subject: Green Business Certificate - A Couple Of Methods To Obtain More Referrals [print this page] When you are in the business of sales, among the many key ingredients to your success is receiving referrals from as many sources as you can.Wouldn't it be good if every morning you walked into your office and had a referral sitting there waiting for you on your desk?Unfortunately it doesn't work that way, but here are few suggestions that should help steer some referrals your way.
1. Referral Groups
There are many referral groups out there for you to choose from. The premise of a referral group is first and foremost to receive and give referrals.
It works something like this;
Once a week your referral group meets at a designated spot for breakfast or lunch, and the meeting typically lasts for an hour to an hour and a half.These groups normally do not permit for any kind of conflict between industries, so you will most likely be the only one representing your industry. For instance there is only one banker, one printer, one loan officer, etc., etc. In the beginning you spend some time catching up and exchanging company cards. As you are eating, each individual is given a minute or two to take the floor and talk about themselves and also the organization that they work for, and give the group an idea of what a good referral would be for them. Personally, I've been involved with these groups in the past and find them to work extremely well. One of the more popular ones is Business Networking International (BNI). You are able to find a local chapter on the web. Look at it from this point of view, if your group has twenty-five people in it, than consider it a sales force working for you personally. Don't forget, you're required to give referrals also.
2.Giving Referrals
Perhaps among the best ways to get referrals is to give referrals. If you give somebody a referral and it works out for them, they will love you and remember you forever. And in turn, send referrals back your way.I have to say, throughout my career, I found this to be 1 very efficient way to get referrals. You might wish to consider teaming up with somebody with a similar job in your industry. For instance, if you are a loan officer, team up with a Realtor, or if you are a home inspector, you may team up with an appraiser.These are two very efficient methods to keep those referrals coming your way.
They have worked for me, and I've found them to be a good way to break up my week, and build relationships with other business people in my community. Give it a shot. You won't be disappointed. Good luck!
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