3 Steps to Giving More Referrals

Giving and receiving are just two sides of the same coin. 

You can’t have one without the other.  

- Bob Burg, author of Endless Referrals

You may have joined a business networking group to get referrals, but in order to garner the respect of the members in your group, you will need to also give referrals.  It’s a hard truth, but without giving, your relationships within your group will eventually deteriorate and your well of referral sources will dry up.

When one understands that GIVING referrals is just as important as GETTING referrals, the next question is, “How do I give more referrals?” 

3 Basic Principles to Giving More Referrals:

1. Have a Referral Mindset.

Ask, “Who can I help or refer through-out the week?”  Think about it. Have your club members business cards close-by. Listen for opportunities to refer someone. Think about what needs you might have at home or in your business. Do you use pest control, need an attorney or want a new fence? Give your referral group member an opportunity to help you before you call someone else.

2. Know what to say.  Good phrases are:

"I know someone who can get that done.”

“Would you like me to recommend someone?”

“I have guy who does that.”

“Would it be okay if they called you?”

“I can get you in touch with the company I use, they do a good job for me.”

3. Understand that most people WANT a referral.

Research has proven that people would rather use someone referred to them than use a complete stranger or a company that they don’t know.

They will not only welcome the referral but oftentimes, they will come back to you again when they need another one.

Visit: www.GoldStarDirectors.com to find out how to start your own business networking referral group. 

Is your 2014 ticking away?

2014 is ticking away, like a timer, counting down the year. 

Where does the time go? 

Did you think you were going to get a faster start this year? That your business would be doing better?

What should you do? I've found that one of the best ways to increase business is to get off your duff and get out of the office.

Many times, we get stuck in the paperwork of business and forget about the "people work" of  business. It takes work to create profitable relationships, business advocates and referral sources. There is a lot you can do to increase your business this year that doesn't include a computer, new software or another email campaign.

Consider building new relationships by attending a networking function for some good old belly-to-belly, eyeball to eyeball networking. Get out there and meet people that you've been "liking" on LinkedIn and Facebook. Attend your a local chamber event and reacquaint yourself with old allies. Solidify a new friendship that you started on Facebook with a handshake and a hot cup of coffee at Starbucks. Seek ways to add value to old relationships that have gotten stale with neglect.

The next time that you get an invitation to attend a business networking lunch, accept it and attend it. No matter what business you're in, it's still a "people" business. 

Step out there. Before you know it, Spring will have sprung and your smart phone will be full of new referrals, prospects and clients.

Being Open to Receive

In the book, The Go-Giver, we’re introduced to the 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success.  The culture of Gold Star Referral Clubs can be seen in these laws. Today, let’s look the final of the five laws:

“The Law of Receptivity.”

“The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.”

“Because human beings are born with appetite, nothing is more naturally geared toward being receptive than a baby, and if the secret of staying young, vibrant and vital throughout life is to hang onto those most precious characteristics we all have as children but which get drummed out of us—like having big dreams, being curious, and believing in yourself—then one of those characteristics is being open to receiving, being hungry to receive, being ravenous to receive!”

What comes to mind when you think about Giving and Receiving?

Most of us think more about “It’s better to give than receive.”  However, giving and receiving are but two sides of the same coin.

Being open and ready to receive is as important as giving.  

When the farmer plants an entire field, it is critical that he count on those seeds sprouting and growing. He knows that if he puts enough seed in good soil he’s going to have a good harvest.

If you plant an apple tree, you can expect it to bear fruit as a result of your labor and care.

In the same way, we can be open to receiving fruit from the labor and care that we put into our relationships.  We may not know exactly what the outcome will be or where it will come from; nor can we demand a return, but the law of give and receive promises that there will be a return.

When you are open to receive, you’re thankful and grateful for all things good that come into your life without keeping score.

Gold Star members are Go-Givers!

Beth Davis is a Certified Go-Giver Keynote Speaker.

Bring her to your next event.