LinkedIn allows those positive opinions of others to work for you, as the buyer or seller of services (be it as an employee, consultant, employer, service provider, or one needing services). These are the recommendations, or endorsements.

My favorite feature about LinkedIn is the Recommendations; they're like online references.  After having worked eight years in an environment where praise was not often shared, it's nice to be able to see the positive opinions of people I respect, and know that other people can see them.

LinkedIn considers profiles to be complete when, among other things, you have three or more recommendations. I have seven right now. And I'm happy to say I have a real mix of them, from managers, to clients, to reports.  The recommendations are really good, too. I was rather humbled by a few of them. It's really nice to know people think highly of me. 

If a recruiter is looking for people with Technical Writing experience, they may look around on LinkedIn and see several dozen for the Austin Area.  But as they look, they're probably going to focus on two things; the specific skills and specialties for the position they're looking to fill, and what people have to say about them.  I'm better positioned than the person with no recommendations.

It also helps if you're looking for a service provider.  For example, imagine being a first time feature filmmaker, and you need to use a media services company.  All your previous projects, you've never had to find one before. The media company you know was used on your other projects isn't around anymore.  There are a lot out there, and you aren't sure which one gives you the most bang for your limited bucks.  Through word of mouth you hear good and bad things about five different companies, and you don't know any of your sources well enough to know which ones have the most credibility.  You don't know who's connected to that company, and you'd like some objective references, your film is too good to use a bad company. 

When you check out the companies on LinkedIn, you see that three people for XYZ Media Services have over a dozen recommendations between them.  It's a new company, but the people who work there have some outstanding recommendations and as you read them, you recognize a few names, and the recommendations themselves are solid. They aren't just "Joe is awesome!!" empty type recommendations, and perhaps, they even mention how Joe saved them money with his creative approach.   You also notice that the three people from XYZ have worked at several companies each, but they all seem have been with each company for a few years, and have recommendations at most them. 

Now imagine you see an advertisement for PQR Media Services.  They have a website that touts they're the cheapest in town, and they have quotes from satisfied customers like "Sally, Producer".  PQR has three people on LinkedIn, and each of them lasted less than a year at PQR, and they only have three recommendations between them, and they're vague.

You're probably leaning towards XYZ.  You have specific names you can contact as references, to get more details.  You don't have that at PQR.  You can see that the staff at XYZ have solid reps, and aren't likely to job hop.  You're also probably thinking of more things to check (Awards, the owner of the company, etc.). 

Can you see how LinkedIn benefits the filmmaker, as well as the media services company?

If you're thinking, "but I don't have any recommendations!!" don't fret. You can ask for them. Just also remember to write them as well.   

Requesting an Endorsement (Recommendation)

Go to Inbox

Select Send Messages

Request Endorsement

Follow the instructions

Send a Recommendation

Go to Profile for the person who want to write the recommendation for

Select "Recommend this person" (Upper right side)  and follow instructions -OR-

Go to Inbox

Select Send Messages

Select Send Recommendation

Follow instructions 
 

The recommendations you write don't have to be as formal as a letter of recommendation, but do try to be specific about what makes that person outstanding so it's useful.  Don't worry about 'negative' recommendations; no recommendations are visible until you accept them.