When it comes to networking, there are two kinds of referrals: the ones you give other people and those you actively seek.
This post will explain how to make the most of referrals you give others.
This sounds an odd idea – after all, all you’re doing is helping someone out. Right?
Wrong. Make no mistake, making the effort to recommend someone you meet at networking – especially if you don’t know them very well - is so unexpected and powerful that you will reap the benefits yourself. This may not happen immediately, but happen it will.
So here are some tips for referring contacts you make at networking:
- Make notes during the round robins, so you can identify particular businesses to recommend. For example, if you have clients who are always complaining that they cannot find a good printer, when a printer stands up and pitches, you can make a note to follow it up.
- Find out as much as you can about them. You want to check them out, to see if they are actually worth recommending.
- Avoid trying to swap referrals. A recommendation is much more effective if it is given without any quid pro quo. There is nothing wrong with joint ventures but in that relationship the exchange of value is established before any referrals take place.
- Avoid asking for a commission in return for a referral. If this is your aim, then ask about a commission programme or affiliation before you even think of recommending the business in question.
- Make sure you tell the person you have referred that you did so!
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