Providing endorsements is ideal if you genuinely want to give props, but are too lazy or pressed for time to write a full recommendation.

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Anyone can write a stellar recommendation.

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Consider writing them a glowing LinkedIn recommendation, offering to write a testimonial for their business, or nominating them for a mentorship award.

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Most people now consider blog posts to be the closest thing to a personal recommendation, and since we assume that there is generally no ulterior motive for a blogger to write the piece, readers consider a blog post at face value.

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For instance, if a family friend knows the CEO of General Electric, don't ask him to write your recommendation.

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