Networking to get referrals...

Referrals have always been the way that business gets done.  Yes, if you have a good size marketing budget you can get customers by advertising, but networking for the purpose of gaining referral sources remains a powerful and inexpensive option.  If you become a networking pro you can make contacts and increase your professional network at any social event. 

Here are some tips:

1.  Be friendly all the time.  Practice talking to waiters and cashiers. 

2.  Ask questions about what people do.  Show sincere interest and tell them "I love to network and meet people.  Tell me who make the best referrals for you, so I might be able to pass you business."

3.  Ask people to visit with you again sometime soon.  Invite them to have a soda with you.  Tell them you would like to learn more about what they do and how you can pass them referrals.  (Make sure you focus on them during this meeting.  It can be easy to talk about your self.)

4.  Follow up on a regular basis and pass them business when you can.

Yes, if you want referrals focus on passing referrals...it is the way.

Take care and keep passing business,

Shayne Webber, Ph.D.