I think I speak for most people when I say that requests by strangers to "recommend" them are not only annoying, but offensive. If I know you and you impress me, I am happy to recommend you. I don't really mind if people ask me for a plug, but frankly do not ask if you are not willing to be turned down, I don't hand them out like Halloween candy.
So here are two forms of recommendations I will not do:
1. People I currently work with. This is my personal policy because I think it is really unprofessional when someone has a bunch of reciprocating recommendations from everyone in their office. Sometimes looking at the dates can make it look even worse: when someone is new to a company, their boss and the team all write a smarmy, generic "Bob is a great sales rep and we are proud to have him as a valuable member of the team!" What value does that add? Do you really think people do not see through that?
2. Unsolicited requests. I find these just insulting: "David, our only connection is that we are in the same linkedin network. Although you do not know me or the quality of my work, could you please write me a recommendation so that I can appear to be something I am not?".
The most important question I can ask myself before undertaking any action - whether it is accepting a job or responding to an email or writing a recommendation - the most important question is "who am I becoming?". Not "how will this make me look?" or "what will this get me?". Those are sometimes important questions, but they must never get in the way of the former.
So one day I decided to respond to one of those requests. I had very little to go on, but I worked with what I had:
I was actually hoping he would just approve it and put it up, but after 5 weeks, it remains unapproved.
I did bend my rule just a little and write a recommendation for someone I did not know well. I thought his profile was creative and funny and after a few email exchanges, I really liked the guy and felt compelled (he did not ask) to write a recommendation for "The King of Sausage" (besides, I love sausage):
OK it is not entirely serious (or even a little serious) but it was fun and Abe thought it was funny. It's not like having a monarch over an entire category of food is without a precedent or two.
So here are two forms of recommendations I will not do:
1. People I currently work with. This is my personal policy because I think it is really unprofessional when someone has a bunch of reciprocating recommendations from everyone in their office. Sometimes looking at the dates can make it look even worse: when someone is new to a company, their boss and the team all write a smarmy, generic "Bob is a great sales rep and we are proud to have him as a valuable member of the team!" What value does that add? Do you really think people do not see through that?
2. Unsolicited requests. I find these just insulting: "David, our only connection is that we are in the same linkedin network. Although you do not know me or the quality of my work, could you please write me a recommendation so that I can appear to be something I am not?".
The most important question I can ask myself before undertaking any action - whether it is accepting a job or responding to an email or writing a recommendation - the most important question is "who am I becoming?". Not "how will this make me look?" or "what will this get me?". Those are sometimes important questions, but they must never get in the way of the former.
So one day I decided to respond to one of those requests. I had very little to go on, but I worked with what I had:
It is so rare that I get a request for a recommendation from someone that I have never met that I feel compelled to respond and recommend Matt ******. Few people have the outright audacity to ask a total stranger to write something about their character, performance or talents. Since Matt and I have never met or worked directly together, there is only one quality to which I can testify. Matt has supreme moxy. His level of presumptuousness knows few limits and that makes him rare indeed. Should you find yourself in need of someone whose willingness to self promote knows no limit, then look no further.
I was actually hoping he would just approve it and put it up, but after 5 weeks, it remains unapproved.
I did bend my rule just a little and write a recommendation for someone I did not know well. I thought his profile was creative and funny and after a few email exchanges, I really liked the guy and felt compelled (he did not ask) to write a recommendation for "The King of Sausage" (besides, I love sausage):
Since the dawn of time, man has always looked to his betters for leadership and guidance. As civilization developed, some things became clear. A new order was emerging and the Magna Carta declared that no man is above the law, not even the king.
Now, in these modern times, one man has emerged as a clear leader, a true visionary that is bringing the nation of sausage eaters into a shining new age.
Abe Froman is that man. He is the King of Sausage.
Long may he reign!
OK it is not entirely serious (or even a little serious) but it was fun and Abe thought it was funny. It's not like having a monarch over an entire category of food is without a precedent or two.
