If everyone has multiple endorsements on LinkedIn, then what’s the value of an endorsement there?

If you want to actually endorse someone, endorse them first. If they want to endorse you, most people will feel somewhat obligated to return the favor.

I never ask for an endorsement. If someone compliments me, I’ll ask them to write it up and post it on LinkedIn. But, I wouldn’t go out of my way to ask someone for a public endorsement.

To answer Rick’s question: I’d prefer the referral.

But, let’s be serious for a moment. Why do you want a recommendation in the first place? Isn’t it because you want my reputation to make you look better? Most of the people that are going to read that recommendation aren’t gonna know me, so they’re not gonna care what I think of you. Isn’t that true? If you want me to recommend you, get me to make a referral. Tell me what you’re looking for well enough so that I know who, in my network, is a match. Then, when I call my friend and say that you are someone that they should know, my opinion will carry some weight.

Bottom line: Which would you prefer if you can’t have both? Do you want me to write a useless recommendation that you can post on LinkedIn so that millions of people that don’t care what I think can read it or do you want me to introduce you to one person who needs what you have, can afford it, wants to buy it next week and gives you the benefit of the doubt because I am a trusted resource.