Some of the most powerful tools for us entrepreneurs to have are feedback and testimonials.

For some of us hearing or reading what others are saying as praise about us is edgy and uncomfortable. We might even believe that asking a client to write a testimonial for us is arrogant or presumptuous.

These are bits of mind-chatter worthy of acknowledging and then ignoring.

Asking for testimonials may never get easier, and yet each time you will find yourself faced wth how much your clients and colleagues truly DO want to support you in continuing your work.

I guarantee it.

Testimonials serve us in at least two important ways.

Testimonials…

• Provide evidence of credibility for potential clients. Seeing what others are saying about you in the form of Yelp Reviews for example of written or video testimonials for your practice, events or product are influencers for your potential clients.

• Fortify your own value for your self and your practice/business and the good work that you are doing. the pervasive doubt and fear that rides the backs of all entrepreneurs is gently abated when we read and really take in the good news!

When I ask for testimonials I provide my client with this list of helpful points for them to consider when writing a testimonial about me and my services:

Thank you so much for offering to write a testimonial about your experiences with me. When writing consider including some of the helpful points below.

1. something you discovered about yourself

2. what you appreciate about the my personality and skills

3. how you found the experience of working with me unique

4. how might things be different for you now/results, physical or emotional

I will usually couple this request for testimonials with a request for feedback. This allows the client to also write a personal note to me about areas where they would like to experience more or less of something, to clear the air if there have been any concerns or even questions they might want to communicate to me.

Receiving feedback can also be edgy, but receiving feedback from a client who enjoys my work enough to offer a testimonial is often very useful and lets me see my “blind spots.”

I have implemented many changes big and small based on the extremely valuable feedback that I have gotten from my amazing clients.

Make your requests for

• written testimonials, sprinkle them throughout your website/blog and marketing materials
• Yelp.com reviews
• Linkedin recommendations

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