Build better referrals - take your time

Successful business networking is built on referrals. Some of the big networking organisations use phrases like “meet, like know, trust,” and “givers gain”. They do this to prompt their members to think about finding referral opportunities based on relationships rather than guesswork.

When a new connection joins our network, we may well spot opportunities for them and rush to refer them to other business owners. The three questions that you need to have in mind when considering referring another business are:

·Will this referral benefit my client?

·Will it enhance my reputation with others?

·Would I use the business I am planning to refer?

Building relationships with other people that make you a valuable referral partner is about understanding the personalities involved and the requirements of each half of a potential collaboration. It is also about learning to manage the rush of enthusiasm to introduce a new connection to your clients and partners. Referring based on an initial connection can sometimes lead to linking people who prove to be unsuitable partners when the connection is explored further. Poorly identified referrals reflect most on the persona making the introduction. Building trust and understanding will help to refer with clearly defined goals and objectives. The key word in a referral is “because”. Being able to say “I would like to introduce Bill, or Emily, because…” adds value both to the introduction and to you as a referral partner.

The process of building business relationships that benefit everyone starts with understanding you and your business. Strategic relationship building is a skill that needs to be learned, refined, and analysed. Working with MBD brings focus to your relationship building skills. By identifying the blocks to your success and giving you the tools to eliminate them, we can build a strategy that will guide your network to the best ways to refer clients to you, while offering them the same in return.

I understand that you are the force behind your business, and my passion is helping you develop the growth you deserve. For over twenty-five years I have inspired successful business partnerships and generated results for my clients. Reach out to me for a free 20-minute consultation and let me show you how I can help you to achieve freedom and choice in your life and business.