Giving and Receiving Recommendations on LinkedIn

Giving and Receiving
Recommendations on

Copyright ©️2013-2023 | Social Sales Link, LLC | All Rights Reserved.
In this eBook, we'll dive deep into the art of
giving and receiving recommendations on
LinkedIn and how you can leverage this feature
to boost your sales success.
In the fast-paced world of LinkedIn networking,
one feature often overlooked is the
Recommendations feature. It's not just about
showing off your skills; it's about letting others
speak for your success and the value you bring
to the table.

1

LinkedIn recommendations provide
instant social proof, speeding up the
decision-making process and helping
close deals faster.
When prospects ask to speak with
previous clients, direct them to your
LinkedIn profile's recommendations.
This saves time and prevents missed
opportunities.
1
Reducing the Sales Cycle
2
Social Proof or Social
Credibility
Social proof is crucial in a world where
anyone can claim expertise. LinkedIn
recommendations are a genuine way to
establish credibility.
They show that you're not just talking the
talk, but others have experienced your
expertise and vouch for it.

2

A legitimate recommendation on LinkedIn isn't
just a pat on the back; it's a well-crafted narrative.
It should answer these key questions:
What was the challenge faced?
What was the reason behind the
recommendation giver choosing to
work with the person receiving the
recommendation?
How did the person receiving the
recommendation assist with
overcoming the challenge, and
what specific actions did they
take?
What were the outcomes after
working with the person receiving
the recommendation?
1.
2.
3.
4.
It is important to prioritize authenticity and avoid endorsing
individuals for the sake of it. A misguided recommendation
can harm your credibility.
Remember

3

When a client praises your work, take the
opportunity to ask for a recommendation. For
example:
Client: "You did such a great job!"
You: "I'm glad we exceeded your expectations.
We rely on our reputation and LinkedIn
recommendations to grow our business. Would
you be open to me capturing your feedback and
using it in a LinkedIn recommendation?"
ASeize the Moment
B Make it easy for your clients by offering to
draft the recommendation for them:
You: "Would you be open to writing a
recommendation on LinkedIn? If it makes it
easier for you, I'm happy to write it up and send
it over. You can simply copy and paste it."
Offer to Draft It

When requesting a recommendation, remind
your clients of the value you provided:
You: "Remember how happy our employees
were with our work? Your feedback is
essential for our LinkedIn recommendations."
CRemind Them of Your
Positive Impact
DIf a client's company has a policy against
endorsing suppliers, try to get a general
recommendation:
You: "While I understand your company's policy,
could we still get a general recommendation
like 'As a Fortune 100 company, we hired [Your
Name]'?"
Addressing Company Policies

If possible, proactively seek permission
to use a client's logo or name in your
promotional materials and website:
You: "In our contract, we seek permission
to use your logo and name for
promotional purposes. Is this something
we can include?"
EUse Existing Permissions
When people connect and offer to recommend
or endorse your skills without context, handle
it diplomatically:
You: "Thank you for your willingness to
recommend and endorse my skills. Could you
please provide more context or specifics related
to our collaboration?"
Bonus: Dealing with Unwanted Offers

4

Start by giving recommendations to your
clients. Showcase how you've helped them
overcome specific challenges, the solutions
you provided, and the measurable results.
These recommendations serve as powerful
case studies for potential clients.
AGive Recommendations to
Your Clients
When faced with clients or companies that have a no-
endorsement policy for vendors, offer them a
testimonial instead.
Highlight their excellence and the positive experience
working together. It's a way to show appreciation and
strengthen relationships, even when endorsements are
off the table.
PRO TIP:

When you're requesting recommendations from
someone, consider reciprocating the gesture by
offering to write them a recommendation as well.
You've collaborated, and your shared experiences
provide a foundation for a glowing
recommendation.
Even if they don't reciprocate, your authenticity
shines through. It's about building a network based
on genuine connections and goodwill.
BOffer Recommendations to
Those You Seek Them From

Have you learned from an industry expert,
author, or podcast host? Take a moment to
recommend them on LinkedIn.
It's a way to show appreciation and create a
connection. LinkedIn recommendations can
help you engage with influencers in your field,
leading to valuable networking opportunities.
CGive recommendations to
Industry thought leaders
and influencers
DGive Recommendations to
Your Referral Partners
If someone has referred business to
you that resulted in success, publicly
thank and recommend them on
LinkedIn.
It strengthens your relationship and
acknowledges their support.

Rekindle connections by writing
recommendations for people you know well
but haven't spoken to in a while. A thoughtful
recommendation shows that you value the
relationship, possibly sparking new
conversations or collaboration. To reconnect
with people you've lost touch with, start by
taking inventory of your connections.
E Give Recommendations
to People You Want to
Reconnect With
Don't bombard your connections with
recommendations all at once. It may raise suspicions.
Instead, stagger them over time for a more natural and
credible approach.
PRO TIP:
Space Out Your Recommendations

bob.woods@socialsaleslink.com
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Brynne Tillman
Bob Woods

Giving and Receiving Recommendations on LinkedIn

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