Referrals play a very important part of your strategy when you are increasing your revenue. Clearly referrals are like the “Glengarry” leads. For those of you who may not have seen the movie Glengarry Glen Ross the Glengarry leads are the best, the most important, most valuable leads and the gold standard of leads that you can have.
We love when our clients refer their contacts to us because we know that our chances are winning the project dramatically go up because we have already been endorsed by a trusted advisor.
Today’s question is when do you give or get referrals?
- Is it a restaurant?
- A new wine?
- Vacation spot?
- Car?
- Movie?
- Insurance broker?
- Financial analyst?
- Clothing stores?
- Lawyer?
- Job?
- Doctors?
- Hotels?
Also what types of things do you NOT give or take referrals on:
- Stock tips?
- Church/temple?
- Toys?
To me this is a very interesting subject and one that I am very curious about. So I ask you
- What things do you give or get referrals on?
- What things do you NOT give or take referrals on?
I look forward to reading your comments.
Debra says:
Having been the joyous recipient of gracious referrals, I am a firm believer in them. So it’s easier to list the referrals I do not give or take: anything about politics, religion, personal finances and sex!
(My mother was a Democrat and my father a Republican so we were forbidden to talk about politics at the dinner table – maybe that scarred me for life!)
Michael Halberstam says:
I will give a referral only when I have achieved a great comfort with something. With this in mind I would like to refer you to the Yankees and Lakers.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Michael,
That is funny! In fact I am still laughing. Yes the Red Sox are done for this year, too many injuries congrads to the Yanks. I believe they will walk into the World Series – sad but true.
Merrill
Melanie Courtright says:
I’ll give and take referrals when there’s not too much risk for either party. But what I see as risky may not match what others see as risky.
I see too much risk in the Three Fs: faith, finances, and fellowship (who to date or who to trust). I may give advice to my immediate family on these, but no one else.
I will recommend a restaurant, a movie, or a vacation spot, because there’s not much risk involved. What’s the worst that can happen? You try it and don’t like it. I bet you’ll forgive me.
John Castellano says:
I recommend most thinks I like with the caveat that your experience might be different. I like old upscale hotels and highly recommend them but if you want new modern your not going to enjoy my referral.
As for business I refer to nice people as generally nice people do nice work.
Naomi Lenoci says:
Merrill, another great question. I use referrals every day and also give them out willingly. I use them and refer people in the service industry, carpet cleaners, handymen, lawn maintenance service, house cleaners, etc. I also enjoy this type of referrals. I have given out a referral on a financial planner as Ralph has done a good job for me. Same with an insurance company. I don’t usually touch anything with religion – that one has to be a personal choice and could be an open can of worms. Since I’m also working with TeamWomen, Inc. I believe in referrals even more. Networking is one of the best ways to make your organization grow. Thanks.