I have homework for you. You need to research the latest ethical rules and guidelines in your state or jurisdiction regarding asking for reviews, testimonials, endorsements, and referrals.
Here are three reasons:
- Compliance. You don’t want to violate any rules, and since rules change and are often ambiguous, you want as much currency and clarity as possible.
- Educate clients and contacts. You want them to know what they can and can’t do to help you and avoid inadvertently getting you in trouble, or getting themselves in trouble if they are also an attorney or other licensed professional.
Staying current with the rules and guidelines can not only protect you and your contacts, but sharing those rules and guidelines can make it more likely your clients and contacts will be comfortable providing you with referrals, testimonials, and reviews.
Which leads to the third and perhaps most important reason for doing this:
- Building connections. Sharing your knowledge about the rules and best practices you discover and practice, not only shows your commitment to the highest professional standards, it gives you a great “excuse” for bringing up this subject—in conversation, in presentations, articles, social media, and in other content—without looking like you’re “always” asking for help.
In short, taking the time to stay up to date with the law and ethical rules and widely sharing this information not only protects you and your contacts, it’s a simple way to build your reputation and bring you more business.
