Managing recommendations in Web2.0 world
All of my references are on LinkedIn
I’ve decided to limit my testimonials to two places. Realistically, LinkedIn is awesome for that purpose. If you are not using it to manage your testimonials yet, you should be.
My profile on LinkedIn and my profile at Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft actively rewards its partners who have credible references. Microsoft goes to great lengths to verify these references and they are a requirement to attain the Certified Partner status.
As there are thousands of Microsoft partners in Silicon Valley, we strive to keep our references up to date to be on top of the partner list.
With LinkedIn, I realize multiple benefits as compared to posting testimonials on my private web site.
- Someone can request a recommendation from me, suggest to me what I should write about them, and I won’t forget about it.
- How many times you’ve met someone and promised to refer them business… And never did… Be honest!
- If I have new information, I can update someone else’s recommendation after I’ve given it.
- The recipient must agree with my edits or the previous recommendation stands.
- If someone volunteers an endorsement, I can include my suggested edits so that we can both agree on its content.
- It can be very helpful to edit an endorsement to expand and clarify.
- I always have accurate contact information and an accurate resume of my contacts.
- I know for a fact what my friends are doing, where they are, and how they can help my other contacts.
- LinkedIn profiles rank very highly on Google.
- I can control the data which is displayed about me in a Google search. As time passes and the world gets ever more connected, this will become increasingly more important.
- If I develop an issue with a former connection. I can rescind my recommendation.
- I retain the control over what I said and no one can alter that text without my consent.
- Try requesting that from a typical static website. Will you even notice that a stale testimonial is still up somewhere?
By bringing my clients into my LinkedIn network, they get a clear picture of how I am connected in the business community. Thus, even though they may have simply joined LinkedIn to endorse me, they also benefit from its additional services.
If you love the results of my work, please connect to me through LinkedIn. Your endorsement will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
