Referrals
The topic at yesterday’s Roundtable sponsored by the Alexandria Small Business Development Center was on giving and getting referrals. Most of us are on either side of the fence regularly. In the past few days, I have referred colleagues to the photographer who did some work for me, a voice coach in a women’s network in which I participate, and the owner of my Internet Service Provider.*
Our discussion brought up a few points about referrals:
When you are looking for a referral (in other words, you would like someone you know to recommend you to someone they know), are you specific about the kind of person or business you are looking for? The more specific and memorable, the more likely you will elicit a helpful suggestion.
When you are giving a referral (in other words, you are telling someone you know about someone else who can provide a product or service), are you confident that the person you are recommending will deliver? Your reputation is on the line. Just because your neighbor is a graphic designer doesn’t mean you should make a referral without knowing his or her work and reliability.
When you receive a referral (in other words, your contact has paved the way for you to call on one of his or her contacts), do you follow up immediately? Your reputation and reputation of your referrer are on the line. In some fields, a commission or percentage of sales is expected (and, if so, should be spelled out clearly beforehand). A gracious thank you, or perhaps lunch, coffee, or even flowers or a gift card, are more the norm in my experience.
LinkedIn, on which I have a profile, presents an online alternative to referrals. But most of us just enjoy helping each other out through our personal networks, too.
Tags: Alexandria, Marketing, networking, Referrals
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.