Here’s a quick way to build relationships on LinkedIn and in real life – write a recommendation for someone who has done an extraordinary job for you on a project, a referral source or a former colleague – without them ever asking for it.

You can also endorse their skills but a recommendation is more personal and enables you to speak about their character and work.

LinkedIn recommendations provide additional information about someone’s background and strengths from a third-party perspective – think of them like a mini reference check.

It’s an easy way to show you appreciate and support someone while also helping them look good in the eyes of new clients (or employers). It’s also a low-stress way to reconnect or stay top of mind with old contacts. They’ll get notified when you add your recommendation.

You can also send them an email or a LinkedIn message to let them know you’ve taken the time to write a recommendation on their behalf. Trust me, they will be very appreciative.

They may also be inclined to return the favor.

You can then use these recommendations as testimonials on your website and social media accounts. This is a win win for everyone.

So for whom will you write a recommendation? Your summer homework is to do it this week.

Here’s a video with more on how to do this.

Here are some other blog posts to help you enhance your LinkedIn profile, presence and network:

• Five Steps to Grow and Nurture Your LinkedIn Presence and Network

• Why You Should Create LinkedIn Newsletters

• New LinkedIn Feature: How to Add a URL Link to Your Profile

• How to Create a Stronger LinkedIn Cover Image

• Why You Should Create LinkedIn Newsletters

• How to Effectively Use LinkedIn Creator Mode and LinkedIn Newsletters

• How to Create More Intentional Content Using Content Pillars