In a recent LinkedIn post, Dan Sherrard-Smith explores a novel approach for business leaders and experts to leverage artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, to attract potential clients and generate leads. Sherrard-Smith highlights a shift in how clients discover services, suggesting that active and consistent content creation on LinkedIn can position individuals to be recommended by AI tools.
He introduces the concept by posing a direct question to his audience: “So, have you ever looked up your name on ChatGPT? And actually asked it if it would recommend your services to potential clients?” Sherrard-Smith shares a personal anecdote to illustrate his point. While seeking a surgeon for his wife’s knee surgery, he noticed that the top recommendation from ChatGPT was a professional who actively posted on LinkedIn.
The AI Recommendation Engine: A New Frontier for Lead Generation
Sxrightarrow-Smith argues that this observation underscores a significant opportunity for B2B professionals. He posits that when clients use AI tools like ChatGPT to research expertise, those who are visible and provide valuable content on platforms like LinkedIn are more likely to be surfaced as recommendations. This, in turn, can lead to clients who are already pre-qualified and have a degree of trust built through the AI’s assessment of their online presence.
“What I noticed is that it scanned my LinkedIn and all the stuff I’ve been putting out there for years and it came back with a ‘YES’,” Sherrard-Smith writes, describing his own test. “It knew more about me than I expected and recommended working with me.” This personal experience forms the basis of his broader assertion that AI is becoming an integral part of the client discovery process.
Optimizing for AI and the Future Algorithm
According to Sherrard-Smith, the key to being recommended by ChatGPT lies in strategic content creation and profile optimization. He emphasizes that posting content that resonates with a target audience, demonstrates impact or authority, and is paired with a well-structured LinkedIn profile are crucial elements. “If you’re posting in a way that speaks to your target audience, shows evidence of impact or authority, and your profile is set up the right way… ChatGPT will recommend YOU to the people searching for your expertise,” he states.
Conversely, Sherrard-Smith warns that a lack of clarity regarding one’s value proposition or content not aligned with the evolving algorithms, which he refers to as the “new 2026 algorithm,” can render professionals invisible to AI-driven searches. He frames this as a critical juncture for B2B experts, suggesting that those who adapt will gain a significant competitive advantage.
A Blueprint for AI-Driven Growth
To assist professionals in navigating this new landscape, Sherrard-Smith offers his “2026 LinkedIn Growth Blueprint.” This guide, he explains, details a comprehensive process for retraining LinkedIn profiles and content strategies to align with AI recommendation systems. The blueprint includes:
- A 90-day plan to adapt to the new AI algorithm.
- Strategies to transform a LinkedIn profile into an effective landing page.
- The 80/20 rule for optimizing engagement.
- A week-by-week content posting schedule.
Additionally, the guide offers a bonus free invite to a live workshop focused on retraining LinkedIn to ensure AI recommendations. Sherrard-Smith concludes by asserting that by implementing these strategies, professionals can position themselves to be proactively recommended by AI, leading to a more streamlined and effective lead generation process.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Dan Sherrard-Smith on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 8, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →