I Testify

GETTING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR RAVING FANS

I remembered the other day that I needed to ask one of my clients for a testimonial to post on my website.  It surprises me how many of my of us forget to do it.  Not only do we forget, but when we do, the request is too vague.  Have you ever said these words -  “Can you send me a recommendation?”  Let’s be strategic about it.  Here are three things to consider when you are asked or you ask others to prepare a recommendation or testimonial.

1)      Communicate with the Requestor

There are several things you want to talk about with the requestor.  Take time to contact them and find out about the content, format and deadline.  First, be clear about the content of the recommendation.  I was recently asked to write a recommendation for my computer technician for his LinkedIn profile.  He has helped me with several projects from virus elimination to video production.  I contacted him to ask what aspect of his business he would like me to recommend so that I can provide the information that matters most to him.

The requestor might want the recommendation in several formats.  For a LinkedIn profile, they will need to send you a recommendation request through LinkedIn.  If they are using it on their website, a simple email will work.  If they are creating a Raving Fans Book to share with customers, put it on letterhead. 

Have a conversation about the delivery of the recommendation.  Let the requestor know when you will have it done. Agree to minor modifications if something is unclear in the recommendation.

2)       Write in a P.S.S. Format

A good way to provide a recommendation is to break it into three parts; the problem you had, the solution they provided, and the savings they experienced, i.e. money, time, etc.  Here’s an example:

“I hired Scott to create a CD using a previously-recorded mp3 file.  He was able to quickly edit the file and improve the sound quality.  This saved me hours of re-recording and editing.  I would highly recommend Scott to anyone who is looking for a computer technician that is easy to work with, professional and extremely knowledgeable.”

3)      Keep a Recommendation File

It takes time to write a compelling testimonial or recommendation.  Keep a file of testimonials you have written and ones written about you.  It will save you time as you can use the same format over and over again. 

Writing recommendations and testimonials is part of the service we provide to others.  By developing a simple system that allows us to prepare them quickly and effectively will help give and receive with ease. 

Captivated Customers wants to know.  What are some of the creative ways that you’ve used testimonials?

Norma is an innovative Sales Performance Consultant, Business Coach, Blogger and Speaker. Her goal is to inspire business owners to captivate their customers and turn them into raving fans so that their businesses can experience increased profits and more fun.

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