Image Courtesy of Ryan Christopher VanWilliams - NYC's Photostream
When I graduated from college social media was barely in existence. My version of “social media” was a three ring binder with my resume, awards, and letters of recommendation that I used to drop off at companies I was interviewing with the day before the interview. With the rapid growth of sites like LinkedIn, the three ring binder method is about as relevant as using a Commodore 64 computer to run your business. I don’t still use the binder but I must admit that I’ve kept it. Reading through those letters of recommendation never gets old.
For those of you who may not be familiar, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional social networking site allowing professionals to connect and have an online presence. When building your profile you have the option of completing a number of categories including your Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Recommendations.
It takes three Recommendations to have a 100% complete profile. Most of my connections do not have ANY recommendations. I don’t get it. If you do not have three people willing recommend your work, you are probably in the wrong business.
According to an article in Forbes entitled Everything You Need to Know about LinkedIn Recommendations, if you are a small business owner or independent contractor, potential clients expect to read recommendations from satisfied customers.
Take the time to ask a Boss, Co-Worker, or Client for a recommendation today. Not only does the recommendation establish credibility with customers or potential customers but rereading about a time when you have made a difference gives you a confidence boost when times are tough.
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