LinkedIn Recommendations: What People Say And What They Really Mean!

Are you on LinkedIn? Do you have any recommendations in your profile from clients, colleagues or co-workers?

I joined ages ago and had the common reaction: “Now what?” but I’ve recently been using LinkedIn rather a lot and have found it an excellent tool. So far…

• I’ve been interviewed as a blogging expert by Monique Carradine in the US
• We’ve generated 2 new clients for Project Woodward
• Project Woodward has hooked up with another very useful supplier
• I’ve been interviewed as a potential case study for a book on web working and the use of social media in business

But the best thing about LinkedIn is reading through the profile recommendations that people have and that they give and trying to figure out what they *really* mean…for example:

“…was prepared to engage with people at all levels” – you mean they deigned to speak to the minions beneath them?

“…is always direct and honest” – you mean they often offend people and have caused numerous office tussles?

“is a very good communicator with strong influencing skills” – you mean they’re manipulative and know how to use their charms and wiles to get what they want?

“…is a mature individual” – maybe this is ok when the person being recommended is just out of college, but when they’re obviously in their late 30s/early 40s is it really necessary?

“…is a results-oriented and focused professional” – you mean they’re ruthless, ambitious and will stop at nothing to get what they want?

Perhaps it’s the cynic in me but if you want a lesson in spin, look no further than LinkedIn recommendations!

P.S. If you’re interested in how to use LinkedIn for business purposes to help you position yourself as an expert, generate new business and network with great people, join our monthly ezine, Business Success Secrets, for an article on LinkedIn coming up in the next few months. You can sign up in the box over there on the right hand side of the site >>>

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