Hi all - I'd like some help with a concern I have. I don't seem to have any references and therefore no testimonials! I have been in the industry for over 14 years, but all of my former bosses have moved on from the companies I worked for, and so I don't seem to have anyone left!


Any suggestions?

Thanks! Pam

I don't have any testimonials either, and after 20 years in business, I've never ever been asked! Rarely, I am asked for references. The thing is, you aren't applying for a job, you are in business. Has anyone asked for this stuff or are you just making sure the base is covered just in case? I have noticed this: if I am extremely confident about my ability to do a particular job, no one questions it. As far as testimonials go: when I see them on web sites, they add absolutely no credibility whatsoever. "This company is fantastic!" signed, JK in Oklahoma seems totally fake to me. Does anyone put any stock in that sort of thing?

Kathleen Kindred

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Virtual Bankruptcy Paralegal
www.bkprep4u.com

I have testimonials on my site, written by colleagues and clients over the years. Each has a direct link back to their own website so they can be verified if required. Many were written by associates connected with me at LinkedIn.com which has a recommendation process for members and I copied and pasted them and put them on my site. Prior to doing that I still had a few testimonials but this looks much better now.

There will always be some clients who do want some kind of 'proof' of your abilities but a large number won't - they will take it for granted that you can do what you say you can.

If you find that anyone does refer you to someone else, perhaps you can ask that person to write you a brief testimonial to use. I think there is a place for this type of thing but I encourage you not to worry about it too much if you don't have anything you can use.

I think testimonials are a personal preference. If you don't have any why not put a portfolio page or samples page.

I do not have testimonials because most of my clients are based on referrals. I do however have a portfolio page since most potential clients want to see a sample of your work.

I don't know how much stock prospects put in testimonials but if you can get them it is a good idea to have as a suppliment to your other information.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I say...just start asking for them once you get clients.

Thank you so much ya'll! I feel sooo much better about this - and I don't feel stressed over it anymore! Great ideas all around. I definitely like the thought of putting together a portfolio!

Pam

Hi Pam,

Like you , I am don't have much testimonials just yet. But I have a fair deal of good clients I was unable to ask reference or testimonials. I'm glad you started this thread.

Thanks!

You are most welcome! Isn't it great to have people to bounce ideas off of??

Pam