Comments on: Networking for the ‘Difficult to Refer’ Business http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/ Growing your business through the power of relationships Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:58:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Jason Jagoda http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/comment-page-1/#comment-1165 Jason Jagoda Sun, 17 Aug 2008 20:32:10 +0000 http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/#comment-1165 What a smart way to increase your networking capabilities and find new ways to introduce to your business. Thanks for this tip... It is a gem that I won't soon forget. What a smart way to increase your networking capabilities and find new ways to introduce to your business. Thanks for this tip… It is a gem that I won’t soon forget.

]]> By: John Klassen http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/comment-page-1/#comment-1139 John Klassen Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:29:27 +0000 http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/#comment-1139 It is all about getting the relationship to the top of the funnel. I always try to look at how any of my products will help a specific niche. Veterans, Industry groups and trade associations are always looking for spekaers for programs they put on. Practice 15 minute presentations and learn how to use Powerpoint. Making a CD can also help. It is not as expensive as you think. I agree with Tom, every business can be referred. The message has to get to a qualified prospect. Where does your current business come from? Maybe they have inroads to these groups. Regards and luck, John Klassen Newburgh, NY It is all about getting the relationship to the top of the funnel. I always try to look at how any of my products will help a specific niche. Veterans, Industry groups and trade associations are always looking for spekaers for programs they put on. Practice 15 minute presentations and learn how to use Powerpoint. Making a CD can also help. It is not as expensive as you think.

I agree with Tom, every business can be referred. The message has to get to a qualified prospect. Where does your current business come from? Maybe they have inroads to these groups.

Regards and luck,

John Klassen
Newburgh, NY

]]> By: Tom Doiron http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/comment-page-1/#comment-1136 Tom Doiron Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:07:43 +0000 http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/#comment-1136 Dear Dr. Misner, Speaking engagements are a great way to promote any business and elevate your credibility as the "expert". I once had a chapter member for whom I found it particularly difficult to find referrals. As suggested by Z above, even referral sources where hard to find for this person. Since it was a consultancy type of business, I suggested nicely done postcards that could be redeemed for an hour of free consultation. I passed them out to candidates who I thought might be a good match for my chapter member. It was successful in getting him the appointments and then the outcome was on his shoulders. I would like to add that I have not seen any profession that can not be promoted through referral marketing. In some cases; the more unusual or unique they are, the better it works for them. Respectfully, Tom Doiron Atlanta Dear Dr. Misner,

Speaking engagements are a great way to promote any business and elevate your credibility as the “expert”.

I once had a chapter member for whom I found it particularly difficult to find referrals. As suggested by Z above, even referral sources where hard to find for this person. Since it was a consultancy type of business, I suggested nicely done postcards that could be redeemed for an hour of free consultation. I passed them out to candidates who I thought might be a good match for my chapter member. It was successful in getting him the appointments and then the outcome was on his shoulders.

I would like to add that I have not seen any profession that can not be promoted through referral marketing. In some cases; the more unusual or unique they are, the better it works for them.

Respectfully,
Tom Doiron
Atlanta

]]> By: Z http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/comment-page-1/#comment-1128 Z Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:18:24 +0000 http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2008/08/11/networking-for-the-difficult-to-refer-business/#comment-1128 For a difficult to refer business, instead of asking for referrals to "end clients", focus on referrals to potential "business partners" - businesses that compliment your business or even compete with your business. Develop long term strategic partnerships with these businesses, they will better understand who your perfect client is and be able to refer you business. For a difficult to refer business, instead of asking for referrals to “end clients”, focus on referrals to potential “business partners” – businesses that compliment your business or even compete with your business. Develop long term strategic partnerships with these businesses, they will better understand who your perfect client is and be able to refer you business.

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