Thank You 20: Recommend Someone’s Work When You Can Do So Honestly
If you have direct experience with someone’s professional work, consider recommending them when an appropriate opportunity arises. This could involve referring a dependable contractor, mentioning a qualified job candidate, recommending a small business, or connecting someone with a potential client.
Ask permission before sharing contact information, and describe the person’s abilities accurately. Do not promise results, guarantee availability, or exaggerate qualifications. You might say, “I worked with Elena on two projects and found her organized and dependable. Would you like me to ask whether she is interested in speaking with you?”
A recommendation should be based on genuine knowledge rather than friendship alone. If you cannot honestly support the person for a particular opportunity, choose another way to show appreciation.
Purpose: A responsible recommendation can help good work become visible and may open a useful professional opportunity. It tells someone that the quality of their effort earned your trust.
A humble approach: Make the introduction without placing either person under pressure. Do not demand a referral fee, public credit, or continuing influence over the relationship. Once the connection is made, allow both parties to decide independently whether to proceed.
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