Here's how I received over 130 LinkedIn Recommendations
I recently received a LinkedIn message from a friend who was curious about how I accumulated over 130 recommendations on my LinkedIn profile. Recommendations play a vital role in shaping your online presence, as potential clients or employers often seek further insight into your capabilities before engaging with you.
"Incredible! I can't recommend Mary enough." - Kesha H.
"Mary is the best!" - Joe S.
"I highly recommend Mary. Five stars!" - Dionne W.
Sorry, Mary, but who the heck is Kesha, Joe, and Dionne? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It’s All About Social Proof
Your LinkedIn recommendations are invaluable because they provide social proof; each recommendation links to an actual person.
Allow me to share my strategy for boosting the number of recommendations on your LinkedIn profile. Following these steps will enhance your professional reputation, strengthen your network, and communicate your awesomeness.
Step 1. How to properly send a connection request and get it accepted.
Send a LinkedIn connection request to your clients before the engagement begins. Never send the default message; always include a personal note. I usually write something like, "Hi Bill, let's connect on LinkedIn. I'm always happy to provide an introduction to the nice people in my network." This adds value to my connection request and may help convince Bill to accept my request. I'm honest; I am genuinely happy to provide those intros.
If they have yet to accept your connection request before the engagement begins, a friendly mention via email would be wise. You don't want to request a recommendation before they have connected with you, or it could prolong the endeavor.
Step 2. How to request a LinkedIn recommendation.
Once you have kicked butt and over-delivered for your ecstatic client, it's time to request a LinkedIn recommendation; do this via email first.
Ask your client (we'll call him Bill) if he is delighted with your work. If he is (and why wouldn't he be?), ask him if it would be okay for you to request a LinkedIn recommendation.
When you receive Bill's reply, and he has agreed to provide it, head to LinkedIn to request it.
Go to the LinkedIn profile of your client. From this page, click on More, and from the drop-down, select Request A Recommendation.
After requesting the recommendation, return to your email to reply to Bill.
Step 3. How to ensure you receive the recommendation.
Reply to Bill with a sincere thank you email for agreeing to leave you his kind recommendation. Remind him that you have requested the recommendation, and he will see the notification the next time he logs in to LinkedIn.
Step 4. Breathe. Be patient.
Give your client ample time to craft and submit their recommendation. If you have yet to receive one within a couple of weeks, sending a gentle follow-up email as a friendly reminder is acceptable.
Step 5. Be grateful.
Express your gratitude by sending a heartfelt thank-you email to your client. Taking the time to acknowledge their kind words is essential. For an extra touch, consider sending a handwritten card to show your appreciation.
Bonus Tip...
Consider copying and pasting the LinkedIn recommendation if your website features a testimonials page. Include the client's name and title and link it to their LinkedIn profile (social proof!).
You can see an example of implementing this on my speaking page here https://www.davedelaney.me/#testimonials.
Remember, for every recommendation you receive, try to write one or two for your LinkedIn connections. Take a look at your recent emails, messages, and social media interactions to identify people whose work you genuinely admire. Communicating nicely will lead to great things, whether you believe in karma or not.
By the way, I still offer my Live LinkedIn Profile Audits.