Recommandation letters for entrepreneurs

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 2:21 am
Location: France
GMAT Score:730

Recommandation letters for entrepreneurs

by Davy03 » Tue Dec 02, 2008 4:13 pm
1. Hi, I started my own firm as soon as I graduated five years ago. Thus I have always been my own boss. Business Schools are asking for two or three recommandations letters and I really don't know who should write those for me, except for my customers. I could easily get three recommandation letters from 3 customers who have known me for years and who are aware of my work habits, my ability to listen and to work with others, my organizational abilities, my integrity, etc. But would 2 (or 3) letters from 2 (or 3) customers be ok?

I do not even think of asking my former professors, because I would be lucky if they just remember my name. Asking a supplier or a banker would be weird too, considering how shallow our relationships are. Asking my employees or my associates sounds like a terrible idea. My customers seems to be my only reliable option.

2. I am an international applicant (from France). Would it be better if the letters were in english? Does it matter if all my letters are in french?
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 193
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:57 pm
Location: Philadelphia
Thanked: 22 times
Followed by:2 members

by Eliot » Tue Dec 02, 2008 4:58 pm
Davy03,

Thanks for your note. I am impressed that you have been a successful entrepreneur for the last 5 years (since college graduation). Since you don't have any direct supervisors, it makes a lot of sense to get two letters from customers who know you well. Based on your answer, it seems that you have several customers to choose from who could be recommenders. (Yes, the letters need to be submitted in English, assuming that you are applying to US schools).

Alternatively, do you have a board of directors or any business mentors? If so, they could serve as a recommender as well. For example, you might pick 2 customers and one business mentor to serve as recommenders.

Sincerely,

Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit LLC
Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215 568 2590

Stay Informed with Clear Admit!
Read our Blog for daily MBA admissions tips and updates.
Follow us on Twitter for breaking b-school news.
Download our Publications on MBA programs and admissions strategy.
Visit our MBA Admissions Wiki to read and share application insights.

User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 2:21 am
Location: France
GMAT Score:730

by Davy03 » Wed Dec 03, 2008 1:56 am
Hi Eliot,

Thank you very much for your answer, it is very helpful.

I am applying to US schools indeed, and the fact that the letters need to be submitted in English does not leave many potential recommenders for me. I guess I will have to get the letters translated. Theorically, am I allowed to do so?

I have neither a board of directors nor business mentors yet. Do you think picking 3 customers would be ok?

Thanks again.

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 193
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:57 pm
Location: Philadelphia
Thanked: 22 times
Followed by:2 members

by Eliot » Wed Dec 03, 2008 6:08 pm
Davy03,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, feel free to pick 3 customers who know you well and who will speak highly of your abilities. Since the letters need to be in English, the recommenders will need to get the letters translated before they upload their letters into the online system.

Sincerely,

Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit LLC
Eliot Ingram
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215 568 2590

Stay Informed with Clear Admit!
Read our Blog for daily MBA admissions tips and updates.
Follow us on Twitter for breaking b-school news.
Download our Publications on MBA programs and admissions strategy.
Visit our MBA Admissions Wiki to read and share application insights.

User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 2:21 am
Location: France
GMAT Score:730

by Davy03 » Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:11 am
Many thanks for these pieces of advice.

Best regards.

User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 69
Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:04 pm
Location: Colorado
Thanked: 8 times
GMAT Score:760

by Jay Allen » Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:03 am
I agree with Eliot's responses. I'll offer a couple more ideas.

Are you a part of any professional organizations? You might try going to the leader of an association and asking for some help. They could write their recommendation based on the reputation of your work.

You could also try another entrepreneur who could speak to your integrity as a businessman and your determination as an entrepreneur.

Hope that helps!