I get asked frequently by clients, how do I get testimonials if I am just starting out? So you just launched your business and you are about to land your first few clients and you realize the need of having testimonials but do not have any, yet.
First of all, I am glad you realized the importance of building testimonials and I would like to acknowledge you for taking this crucial step of building your testimonial file.
Testimonials are great proof that you are a real business provider and that your service is worth trying.
They are one of your greatest assets since they will serve you for years to come.
They build instant credibility with clients.
You can have them in written form, audio or video form.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Choose what suits you best and implement them immediately.
If you have been employed in the corporate world for a while, ask your past colleagues and bosses to write you testimonials highlighting your skills, capabilities and their experience working with you.
Many corporate skills are transferable and you would be using them in running your new business.
So it is totally acceptable to have people you worked with commenting on them Establish a LinkedIn account if you have not already done so and start asking people for recommendations.
Again they can be your friends, colleagues, past managers.
Anyone who dealt with you in a work capacity can be a good reference.
If you are a coach or a consultant for example, consider giving some free coaching sessions to your friends and relatives and at the end of your sessions ask those who were satisfied with your service to write you testimonials If you have been an active member of any association, community, club, or charitable activity find someone there to write testimonials on your achievement, energy, commitment and contribution to the group.
If you have been involved in a professional course, diploma or certification that is relevant to your field, ask the instructor to comment on his experience with you during the course in the form of a testimonial.
If you have a friend, colleague or partner who is also in need of a testimonial, you can request him to write one for you in return for writing one for him.
For that one, don't just go for anyone who would exchange testimonials with you.
You need to really have something valuable and honest to say about that person because later on your opinions on others will impact your credibility.
First of all, I am glad you realized the importance of building testimonials and I would like to acknowledge you for taking this crucial step of building your testimonial file.
Testimonials are great proof that you are a real business provider and that your service is worth trying.
They are one of your greatest assets since they will serve you for years to come.
They build instant credibility with clients.
You can have them in written form, audio or video form.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Choose what suits you best and implement them immediately.
If you have been employed in the corporate world for a while, ask your past colleagues and bosses to write you testimonials highlighting your skills, capabilities and their experience working with you.
Many corporate skills are transferable and you would be using them in running your new business.
So it is totally acceptable to have people you worked with commenting on them Establish a LinkedIn account if you have not already done so and start asking people for recommendations.
Again they can be your friends, colleagues, past managers.
Anyone who dealt with you in a work capacity can be a good reference.
If you are a coach or a consultant for example, consider giving some free coaching sessions to your friends and relatives and at the end of your sessions ask those who were satisfied with your service to write you testimonials If you have been an active member of any association, community, club, or charitable activity find someone there to write testimonials on your achievement, energy, commitment and contribution to the group.
If you have been involved in a professional course, diploma or certification that is relevant to your field, ask the instructor to comment on his experience with you during the course in the form of a testimonial.
If you have a friend, colleague or partner who is also in need of a testimonial, you can request him to write one for you in return for writing one for him.
For that one, don't just go for anyone who would exchange testimonials with you.
You need to really have something valuable and honest to say about that person because later on your opinions on others will impact your credibility.