The truth about LinkedIn Recommendations
I think one of the most undervalued and underutilized features of LinkedIn is the recommendation feature. You don’t make a purchase on Amazon without checking out the reviews of the product first, yet the “reviews” section of most LinkedIn profiles remains empty! I know mine was until a few months ago when I asked some of the people I valued most in my network to write me a recommendation. I was shocked, surprised, and elated by the responses I received. I thought damn, why didn’t I do this sooner? Well, here are some of the reasons I didn’t.
Why I didn’t write LinkedIn Recommendations:
1. Nobody asked me
You don’t need to be asked! You can go to any connection’s profile and simply click the “Recommend XXXX” button and you are on your way.
2. Not sure if the person wants my recommendation
The person you’re recommending gets the option to approve, ask for edits, or decline the recommendation. Trust me, after receiving a ton of great reviews from people in my network it was a huge pick me up and gave me real insight into how I was viewed by my peers. Who doesn’t want that boost?
3. It feels weird asking for my own recommendation
I understand this completely but like anything in life, if you don’t ask, it is a guaranteed no. I guarantee the positives that come from stepping out of your comfort zone will be worth it. Side note though: Be careful to not get in trouble as I have heard that some companies do not approve of current employees recommending former colleagues. To me that is BS and if that is your case, I would look for new employment ASAP! Yikes!
4. I am not sure what to say
Say what you feel, I promise you the receiving person will be thrilled to have the praise. Here are a few quick questions you could answer to get your paragraph started.
· What was your interaction? Customer, colleague, partner?
· What are three great qualities about your person?
· What is your favorite moment or interaction?
· If you no longer interact with this person, what do you miss?
5. How long should it be?
A paragraph or two is all that you need. Hit the highlights, keep the fluff to a minimum, and be honest in your feedback. Don’t worry about writing a fancy, formal response. Both parties can edit it during the recommendation process.
And, as always, I have questions for you: Do you care about LinkedIn recommendations? Does it impact who you connect with or who you want to work with in the future? When was the last time you asked for a recommendation? Who are you going to recommend today?
If we are connected and we worked together in any capacity, feel free to hit me up. Happy to write you a recommendation!
Network Security Professional
4 年Folks rarely purchase a product online without reading reviews or doing research. The same should go with your business connections! Awesome to see folks starting to grow that valued network.
Project Manager - Ryan Homes
4 年Undervalued is an understatement! LinkedIn is quickly growing to be more popular than the boring black and white resume for obvious reasons, recommendations being one of them. You don’t really need to call on references if recruiters have them right there at their fingertips do they?!
Director & Chief of Staff, Global Channel Marketing @ Juniper Networks | Revenue Acceleration, GTM Enablement, Leadership Development (MOD)
4 年Absolutely ??! When I mentor peers on professional use of social and/or social selling, we start with "how do you show up". These recommendations are get endorsements for anyone checking out your profile. Willingness to write them for others will often generate the good will to have one written in return. Additionally, this is part of my annual 'January reflection and new year planning "....I update my profile and ask a few people if they are willing to submit some feedback. I have learned to ask for their comments in one of a couple of sughested areas...often helps them get something started. ??