Ask For and Give LinkedIn Recommendations

While giving a presentation on social media at Margie Dana’s (@margiedana) 4th Annual Print Buyers Conference, I stressed the importance of asking for Recommendations via LinkedIn. One gentleman raised his hand to ask, “Aren’t Recommendations artificial?”

He based his assumption on the fact that sales people from other companies were asking for his personal Recommendation — and he felt uncomfortable giving it because he didn’t think they deserved a Recommendation.

He brought up a good question — one that we in room spent a few minutes talking about, with the consensus being that like testimonials, Recommendations go far in building credibility.

So what are the “rules” when asking for LinkedIn Recommendations? And, if you work in corporate, can or should you ask for Recommendations from co-workers and others?

Yes, you can ask for Recommendations no matter what your job. What follows are a few simple rules regarding asking for – and giving – LinkedIn Recommendations:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask!

The beauty of LinkedIn is that it has become perfectly acceptable to ask for Recommendations. In fact, I find it easier to ask for a Recommendation than I ever did asking for a testimonial. (Now I simply cut and paste Recommendations from LinkedIn to my Website’s testimonial page.)

2. Ask for a Recommendation anytime you finish a project

If you’re in corporate, ask your co-workers, vendors, and customers (if applicable) for Recommendations when you complete external and internal projects. Also consider asking former co-workers and supervisors for Recommendations, too.

The same advice applies to small business owners, consultants and freelancers. I will often connect with people on LinkedIn once they become a client. When the project is finished, I’ll contact the person via LinkedIn in order to ask for a Recommendation.

If you volunteer, don’t forget to ask board or committee members for their Recommendations -– and if you speak, ask conference managers (or whoever hired you) to give you a Recommendation. I even had a workshop attendee give me an unsolicited Recommendation!

3. Offer to Recommend others

If someone provides you with wonderful service or completes a project that exceeds your expectations, write a glowing Recommendation for this person. One, this person will be eternally grateful to you, and two, you’ll spread goodwill, which will return to you at some later time.

4. Ask for Recommendations regularly

Instead of waiting until you’re laid off to build out your LinkedIn Profile, do it now –- by asking for Recommendations. I’ve heard too many hiring managers say that one of the first things they do is look at people’s Profiles when perusing resumes. Having solid Recommendations placed on your Profile over time (versus all in same time period) shows you’re a team player, an active networker –- and someone who “gets” social media.

5. Don’t be afraid to say “no”

As I stated in my Print Buyers presentation, it’s ok to say “no” to requests for Recommendations, especially if you feel the person doesn’t merit a Recommendation or if you and the person doing the asking have a weak connection. You can simply write back, “I don’t feel comfortable giving you a Recommendation at this time.”

Whether you work for a company or for yourself, Recommendations are a great way to build credibility and trust with others. If you have other tips about LinkedIn Recommendations, be sure to add them in the comments section below!

Other articles about LinkedIn:

Using LinkedIn’s Groups to Build Community

Seven Tips for Getting More Out of LinkedIn

How to Be a LinkedIn Superstar by Larry Weintraub