So You Need to Write a Recommendation...

Someone has approached you and asked you to write a LinkedIn recommendation on their profile. Or a book recommendation on Amazon.

This can be very awkward, right? What's the right way to write one? What do you say, and how do you say it?

(And, by the way, it can also be awkward for the one asking. How do you provide a little bit of guidance about what to say?)

So, let's fix that awkwardness for both sides. Here's a simple and effective format you can use for writing (or asking for) a recommendation:

(Problem) I was experiencing this important need/problem/pain/challenge.

(Reason) I reached out to ____________ (or bought the book) because ____________________ (often, it's because someone else you trusted made the recommendation).

(Experience) What I learned/experienced was this positive, beneficial thing that has made a significant difference.

(Outcome) Now I'm doing this differently or have experienced this benefit or growth or tangible result.

Design your communication to fulfill its purpose - get right to the point in a quick, practical story.

How would this look in reality? A few years back, as I was writing my book Clarity Wins, I needed an experienced guide to help me make good decisions and to help me shape the content. I was motivated, but felt somewhat lost and uncertain. So here's how I'd recommend the person who helped me as editor/sherpa/cheerleader/chief critic, Josh Bernoff:

I was a first-time business book author feeling very uncertain about how to get my ideas onto paper and proceed to publication (problem).

I knew of Josh Bernoff for years from his writing, but once I sat down with him and talked about editing and publishing, I knew he would be the right guide for me (reason).

Working with Josh was a real pleasure, not only because of his professional insights but also because of the personal connection we enjoyed as collaborators (experience).

My book ended up having far more credibility and quality after having passed through his discerning hands, and I wouldn't hesitate to use him again in the future. In fact, I've recommended him often to others (outcome).

(I realized, after writing this, that I'd never actually DONE a LinkedIn recommendation for Josh on his profile. That's now fixed!)

Problem - Reason - Experience - Outcome. If you're not sure how to craft a recommendation, or if your customer needs a little help to get the words out, you can't go wrong with this format and flow.

Steve Woodruff offers brand consulting, and conducts virtual and live workshops demonstrating how to apply the Clarity Fuel Formula to your professional life. He is the author of the books Clarity Wins, and The Point.