Your Networking Problems – Solved! #9: Your network rarely, if at all, sends you any referrals

Referrals are a key way to generate new business, and it’s important to have a consistent flow of referrals coming in. This could be from existing clients, your internal firm network or external firm networks. If you are not getting at least some good quality introductions from your network, then this is real cause for concern.

If you are not getting referrals from your network, it could be because you are not effectively communicating your services and capabilities to your network, or because your network does not fully understand what you do or who you are looking to work with.

If your network is not sending you referrals, there are a few steps you can take:

Clearly communicate your services and target market:

Make sure that your network understands what you do and who you are looking to work with. This can involve sharing your expertise and experience through articles, blog posts, or social media, or simply having clear and concise messaging on your website and marketing materials.

Ask for feedback:

It’s possible that your network doesn’t feel comfortable referring you because they are unsure of your capabilities or don’t fully understand what you do. Consider asking for feedback from your network to see if there are any areas where you can improve.

Offer value:

Consider ways in which you can offer value to your network. This could involve sharing useful information or resources, introducing them to potential clients or partners, or offering to help with a specific problem they are facing. By consistently offering value to your network, you increase the likelihood that they will want to return the favour and refer business your way.

Expand your network:

It’s possible that your current network simply doesn’t have the connections or opportunities to refer you. In this case, consider expanding your network by attending industry events, joining professional organisations, or connecting with new people through social media or online communities.

Follow up:

If you have asked for referrals and haven’t received any, consider following up with your network to see if there are any specific opportunities they are aware of that you could be a good fit for. This can be a helpful way to remind them of your services and show your willingness to help.

Overall, building and maintaining a strong network takes time and effort, but it can be a valuable resource for generating new business.