Getting “Social Proof” With LinkedIn Testimonials

One of the best ways to build trust so that you position yourself as an expert (and convert business) is to showcase your testimonials.

Social proof is a type of “herd behaviour” and one of Dr. Robert Cialdini’s principles of influence.

When someone says you’re terrific, then others are more likely to feel the same.

One of the best ways to have your business competency acknowledged is via LinkedIn testimonials. (Not to be confused with endorsements, which are a different story).

Here are 2 different approaches for obtaining a testimonial.

Approach #1: Ask For One

This approach is best when you’re asking a former boss or client to provide you with a testimonial.

You simply want to send them an individual request. (If you’re smart, you’ll do the “heavy lifting” for them. Provide them with key areas they can focus on, or, better yet, write the testimonial for them and let them modify or approve it).

How to ASK for a recommendation on LinkedIn:

• Click “Profile” in the navigation bar.


• Directly beside the grey “EDIT” button, you will see a small arrow that points down.


• Hover over that button and the second prompt will allow you to “Ask to be recommended”

The next page that will appear will have a few fields you will need to customize.

PLEASE NOTE: Only send ONE request at a time and personalize/customize the requests. Not only will you be more likely to receive the testimonials you want, but you can specifically ask for them to highlight certain areas or jobs you worked on together.

Approach #2: Do unto others….Write a recommendation for someone you would stake your professional career on.

Because of the law of reciprocity, when do write a testimonial for someone, they feel compelled to to write one in return (and it helps that LinkedIn also asks if they would like to write one in reply).

How to GIVE a recommendation on LinkedIn:

• Simply visit the personal profile for one of your connections.


• Beside the “Send a message” button, click on the downward arrow and click on the third link marked “Recommend”


• LinkedIn will prompt you to identify how you will be recommending them:

• as a colleague (you worked with them at the same company


• as a service provider (you hired them as a client)


• as a business partner (you worked with them at different companies)


• student

This area will appear next:

• You will then identify your relationship, your title at the time, their title at the time and the testimonial.


• Be sure to customize a personal message to your connection.

Once you obtain your testimonial, you can take screen grabs and use it on your marketing material or website.

Testimonials/recommendations are VERY powerful sales tools. Whether you are simply looking to position yourself as an expert or you are converting business, these kudos help to showcase success stories and build trust.

Now it’s YOUR turn…how have YOU effectively obtained testimonials and recommendations? Provide your 2 cents in the fields below.

Getting “Social Proof” With LinkedIn Testimonials