We’ve all seen Infomercials… and yes, sometimes even fallen for them. Was it the “OOOOOOOO”, the “AHHHHHHH” or the screetching excitement from the lady in the background (who sounded more like she won a million dollars than just saving 5 minutes of scrubbing time on her 8-year olds playground stains), followed by an overbearing applause from the audience. As I sit here thinking to myself “this is so stupid, who is God’s name would watch these corny shows?” You know there is a guy behind the camera holding up cue cards. “GASP”, “CLAP”. Suddenly, my phone rings, I snap out of it and realize I’ve been watching the darn thing for the last 15 minutes! Two weeks later I’m at the store buying this magic stick stain eraser I saw on tv because I spilled wine on my shirt at the company Christmas party. Well… I guess it worked for me!

Testimonials can be a very valuable tool, when used correctly. But, how do you decipher a bogus testimonial from a real one? We’ve all seen the fabricated ones that sound like someone spent three hours on, writing a paragraph on how great you are and what you did for them and how everyone in the world should use you… and on… and on… and on… Most of the time for me, those testimonials can cause an eye roll or another search in Google for a similar product. Sometimes, it’s just TOO much.

My suggestion to you is to get your testimonials from those customers who appreciate and recognize the service you are providing them without you asking them. Most of the time, if you listen and look carefully, you’ll find a great testimonial that you weren’t even expecting. The other day, while communicating with a client and sharing ideas, amongst a paragraph of his response, I saw this:

“…I really appreciate your keeping me informed [of product updates]. It’s clear that you want to make your product the best. I think you guys are awesome!”

I sat there for a minute and reread what he wrote. Right away, I wrote him back and asked if I could use this as a testimonial. Now, it’s on our website. I think that’s one of the best testimonials we’ve had yet. It’s simple, and not pre-fabricated as a testimonial. The best testimonials are the ones you DON’T have to ASK for.

If you have clients that you know are satisfied with your services, don’t be afraid to take a piece of an email or jot something down they said and ask them if you can use it. If they said it without you asking them to, chances are high that they really mean every word they said AND they’ll be honored.

The other day a friend of mine, who has a two year old, instant messaged me. I said, “How are things with my main man, Jordan?” She said, “Well, the other day he surprised me. I heard him wakeup from a nap and he sounded pretty cheery, so I opened the door. Come to find out, he decided to use his sheet as a canvas and his poo as paint. I’m living the motherhood dream.” I think she should write the laundry detergent company that got her out of that one! Now that’s a real life testimonial.

What’s the best testimonial you have ever had?

Erika

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