BUSINESS TODAY
3 Reasons Why You Should Give Referrals:
Imagine this: You’ve just bought the house of your dreams, but the yard needs a bit of work and you are
time poor what with going to and fro to Sydney every day.
The real estate agent that found and sold you your dream home sees that you want the yard fixed so she gives
you the business card of a landscape gardener that she trusts, and has used in the past.
Unless you have an overdeveloped sense of distrust
you are likely to use that landscaper - or at the very
least contact them and arrange a quote.
But what’s in it for the agent? It is unlikely she will be
getting a commission from the landscaper – so why
do it?
The truth is that giving out a referral that provides a
solution to a problem has a lot of value. Marketing
value. Value that is tied to your reputation and
credibility.
But before you go giving out referrals make sure
that they satisfy these three requirements.
The referral has to be relevant. Don’t give referrals
just for the sake of giving them – it has to actually
help solve a problem for the person you are offering
the referral to.
The referral has to deliver. If the referred business does not deliver then they hurt your reputation and
credibility, so you have to be 100% certain that whoever you refer will actually come up with the required
service or goods.
It has to feel authentic. The person you are giving the referral to has to feel it is coming from a genuine desire
to help them out, not enhance your own standing.
If all three line up then give the referral. And you will get rewarded for doing so.
1. Increase Your Value to Your
Customers
When you have a problem that needs solving, or an
issue that needs dealing with, it is great to be able
to find the right person to solve these things for
you.
Whether it is a good dentist, a great restaurant, a
smart accountant, a savvy web designer or a
results-getting business coach – there is enormous
value in being put in touch with the right person to
solve your current problem or worry.
The person who puts you in touch with the right
person to fix your problem becomes more valuab