WCT #78: How You Build LinkedIn Social Proof
Three Minute Read
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Professional networking is increasingly beginning in the virtual world of LinkedIn, where digital footprints often precede Zooms and handshakes. So, the importance of a robust LinkedIn profile must be considered. Among the various elements that make your profile stand out, none are as influential as well-crafted recommendations. Recommendations are among the most overlooked features of LinkedIn. Consider how many people browse Yelp or Google Reviews before selecting a restaurant, focusing on the most recent ones. In this newsletter, we'll delve into the transformative power of recommendations on your LinkedIn profile and share some strategic insights on gathering them.
Why Recommendations Matter: Social Proof in Action
The online landscape is teeming with profiles, each vying for attention. Recommendations act as your professional cheerleaders, providing tangible evidence of your skills, work ethic, and impact. They offer a glimpse into your professional journey through the eyes of those who've collaborated with you. In essence, recommendations serve as social proof, adding credibility and authenticity to your narrative.
Principles for Gathering Impactful Recommendations
1. Personalize Your Requests When seeking recommendations, avoid generic requests. Instead, personalize your message, reminding the recommender of specific projects or achievements you'd like them to highlight. This ensures a tailored and compelling recommendation, providing concrete examples of your contributions.
2. Diversify Your Sources While recommendations from supervisors are invaluable, don't overlook the significance of endorsements from peers, subordinates, or clients. A well-rounded collection of recommendations paints a comprehensive picture of your professional prowess.
3. Craft a Thoughtful Thank-You Acknowledge and express gratitude for recommendations promptly. A thoughtful thank-you message not only shows appreciation but also nurtures positive professional relationships.
4. Reciprocity Sparks Action Be proactive in giving recommendations to colleagues and connections. This act often triggers a reciprocal response, encouraging others to share their positive experiences working with you. And, no matter what, expressing gratitude will make you feel good.
5. Keep Your Recommendations Fresh You should always seek to add recommendations. And LinkedIn allows you to suppress individual recommendations as you see fit. You can withdraw older ones that may not be as relevant to your current career and aspirations.
Preview Next week, I’ll discuss interacting on LinkedIn as another form of building social presence and capital in your community.
The Bottom Line
Recommendations are more than mere endorsements; they are testimonials to your professional character. As you navigate your career journey, consider recommendations on social media as the digital equivalent of a hearty endorsement at a networking event. By actively curating recommendations from a variety of professional relationships, you fortify your online presence and present a compelling case for your expertise.
Remember, recommendations are not just for job seekers; they are a continuous asset in your professional toolkit. So, seize the opportunity to showcase your skills, gather social proof, and let your professional narrative shine on LinkedIn!
I coach and advise people to land amazing jobs and manage their career journeys. I also transform resumes and LinkedIn profiles to attract more interviews and offers. Learn more about my career coaching and contact me or request a free 20-minute Career Solutions Call.