Strategic B2B Networking for Driving Sales

with Robbie Kellman Baxter

How to Ask for an Endorsement or Favor

Pro Tips
• Ask right after they have a positive experience with you or compliment you.
• Make the request specific.
• Include draft language they can use.
• Point out that you are asking for a favor.

Asking for an Endorsement: Request Template

[Name of referrer], the other day you thanked me for [compliment from referrer]. Thank you for
such kind words. Would you be willing to post something similar as a LinkedIn endorsement?
As a [your job title/role], endorsements from [the referrer’s role] are so valuable, and I’d be very
grateful. It could be something simple, like this: [What you hope they’d write]. If you don’t have
the time or [other convenient excuse for them], I understand. Thanks!

Sample Request
Lee, the other day, you thanked me for making this deal so painless. You said my help building
internal support led to a really successful implementation. Thank you for such kind words.
Would you be willing to post something similar as a LinkedIn endorsement? As a salesperson,
endorsements from customers are so valuable, and I’d be very grateful. It could be something
simple like this: “Robbie made this deal so painless. She really helped me to build internal
support, which led to such a successful implementation.” If you don’t have the time or aren’t
permitted to make such an endorsement, I understand. Thanks!

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Asking for a Favor: Request Template
[Name of referrer], as you know, I’m always building my business. I understand that [company
of interest] is looking for [the services you provide] and I see that you know [name of contact],
who is [contact’s role]. As a [your role], introductions from other customers are so valuable, and
I’d be very grateful if you could help me connect. It could be something simple like this: “[Your
name] was really helpful with [how you were helpful]. I’d like to connect you two, because [your
pronoun] might be able to help you, and because in any case, [your pronoun] is a good person
for you to know.” If you don’t have the time or [other convenient excuse for them], I understand.
Thanks!

Sample Request
Maria, as you know, I’m always building my business. I understand that Acme Corporation is
looking for the services we provide, and I see that you know Alex, who runs their IT department.
As a salesperson, introductions from other customers are so valuable, and I’d be very grateful if
you could help me connect. It could be something simple like this: “Robbie was really helpful
with building internal support which led to a successful implementation. I’d like to connect you
two, because she might be able to help you, and because in any case, she’s a good person for
you to know.” If you don’t have the time or aren’t permitted to make such an introduction,
I understand. Thanks!

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