How do you buff up your referral engine?
By giving a higher level attention to all the people in your life that do something nice for you. I know I didn’t just hear you say you don’t have the time – really!
If you like win/win relationships, as I do, then it shouldn’t be outside your wheelhouse to put your thinking cap on and come up with some ways to raise your game. Everyone needs to be appreciated and acknowledged. Too few people understand what a great business practice it is – besides, it makes you feel great.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- When someone makes an introduction for you instead of doing nothing or just saying thanks when you see them, send them something that you know they will like. It doesn’t have to be expensive – just thoughtful Example: if you know someone needs time to think give them a visit to a peaceful place – like Chanticleer (www.chaticleergarden.org) – great place to clear your head when you need to think.
- Call all your former clients and ask how they are doing. Then follow-up with something valuable from the conversation.
- Don’t forget the people with whom you work – log their interests, birthdays and and ask the ones that know and like each other to a great place for a drink then buy a round.
- When people make referrals or introductions, make sure you know what kinds of people or specifically who they would like to meet. It’s not all about you – help them do better and the circle will go around.
It is the little things that make a difference. In the process, you can make someone’s day, lift someone out of a funk, put a smile on someone’s face. It goes a long way and when you see the results, you will start to make it a habit because if feels so great.