How to Get Powerful LinkedIn Recommendations
One of the first things I do with a coaching client is rework his/her LinkedIn page, which includes getting a minimum of 20 Recommendations. Not endorsements, Recommendations; and a specific type of Recommendation, at that: one that tells a story about a specific event when my client helped that individual solve a great problem or brought tremendous value to the individual in some concrete way, as opposed to the typical general, generic Recommendations that are usually given.
I’m going to show you the difference by giving you two examples of both kinds of Recommendations—the generic and the concrete—from my own LinkedIn page. The first two are general, generic examples; the second two are the kind of story Recommendations I’m exhorting you to go after.
(1) Robert is one of those rare individuals who can seamlessly unite his years of experience to what is happening in today’s sales and marketing arenas. He is the consummate professional not to mention gentleman who is always willing to lend a helping hand with incredible grace. His book “Selling Fearlessly” is a true reflection of Bob’s overall sales and business style. I am honored to know him both professionally and personally and would recommend him without any reservation.
(2) Bob is one of the more fascinating people I have ever had the opportunity to work with. His wisdom and expertise as it relates to selling has helped me become a better sales person, think more strategically about my role and close more business. His insight and out of the box way of thinking adds value to every conversation I have with him. I highly recommend Bob to any sales person or sales team looking to take their results and their process to the next level.
(3) I was referred to Bob for the purpose of helping me build a platform for my recently published book, Profit Heroes. I was told he could help me achieve what I couldn’t achieve on my own. At first, I had my doubts. But, that wisdom turned into a life-changing experience.
Bob got to know me personally, most professional coaches tend to share more about themselves then take the extra time it takes to learn the history, personal motivations and other factors that impact personal and professional goals. Bob did that and he did it well. In fact, he taught me many things about myself I didn’t even know!
With his help, I acquired over 20 top endorsements from industry-leading thought leaders; I published articles, blogs and to-date have now completed 10 Podcast interviews, all featuring my book, thought leadership and services. He also helped me secure an inspiring foreword for my book from a highly successful business and sales leader, Dan Waldschmidt. These are all things I couldn’t have done on my own, and he made them happen in only a few short months.
Anyone needing to take their project or career to another level would be wise to engage Bob. In fact, run, don’t walk, the sooner you do it, the sooner you will see your payback!!
(4) I discovered Bob via a podcast interview he did last year. His wisdom and humor immediately caught my attention. Shortly thereafter, I found myself devouring his wonderful book, Selling Fearlessly, and knew he was the guy.
Having just started my own innovation consulting business, I quickly found myself in uncharted territory. I had plenty of experience selling ideas to clients, but was completely green with respect to selling my business and myself. I started working with Bob because I couldn’t afford to figure out sales the hard way; I needed a mentor to quickly advance me toward mastery.
That he did, and more. Bob’s advice and suggestions made an immediate impact on both my confidence and my business. He’s armed me with so many tips and suggestions; I still haven’t been able to pursue them all!
Bob is much, much more than a sales coach; he’s a friend, an agent, a mentor, an editor, and a life coach. He’s a pleasure to work with and is not afraid to tell you what you need to hear. That’s because he genuinely cares. As Bob will tell you, he’s retired and doesn’t need to do what he does. He does it because he loves it.
If you’re feeling stuck or lacking confidence with respect to sales and business, I highly recommend a consult with Bob. Your only regret will be that you didn’t reach out to him sooner!
When you ask for a Recommendation, it might go something like this:
Jack, I know how busy you are but I’d like to ask a huge favor—Would you do a LinkedIn Recommendation for me? And instead of the typical general, generic kind of Recommendation most people put up, would you tell the specific story about the time I helped you with that Cambridge project? You remember that one? If you’d spell out the details of that story and how I made a difference for you that time, I’d greatly appreciate it. Do you think you could bang that out in the next week or so? If so, I’ll really owe you one.
Get a commitment!
That’s how it’s done, my friends. Get 20 or so story Recommendations and your LinkedIn page is going to really wow them! Get ahold of me if you want to talk about it; I’ll be glad to help!
Continue reading here: Don't Confuse Activity with Selling
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