Blog with TD Gift Solutions

I belong to a small business networking group call Bountiful Networking & Referrals. Our group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month so we can network amongst business colleagues. Each week a different business from out group get to spotlight their business and share more in depth information with us on what their business is all about. We also have one of our business members share with us a business networking tip. A great tid-bit we can all use to help us improve upon our face to face networking skills.

One statement made by my fellow BNR member Shane was the following: "It's easier to promote the business of your colleagues than it is to promote your own." That statement really made me think, ya, he's right. If you network not just in the "It's about me 24 hours a day phase", you freely tell friends, family and clients about the businesses of your colleagues. It comes natural to those who love sharing good news. His way of networking will work full circle in his favor. Most people like positive, trustworthy people who will treat them right when they are in need of your service.

Shane mentioned how he has started using his Facebook not to just jibber-jabber about what he does but to also share about the business of his networking colleagues. I love that idea and his way of viewing networking. Business networking is 100% about getting back what you put into it or paying it forward.

Tim also gave us some great pointers at our meeting today:

How to get more referrals.

1. Be Trustworthy!
if you're not getting the number of referrals you want maybe people
don't trust you enough to refer you. Look at yourself first!
2. Ask for them!
be proactive, remind people you love referrals. Be specific about what
is a good referral for you.
3. Follow up!
not only with the referred lead but also with the person that referred
them to you. Keep them in the loop.
4. Treat referrals like gold!
go above and beyond
5. Treat referrers like kings!
if they referred once they will do it again.
6. Give referrals!
you have to give to get. teach them how to give a referral by example

How to give a referral

1. Validate! Validate! Validate!
sell the lead on why they should use that business partner. Give a
testimonial.
2. Ask permission to have them contacted!
67% of leads who receive only a business card never contact that
business person.
3. Call the referred party immediately!
give them the lead's contact information and put them in touch with that
lead right away. Don't let the lead lose interest. Strike while the
iron is hot.
4. Follow up!
check in with referred lead and referred business partner. Show
diligence and your concern in their business well being to both parties.
(while you're on the phone w/ biz partner ask for a referral for
yourself)

Tim sites his sources as:
Referral of a lifetime - Tim Templeton
Get more referrals now - Bill Cates
Business by referral - Ivan Mesner

To Your Success!
Tina D.

If you are a small business owner and are looking to network with a dynamic group of people come join us for lunch.