The Power of Writing Great Testimonials and Reviews for Fellow Networking Members
Kimberly Tsoukalas • October 18, 2024
In the world of business networking, one of the most impactful actions a professional can take is to write a genuine, compelling review or testimonial for another member.
This act goes beyond simply praising someone’s work; it builds trust, fosters deeper relationships, and enhances credibility for both the reviewer and the recipient. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of writing and receiving reviews, share tips on how to craft meaningful testimonials, and provide guidance on how to request and repurpose them for maximum impact.
Why Writing Reviews is Empowering for All Involved
Writing a thoughtful review for a fellow business professional is a gesture of support and goodwill that can strengthen relationships and establish you as a trustworthy and engaged network member.
Here’s why it matters:
- Elevates Your Professionalism: When you take the time to recognize others’ strengths and successes, it shows that you’re observant, appreciative, and generous. This boosts your reputation as someone who values collaboration and contributes to the growth of the community.
- Strengthens Connections: Genuine testimonials deepen relationships. They show the recipient that their work is valued and respected, fostering a sense of loyalty and mutual trust that can lead to more meaningful business partnerships.
- Boosts Visibility and Credibility: For the person receiving the review, positive testimonials enhance their credibility and visibility. They serve as social proof, making them more attractive to potential clients and partners.
Tips for Writing an Empowering and Compelling Review
To ensure your testimonial is both impactful and authentic, consider these tips:
- Be Specific and Detailed: Avoid generic statements like “Great service!” Instead, highlight specific aspects of their work or character that stood out. For example, “Jane’s marketing expertise helped my business increase our social media engagement by 50% within three months.”
- Use Your Unique Voice: Write in a tone that is true to you while still being professional. Authenticity resonates more than polished but impersonal language.
- Include the Outcome: Share the results or changes that came from the experience you had with them. This makes the testimonial more compelling and valuable for anyone who reads it.
Formats for Reviews: Choosing the Right Platform
Different platforms offer unique advantages when it comes to sharing testimonials. Here’s a quick overview of where and how you can publish reviews:
- Google Reviews: Posting a review on Google is highly beneficial for a business’s online reputation and visibility. It helps increase their search engine ranking and attracts more local clients.
- LinkedIn Recommendations: LinkedIn is a professional networking powerhouse, and writing recommendations here bolsters the credibility of both parties. These reviews are visible on the individual’s profile and carry significant weight in professional circles.
- Video Testimonials: A video testimonial is a powerful way to make your endorsement more personal and engaging. It allows you to communicate your experience with authenticity and emotion, which can leave a lasting impression on viewers. Video testimonials can be obtained in a variety of ways, including you recording the individual in person, or collecting them at an event where a professional is recording for you. But,
How to Engage Networking Members for Reviews
If you’re a business owner looking to request reviews from fellow network members, here are some effective strategies:
- Make It Personal: Approach each request individually rather than sending out a mass message. Mention specific projects or collaborations where they witnessed your work firsthand.
- Offer a Review Exchange: Let them know you’d be happy to write a review for them as well. This creates a win-win situation and shows that you’re invested in mutual support.
- Utilize Networking Events: Take advantage of networking gatherings to remind members of your services and ask if they’d be willing to share their feedback. These face-to-face interactions can lead to more enthusiastic responses.
Repurposing Reviews to Build Consumer Trust
Once you have collected positive reviews, don’t let them sit idle. Here’s how you can leverage these testimonials to maximize their impact:
- Share on Social Media: Post snippets of your best reviews on your social media channels to showcase client satisfaction.
- Include in Marketing Materials: Use reviews in your brochures, email newsletters, and promotional flyers. Testimonials are a powerful addition to any marketing piece because they lend credibility and build trust.
- Highlight on Your Website: Create a dedicated section on your site to showcase testimonials. This can significantly boost prospective clients’ confidence in your brand.
For more tips on building strong business relationships, visit our blog article on building momentum through the holiday season.
Discover the Power of NIA Twin Cities Membership
If you’re ready to take your networking efforts to the next level, consider exploring the benefits of joining NIA Twin Cities. Our members gain access to innovative tools like REPMAN, which makes it easy to request and publish reviews directly to your Google Business Account. In addition, we have award-winning brand and marketing professionals who can provide services and solutions to strengthen your brand and manage your business reputation effectively.
Connect with other professionals and learn how to harness the power of testimonials and reviews by reaching out through our contact form. Experience how strategic networking and a supportive community can transform your business.
Tanya Troska is one of the founding members of the Network In Action - Twin Cities franchise, and has made this networking group a part of her ongoing business plan each year. She is (currently) our only member to be celebrated for five consecutive years running, and she has been very vocal about how that strategy has paid off for her business growth and goals year-after-year. So, as we wrap up another year of amazing networking activity with one of the strongest groups of professionals we've had since first launching NIA Twin Cities in 2020, we’re taking a deeper, more personal journey with NIA Twin Cities November Spotlight Member, Tanya Troska, Back2Basics LLC. Today’s article steps beyond Tanya's amazing small business solutions and takes a deeper dive into the heart of who she is: her dreams, her defining moments, and the meaningful experiences that have shaped her. Keep reading as Tanya answers some fun and prying questions from NIA Group Leader, Vicki Fox. Vicki : What’s a moment in your life that quietly shaped who you are today, even if most people don’t know about it? Tanya : There are so many moments that helped make me the person I am today, from the loss of my father to a tragic accident at very young age, to growing up on a family farm where everyone pitched in to help every other family farm/er with their livestock or crops, watching family members start small businesses while still working their land, raising two children on the Autism spectrum and needing to learn a different way of communicating, facing and overcoming many moments of loss and challenge and using an aptitude for technology, strategic thinking, and a curious interest in physical arts, music, and even culinary creativity that all help shape my personal and professional journey. Vicki: If you could instantly master one skill—professional or purely for joy—what would it be and why? Tanya : I’d like to learn Spanish and French to open my options for traveling and areas for retirement. Vicki : What’s one belief or philosophy you live by that guides your decisions? Tanya : Do right by others, give more than you take, and leave any situation better off than when you first came across it and got involved. Vicki : When you imagine your “perfect day,” what elements absolutely have to be in it? Tanya : My family—children, husband, siblings, and mother— and my pets. No exceptions. Vicki : What’s a fear you’ve overcome that you’re proud of, even if it seemed small to others? Tanya: Talking in front of others – it sends me into a panic every time, but I force my way through it so I can share my experiences and expertise with others. Vicki : What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received that still stays with you? Tanya: Don’t let others’ opinions of you, what you’re capable of, or how they see you end up defining who you truly are and what you have to offer others. Vicki : If your life had a theme song for the season you’re in right now, what would it be and why? Tanya: Irrelevant – by P!nk Vicki : What’s something you’re endlessly curious about, even if it has nothing to do with your business? Tanya: Cooking – coming up with new recipes; Music – writing, playing, singing; Art – creating new canvas creations. Vicki : What is one small daily habit or ritual that brings you joy or grounds you? Tanya: Cooking, canning, and feeding family, friends, and neighbors. Vicki : If you could relive one simple moment—not to change it, just to feel it again—what would you choose? Tanya: Watching those “first moments” with my kids: first steps, first words, first time feeding themselves, first bite of birthday cake, first Christmas, first family vacation, first day of school, first best friend, first dance, first time driving, first time cooking their own meals, first graduations, school accomplishments, first concerts, first day off to college and watching them soar, first time seeing them get an award of achievement, first art project they created… all the firsts. Vicki : What’s a dream or goal you had as a kid that still lingers in some form today? Tanya: More time traveling and exploring the world with my husband and children, and starting a bed and breakfast that employs young adults who need a helping hand and are eager to learn a service trade or entrepreneurial skill. Vicki : If you could spend an afternoon with anyone (living or gone) to learn from them, who would it be and what would you ask? Tanya: I’d want my grandparents back so I had more time to talk with them, soak in their experience, and take note of their history and journeys. Vicki: Thank you, Tanya, for opening your heart and letting us see the person behind the success. Your honesty, warmth, and willingness to share continue to inspire us all. If you want to learn more about Tanya and Back2Basics LLC, active NIA Twin Cities members can reach out through our NIA website and schedule a one-to-one today. Not a member, yet? Visit our About page to learn more about the uniquely powerful benefits of membership that keep strategic and stellar members like Tanya building business here. Visit Back2Basics, LLC to request Discovery Call with Tanya to see how their brand management solutions can help your service-based business (or non-profit) in 2026.
As we wind down 2024, I want to chat with you about making the most of your networking membership and boost your business in the new year!
We are proud to highlight these outstanding 2024 Spotlight Members of NIA Twin Cities who have succeeded in their own ventures and significantly contributed to the success of their peers.
Discover how small business owners and top sales performers can build momentum during the holiday season to set the stage for a successful 2025. Learn effective networking strategies, tips for meaningful connections, and why giving leads to receiving more.
