successes of both BlackGate (the real estate advisory, capital raising and sales & marketing firm I Founded 8 years ago) and MD Coach (the thriving executive coaching business I created 18 months ago), a glaring gap existed in my profile - recommendations. This oversight, was pointed out to me by a friend. It knocked my socks off! The absence of recommendations was a silent void in an otherwise dynamic and engaging profile. A lot of my business is about Confidentiality: Whether it be Real Estate deals or Coaching, I almost never refer to specific clients or specific projects/ deals. So it had simply never occurred to me to ask for recommendations.

Motivated to rectify this glaring oversight, I embarked on a mission to solicit recommendations from my network. Reaching out to about 20 contacts spanning different stages of my career, including colleagues, team members, bosses, and clients from various industries and regions, I initiated a process that was as exhilarating as it was enlightening.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Seeking Endorsements

The act of asking for recommendations, I'll admit, initially filled me with anxiety. Doubts crept in, accompanied by a fear of rejection or indifference. However, what followed was a flood of positive and affirming responses. The experience of reconnecting with former colleagues and receiving thoughtful, detailed endorsements was profoundly uplifting.

Out of the 20 people I asked, 15 provided glowing recommendations. 3 have promised to write ones soon and 2 have entirely ignored my request. So overall, I would call that a success! You can check out some of the Recommendations people generously wrote on my LinkedIn page: https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/michelle-de-havilland-a3823629/

Of course, not every outreach was met with enthusiasm. Silence from some quarters served as a reminder that not all professional relationships are remembered with the same fondness. Yet, the overall outcome was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of those contacted providing glowing recommendations that not only bolstered my LinkedIn profile but also enriched my sense of professional achievement and personal worth. And it was simply marvellous to reconnect with some old friends and colleagues.

The Importance of Recommendations

This journey has reinforced a crucial lesson: in today's digital age, where personal branding is everything, the power of a recommendation is unmatched. It's more than a mere "like" or passive acknowledgment; it's a testament to one's professional abilities, character, and impact. Recommendations provide a narrative to your skills and achievements, adding a layer of trust and authenticity that can significantly influence your career trajectory.

The Art of Asking

The first thing task is to consider who you should ask. Here are some tips that I wish someone had given me before I reached out:

1. Choose Wisely: Start by listing clients, colleagues, and associates who know your work well and have benefited from your expertise. Prioritise individuals with whom you've had significant interactions, shared successes, or overcome challenges together.

2. Personalise Your Request: Generic requests are easy to ignore. Tailor your message, reminding your contact of the projects you worked on together or the achievements you shared. This personal touch not only makes them more likely to respond but also helps them recall specific instances they can mention in their recommendation.

3. Reciprocity is Key: The principle of reciprocity is powerful. Offering to write a recommendation in return not only makes the request more appealing but fosters a spirit of mutual support. It's a win-win situation, enhancing both parties' profiles.

4. Make It Easy for Them: Provide a brief outline of what you hope they'll cover, such as specific skills or projects, to make writing the recommendation easier. This doesn't mean scripting their testimonial, but offering a structure can help them craft a more meaningful and focused recommendation.

How to Write Meaningful LinkedIn Recommendations

From my experience this month I learnt some valuable lessons on writing meaningful recommendations. For those looking to enhance their LinkedIn profiles or support their colleagues, here are some guidelines:

1. Be Specific: Focus on particular qualities or achievements of the person you're recommending. Specific anecdotes or examples add depth and credibility.
2. Highlight Key Strengths: Identify the unique skills or attributes that set the individual apart, whether it's their leadership, creativity, teamwork, or problem-solving capabilities.
3. Keep It Professional, Yet Personal: A good recommendation reflects a genuine personal connection but remains professional. Share how the person positively impacted your work or the workplace.
4. Tailor Your Recommendation: Consider the individual's goals and how your recommendation can support their aspirations. A well-tailored endorsement can open doors and create opportunities.
5. Proofread: Before hitting "send," make sure your recommendation is free of errors and clearly communicates your endorsement.

Reciprocity - Crafting a Stellar Recommendation

When it's your turn to write a recommendation, here's how to ensure it's impactful:

1. Start with a Bang: Begin with a strong statement of recommendation. "I wholeheartedly recommend [Name] for..." sets a positive tone for the rest of the testimonial.

2. Specify Your Relationship: Clearly state how you know the person. "As [Name]'s Manager at [Company], I had the pleasure of witnessing their professional growth firsthand over two years."

3. Highlight Key Skills and Achievements: Focus on specific skills and how they were applied. "Through [Name]'s expertise in digital marketing, our lead generation improved by 40% in just six months. Their innovative strategies and attention to analytics were game-changers for our team."

4. Include Anecdotes or Milestones: Personal stories or significant milestones add depth. "One of [Name]'s standout achievements was leading the redevelopment of our website, which not only enhanced user experience but also significantly increased traffic and engagement."

5. End with a Strong Closing: Reinforce your recommendation at the end. "Given [Name]'s exceptional skills, dedication, and achievements, I have no doubt they will be an invaluable asset to any team."

The mini quest for recommendations on LinkedIn, while initially daunting, has proven to be a deeply rewarding endeavour. It not only filled a crucial gap in my professional profile but also rekindled connections and provided a surge of positive feedback that has been truly heartening.

In the digital age, where professional reputations and personal branding are increasingly built and showcased online, recommendations on LinkedIn or professional websites have become gold. These testimonials can significantly enhance your credibility, showcase your expertise, and expand your professional footprint.

Author:

Michelle de Havilland, Executive Coach, and CEO of BlackGate, brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the real estate sector, having contributed to numerous global property developments. Michelle is not only a seasoned business leader but also a renowned motivational speaker and TV Personality. For further details on BlackGate, visit www.black-gate.co.uk, or reach out to MD Coach directly for coaching sessions with Michelle at [email protected]. Additionally, explore the MDCoach Intelligence Forum for insightful articles like this one: https://mdcoach.co.uk/intelligence.