Giving referrals

Last week, I had the chance to refer people, who needed help, to three businesses that I have gotten to know through the South Side Entrepreneur Association (SSEA). While that was wonderful, it only occurred because I had gotten to know the three businesses over the course of many meetings.

When you attend an organization's meetings on a regular basis, you give people there an opportunity to know you, to learn about your business and your skills, and to build a level of trust with you. A powerful referral occurs when a person can say, "I know this person and what they can do, and I trust them." However, knowledge and trust doesn't occur after one meeting...it occurs over the course of weeks and months.

The next time you wonder why you're heading off to a networking event, think of it as investing in your future. Yes, you've been to that event before, but each time you go, you have a chance to educate other attendees about your services and build trust with them. And that will help you gain the referrals that you so desire.