A recent discussion in the Social Media Today LinkedIn group focused on LinkedIn Recommendations and whether they are important. A vibrant discussion, with more than 20 comments, it highlights the misunderstandings that surround this great LinkedIn feature.
By the way, you can join our group and be part of the discussion. Check it out here: Social Media Today LinkedIn group.
The discussion post started with these questions:
How important are recommendations on your LinkedIn profile? How many is a good number? Is it possible to have too many recommendations?
All great questions and I'll take a few minutes here to answer them and also include some of the responses from the Social Media Today LinkedIn group.
But first, a quick explanation of what a LinkedIn Recommendation is:
When you connect with someone on LinkedIn you can write a recommendation for them that they can display on their profile. Think of it as a reference. It's a way to highlight your skills through endorsements from colleagues, bosses, customers and clients.
How important are LinkedIn Recommendations?
LinkedIn recommendations are vital and necessary. Again, think of them as references. When I pitch a new client, I include a link to my LinkedIn profile and mention that I have recommendations that will tell them more about my work for similar companies.
One member of the Social Media Today LinkedIn group put it this way: "third-party recommendations are a must for building trust and establishing credibility, especially when they come unsolicited."
How many recommendations is a good number? Is it possible to have too many recommendations?
My philosophy on how many recommendations is a good number is similar to how many connections you should have on LinkedIn: quality vs. quantity. I'd rather have five solid recommendations that detail how amazing I am as a PR consultant or LinkedIn speaker and trainer than 50 recommendations that say "Chuck's a great guy to know."
"Ideally you'll have a balanced set of recommendations from co-workers, customers etc. that speak to a range of your attributes and skills - paints a wide/in-depth picture of you," said one member of the SMT LinkedIn group.
Viveka Von Rosen, a good friend and LinkedIn marketing expert, said it this way: "Recommendations - as long as they are quality are very important in real life and on LinkedIn."
The emphasis in several comments on the discussion was quality not quantity!
What's the best way to get LinkedIn recommendations?
"I have known people who lost their job and sent out 50+ requests for recommendations," commented a SMT group member. This is obviously not the best way to get recommendations. Similarly I have connected with someone on LinkedIn only to receive a request for recommendation the following day. Not a great idea.
The best way to get LinkedIn recommendations is to give them first. Then, in the message to your contact that you are recommending, add this sentence: "If you're comfortable, I'd appreciate it if you'd recommend me as well."
By the same token, if you have finished a project for a client, or moved from one job to another, it's okay to ask for a LinkedIn recommendation while the work is still current and relevant. Before social media and Linkedin it was standard practice to ask a former employer (where you left on good terms) to write a recommendation or reference for you. The same holds true today.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn recommendations are an important tool in your LinkedIn marketing toolkit. Having a third party "endorsement" is key to creating a well-rounded LinkedIn profile. But, remember that they are only part of the overall picture that you present. Keeping an up-to-date profile, with current information is also important.
One other point - if you are in business development or a job seeker, move your recommendations closer to the top of your profile. Certain sections can be moved up or down by editing your profile. It will help emphasize your experience and skills and show potential customers or employers that you can do a great job for them, too.
I would challenge you to pay it forward and take a few minutes to write recommendations for a few of your colleagues or service providers. The unsolicited recommendation is gold - as one Social Media Today Group member said: "that's the best possible scenario!"
Want to connect on LinkedIn? Send me an invite and I'll gladly accept your invitation!