Pay it Forward - Give a LinkedIn Recommendation

Have you ever given someone in your network a #LinkedIn recommendation? You should. LinkedIn recommendations are similar to professional references, but the difference is that a LinkedIn recommendation is tied to someone's professional LinkedIn profile.

By giving someone a recommendation, you are paying it forward, and by "it" I mean you're creating positive karma. We all know the real power of LinkedIn is in our connections. Giving a well-deserved recommendation helps to strengthen those connections.

We all know that when you chose references on a job application, you're going to choose the three people who will give you a rock start reference. But as employers, we know that too. Plus, we don't always know what your relationship is with that reference, and how credible they are. The reference could be a brother in law, classmate, or neighbor.

LinkedIn recommendations are tied to a profile and that means it's their professional credibility on the line. I know that if I'm asked, I will think twice before giving a LinkedIn recommendation. If I don't really stand behind the person, I will not give them a recommendation. And I choose my words wisely if I am giving a recommendation.

All of that said, there are a LOT of great people in my network to whom I have given recommendations. Who comes to mind for you? Think of rock star team players. Phenomenal clients. Managers who could themselves write books on inspirational leadership. Or interns who have worked their tails off.

Here are a few selected recommendations I've given. I hope this inspires you to write someone a recommendation today. Also, while you're at it, check out their profiles and consider inviting these individuals to connect to you. Make sure in your invitation you mention that you read their glowing recommendation from Brenda Meller on her blog. It will make their day. :)

David Leo, MSPA, CC

Club President

David is the president of our Toastmasters Club and a true servant leader. He inspires me with his level of professionalism and compassion. It has been a pleasure to have been among his officer team and I am glad our paths have crossed.

May 1, 2013, Brenda reported to David at Toastmasters at Walsh College

Cam Walters

Marketing & Public Relations Intern

I was impressed with Cameron from his very first interview through the end of his marketing/PR internship and beyond. Cameron has a great work ethic and is eager to learn and open to feedback. I'm honored to have been a mentor to him during his internship and look forward to watching this marketing rockstar throughout his career.

March 28, 2013, Brenda managed Cam at Walsh College

Tember Shea

Director of Membership

Tember is dedicated to growing and supporting the membership of Inforum Michigan and it shows in all her actions. I receive support from Tember as an Affinity Group Leader. She demonstrates her professionalism and passion for the organization in all communications to members and prospective members alike. I know I can always count on Tember for a fast response and complete answers, and support when I need it. She is thorough in her follow-up and responsive to my inquiries. I give Tember a strong endorsement and happy to have the pleasure to work with Tember. Her dedication will help to strengthen and grow the membership base for Inforum Michigan.

March 31, 2011, Brenda was with another company when working with Tember at Inforum Michigan

Sherry Kenyon, MA, SPHR

Human Resource Generalist

I had the pleasure of working with Sherry while at Pitney Bowes. From the very first presentation to our group, Sherry was a true professional who worked to help realize the corporate vision at the business unit level. Sherry is focused on employee engagement at all levels within the organization, while ensuring that all parties are in compliance with corporate guidelines. I am proud to have had the pleasure of working with Sherry. She is an asset to the organization.

January 12, 2009, Brenda worked indirectly for Sherry at Pitney Bowes

Keith Woodman

EVP

Every company needs a person like Keith in senior management. He provides his associates with inspiration, guidance, and independence and helps them to pursue their career goals while working together to achieve the company's vision. He is a kind, genuine person who cares about his team, respects his colleagues, and always seeks to exceed the clients' expectations. I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with Keith.

July 4, 2008, Brenda reported to Keith at pmh/Pitney Bowes

Those Pesky Endorsements

A friend asked me this question today:

Q: How do I get my name to stop coming up for people to endorse on Linked In? They are endorsing me for things I don’t even do!

A: I did some poking around on LinkedIn, and here's what I've found as a workaround. It appears you CAN hide endorsements, either selectively (a lot of manual work to do this) or hide ALL endorsements (which is what I would suggest, if you're not a fan of the pesky endorsements on your profile).

1. Log into your LinkedIn Account.
2. Click to "Edit Profile."
3. Scroll down to "Skills & Expertise."
4. You can follow the link to "Manage Endorsements" if you want to take the selective approach, and review endorsements per skill area. Here you can deselect showing the endorsement from a specific connection, or delete the skill entirely, if you wish.
5. OR, you can hover over the drop-down area next to "Display your endorsements?" and select "No, do not show my endorsements."

Personally, I'm a fan of LinkedIn endorsements, since they help to showcase on my profile which skills and expertise my connections think I'm strong in. However, not everyone shares my feelings about endorsements though.

Hope that helped. Please share and encourage your network to read and comment on this blog. If it's useful, I'll add tips like these more often.