Yesterday I had a chance of meeting my girls’ teachers for this year, the school my girls go to provides the opportunity for parents to meet the new teachers before school starts if they wish. I always take it to addressing any issues or concerns I think the teachers needs to know about my kids. You might think I a helicopter parent, which I am not ready to admit just yet. I know my girls, both their strengths and weaknesses, I also like to know teacher’s expectations for the year, as I truly believe we are in this together, like partnership. Fortunately, during my conversations with them, both teachers mentioned they had heard good things about my daughters, from their teachers last year, and the teachers spoke highly about my daughters. (Yes, if you know how competitive I am, you know how much I like this) The funny thing is, I almost sensed a relief from the new teachers, that they are glad my girls are in their classes. From there, I know my daughters will have a good start this year.
This experience, got me thinking about good referrals in all aspects. Who doesn’t know the importance of trusted network, who doesn’t know one of the most effective way to grow your business is getting new clients referred by existing clients. I remembered it took me 6 months, numerous follow-ups to get my first client, but after that? Repeated client works plus referrals for new clients. Why would people refer you to other people they are doing business with? Likeness, trust and quality of work, you would say. But which comes first? I don’t think there would be any differences for personal and professional, in school or at work.
Quality of work comes first. You get good marks in school, you produce good results at work, you get noticed then you stand out, in some ways.
Trust comes second. You earn people’s trust by doing bit more than the above, from your heart of course. You either give extra hand to classmates in school when needed, or jump in when a colleague is overwhelmed by workload. You do it because you want to help and you can, not because you want to get “extra points”.
Likeness comes third and it’s not least important. Because if people don’t like you, even if you produce good works, and earned their trust, when it comes to referrals, there will still be hesitations.
What are your thoughts? How do you get referrals for your business? Would love you to share them here.
Owner of InfoSara Consulting, I conduct research and provide you with the information and insights you need to reduce the risk of your next business decision.
