|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |
|
No Fear of Referrals
Written by: Keith FerrazziArticle Overview: People are often worried about being put in an uncomfortable situation in which someone they just met is asking them for a business referral -- particularly if their new acquaintance is a salesman asking for a referral to one of their friends who could be a potential client.
![]() |
Free Download - What I’ve Learned from Dumpster Kids, a Buddhist Monk, and Other Wise Teachers By Keith Ferrazzi |
No Fear of Referrals
People are often worried about being put in an uncomfortable situation in which someone they just met is asking them for a business referral -- particularly if their new acquaintance is a salesman asking for a referral to one of their friends who could be a potential client.
Next time something like that happens to you, don't think "Oh my gosh, I'm going to be vulnerable now, because I'm risking one of my relationships by introducing some guy I don't know."
Know that, in reality, you hold all the cards. You don't ultimately have to make the introduction. It's the responsibility of your new acquaintance to tell you a darn good reason why you should make the intro. (This is even how LinkedIn's referral system works.) And honestly, if this new guy has a good reason, I'd be thankful and happy to introduce him to one of my friends.
Say, for example, that I met someone who wanted me to introduce him to Phil Knight when Phil was CEO of Nike. If the new guy had three great reasons why he could better serve Nike, I'd see it as something good I could give to Phil.
I'd just say, "Listen, Phil, I met a person the other day who believes he has stuff that can be beneficial to you. Of course, you can do whatever you want with it, but I just wanted to pass on the reference."
Too many people see relationships as pies -- where if you take a piece, there won't be as much left over. Relationships and networks are more like muscles. The more you work them, the bigger and stronger they get.
So the more you give to your friends, sometimes by making references and introductions, sometimes even to people you just met, the better.
It's really as simple as telling your friend, "I was thinking about your company the other day. And I wanted to introduce you to somebody that might be helpful to you." At the end of the day, it's your friend's responsibility. But don't worry, because they're not going to blindly buy something with their company's or their personal hard-earned money.
Article Tags: acquaintance, business referral, cards, ceo of nike, fear, good reason, introductions, muscles, nike, phil knight, pies, referral system, relationships, three great reasons, uncomfortable situation
|
About the Author: Keith Ferrazzi RSS for Keith's articles - Visit Keith's website Widely hailed as one of the world’s most “connected” people, Keith Ferrazzi is the author of Never Eat Alone, the international bestselling book about building relationships for success. Ferrazzi is also an acclaimed speaker and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a consulting and professional development firm that helps organizations drive growth through relationships. Earlier in his career, he was chief marketing officer at Deloitte Consulting and the youngest to be tapped for partner in the firm's history. Then, upon joining Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Ferrazzi was the youngest CMO in the Fortune 500. He also served as CEO of YaYa Media before founding Ferrazzi Greenlight. Click here to visit Keith's website Inspirational Email Mix it up Please Who Tells You the Things You Dont Want to Hear Tis the Season for Holiday Networking And Heres Your Guide 5 Ways to Make Someone Say WOW I Want to Be Your Client |
Related Forum Posts
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
10 Steps to a Great Support Team
The five pillars of internet marketing strategy
Entrepreneurs and the “Oh! No!” Trap
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.



