Casual Articles - How to Get More Visibility, Increase Your Influence, and Get More Referrals

Before I tell you the specifics, let’s first establish two premises:

1. Other entrepreneurs don't care about helping you as much as they care about building their own business.

2. In order to maximize the return on your time invested into networking with local professionals, you need to stop thinking one-to-one and start thinking one-to-many.

Keeping those two things in mind let's explore for a moment how most professionals approach building a strategic referral partnership.

The "let's have lunch" strategy.

Frankly I hate wasting my precious time on chit-chatting with strangers over a so-so meal. There is just too much involved for too little in return. There is coordinating of the schedules, commute time, schmoozing and “learning” about each other’s business (most often it’s like probing for the best way to squeeze in one’s pitch for their service or product). Finally, after 45 or 60 minutes of this “conversation”, comes the dreaded experience of soliciting referrals. It goes somewhat like this: “So, now that you know what I do, who do you know that you could send my way?” Yuck! This can be draining at best and un-dignifying at worst!

In any case, it's not something any self-respecting professional really looks forward to. What a terrible place to be in - expecting someone to trust us with their friends and colleagues because we did lunch together? Yeah, I know there is more to it, but play with me here for a moment, would you please?

The "let's do lunch" strategy violates both premises. One - you ask someone to care about you without offering much in exchange. And two – doing it one-on-one takes a lot of time and effort for very little result. It definitely doesn't create much leverage and puts you in a position of a person asking for help (“begging” for referrals.)

So how do you get local professionals and business owners to happily refer to you their friends, patients, clients and colleagues?

Here is a strategy that works.

First, knowing that entrepreneurs are preoccupied with creating more success, increasing sales and profits and having more time off, make it your job to help them get what they want. Or more specifically – help them get information that helps them get what they want.

Second, quit doing it one-on-one, and instead exponentially increase your visibility and leverage by bringing all your potential partners together. How Can I Make It In The Stained Glass Business?
Recently, one of the best stained glass supply and teaching centers in Salt Lake City, closed their doors. They were very aggressive and well run. They had been in business for over fifteen years (I don't know how long their actual years of operation were). Why did they fail? What was new? Two years previously, the long time run business was sold by the original owner who wanted to retire to a man who had made enough money for the purchase running a janitorial business.But, he was soon to discover that the stained glass business is different than any other business. I have often said that I coud to stop thinking one-to-one and start thinking one-to-many.

Keeping those two things in mind let's explore for a moment how most professionals approach building a strategic referral partnership.

The "let's have lunch" strategy.

Frankly I hate wasting my precious time on chit-chatting with strangers over a so-so meal. There is just too much involved for too little in return. There is coordinating of the schedules, commute time, schmoozing and “learning” about each other’s business (most often it’s like probing for the best way to squeeze in one’s pitch for their service or product). Finally, after 45 or 60 minutes of this “conversation”, comes the dreaded experience of soliciting referrals. It goes somewhat like this: “So, now that you know what I do, who do you know that you could send my way?” Yuck! This can be draining at best and un-dignifying at worst!

In any case, it's not something any self-respecting professional really looks forward to. What a terrible place to be in - expecting someone to trust us with their friends and colleagues because we did lunch together? Yeah, I know there is more to it, but play with me here for a moment, would you please?

The "let's do lunch" strategy violates both premises. One - you ask someone to care about you without offering much in exchange. And two – doing it one-on-one takes a lot of time and effort for very little result. It definitely doesn't create much leverage and puts you in a position of a person asking for help (“begging” for referrals.)

So how do you get local professionals and business owners to happily refer to you their friends, patients, clients and colleagues?

Here is a strategy that works.

First, knowing that entrepreneurs are preoccupied with creating more success, increasing sales and profits and having more time off, make it your job to help them get what they want. Or more specifically – help them get information that helps them get what they want.

Second, quit doing it one-on-one, and instead exponentially increase your visibility and leverage by bringing all your potential partners together. Risk Management
Risk management is an important element in managing your business. You have a wonderful plan for your business, so you want to protect it against risks.Qualified Advisors Help You Protect Your Business It is essential that you find qualified advisors to help you with the legal aspects of protecting your business. Interview your potential advisors to find a fit in personality, objectives, and business philosophy. Trust your gut feeling; you haven't become successful in your business by ignoring your intuition!Here are the four types of qualified advisors for the best way to squeeze in one’s pitch for their service or product). Finally, after 45 or 60 minutes of this “conversation”, comes the dreaded experience of soliciting referrals. It goes somewhat like this: “So, now that you know what I do, who do you know that you could send my way?” Yuck! This can be draining at best and un-dignifying at worst!

In any case, it's not something any self-respecting professional really looks forward to. What a terrible place to be in - expecting someone to trust us with their friends and colleagues because we did lunch together? Yeah, I know there is more to it, but play with me here for a moment, would you please?

The "let's do lunch" strategy violates both premises. One - you ask someone to care about you without offering much in exchange. And two – doing it one-on-one takes a lot of time and effort for very little result. It definitely doesn't create much leverage and puts you in a position of a person asking for help (“begging” for referrals.)

So how do you get local professionals and business owners to happily refer to you their friends, patients, clients and colleagues?

Here is a strategy that works.

First, knowing that entrepreneurs are preoccupied with creating more success, increasing sales and profits and having more time off, make it your job to help them get what they want. Or more specifically – help them get information that helps them get what they want.

Second, quit doing it one-on-one, and instead exponentially increase your visibility and leverage by bringing all your potential partners together. Restaurant Training - Choosing Your Cast for Restaurant Show Business
The hospitality business is like show business.When you are casting, it is important to place people in suitable roles. The costs involved with hiring an individual should be a strong deterrent to rushing into decisions you may regret in 1 weeks time. Remember, once the casting decision has been made, your entire productions' reviews are going to depend on the various people you have chosen for the performance.Don't be fooled by first appearances and beware of being overly impressed by what appears to be an excellent Resume. Although these can provide a valuable insight, neither may be tcolleagues because we did lunch together? Yeah, I know there is more to it, but play with me here for a moment, would you please?

The "let's do lunch" strategy violates both premises. One - you ask someone to care about you without offering much in exchange. And two – doing it one-on-one takes a lot of time and effort for very little result. It definitely doesn't create much leverage and puts you in a position of a person asking for help (“begging” for referrals.)

So how do you get local professionals and business owners to happily refer to you their friends, patients, clients and colleagues?

Here is a strategy that works.

First, knowing that entrepreneurs are preoccupied with creating more success, increasing sales and profits and having more time off, make it your job to help them get what they want. Or more specifically – help them get information that helps them get what they want.

Second, quit doing it one-on-one, and instead exponentially increase your visibility and leverage by bringing all your potential partners together. 4 Tips on How to Avoid Communication Lines Breakdown
For example, in a small, two-person company, there is often the greatest opportunity for direct conversation and discussion throughout the day. There are only two possibilities for verbal communication and it’s usually quick, easy and descriptive.If, however, a third member is added to the team, then six possible lines of communication are created - an increase of 300%. Direct communication becomes more difficult and often messages are interpreted (or misinterpreted) in a variety of different ways.Now, add a fourth team member and your communication possibilities increase to 12. A fifthto happily refer to you their friends, patients, clients and colleagues?

Here is a strategy that works.

First, knowing that entrepreneurs are preoccupied with creating more success, increasing sales and profits and having more time off, make it your job to help them get what they want. Or more specifically – help them get information that helps them get what they want.

Second, quit doing it one-on-one, and instead exponentially increase your visibility and leverage by bringing all your potential partners together.

Are you beginning to see what I'm talking about here? The strategy I have in mind is simple. Put together a small group meeting and invite a dozen or so of local entrepreneurs and professionals. One important detail - make the events exciting to attend. No one wants to show up for a 60-minute pitch for your businesses. Here are a few suggestions:

• Invite a local marketing expert to share a few tips on more effective promotional strategies.

• Bring in a real estate investment advisor who can teach professionals how to develop sources of passive revenue.

• Invite an asset attorney, who can talk about asset protection strategies for small business owners.

• Find a local "cash flow" game trainer to facilitate this fun game for your group.

• Once you get started, ask the participants of your group what they would like to learn more about and simply find a person who can teach on that topic.

Does it work? You bet! Because you follow both premises of good marketing: you care about them first and you leverage your investment of time, money and effort by introducing yourself to many people at the same time. You put yourself in a position of a trusted advisor, leader, someone who knows, cares and wants to help.

When members of your group come across someone looking for the type of service you provide do you think they will be more likely to send business your way or to someone who "begged" them for referrals over a lunch? The choice is clear, isn't it?

Are you thinking that it’s too much work? Think again. Look at it this way: each lunch or “cup of coffee” meeting takes you about 3 hours – and that’s to meet just one person!

Doesn’t it make more sense to take five to eight hours a month and organize just one meeting where you have eight to 12 people? And, remember this: hosting this small “entrepreneurs’ forum” automatically gives you more visibility and positions you as a person with greater prestige and influence.

So what's next? I guess you have to pick the date for the first "entrepreneur’s forum", and get busy sending out a few invites.

(c) 20

HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.casualarticles.com/article/32267/casualarticles-How-to-Get-More-Visibility-Increase-Your-Influence-and-Get-More-Referrals.html">How to Get More Visibility, Increase Your Influence, and Get More Referrals</a>

BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.casualarticles.com/article/32267/casualarticles-How-to-Get-More-Visibility-Increase-Your-Influence-and-Get-More-Referrals.html]How to Get More Visibility, Increase Your Influence, and Get More Referrals[/url]

Related Articles:

Barcode Label Adhesives

An integral part of barcode labeling, barcode label adhesive is the substance or material applied to the back of a barcode label to attach it to the surface of a particular item. A barcode label adhesive should be of industrial grade and must have an apply temperature ranging from 40 °F to 250 °F.

How to Get a Job if You Are an Ex-con

If you had just gotten out of prison and you are looking for a job there are many places you can go to get a high paying for rewarding job. If you are still in a halfway house you can get a job at a local car wash. Hopefully in prison you learned a little bit of conversational Spanish because most of the people working at the car wash for illegal aliens.

Small Business Marketing Secrets - The Fortune is in the Follow Up

Most new customers take time before they decide to become a customer. Some studies suggest it takes between eight and 15 contacts before someone is comfortable enough to do business with a new company. This article will help you find easy yet effective ways to follow up and keep in touch with your prospects so they become customers.

Bookmark it: