Referrals ~ Three Top Tips

Referrals are Gold! Three Top Tips for Generating Referrals

Career advice often centers around one piece of advice these days: Network!!...which I addressed last week in this blog. What exactly do the career experts mean by “networking”? What it really means is “to be referred” because that is the number one way to get a job, or a client, or.... even a new dentist! When you refer someone to a friend or colleague, what you are saying is: “I recommend this person, or service, because I have personally used them, or my family or friends have, and they are known to me to be trustworthy and competent. I therefore can refer them to you, knowing that you are in good hands”.

In the arduous world of job searching these days, this is what you hope for...why you spend precious time and money networking, in hopes of having someone recommend you for an open position, or refer a potential client to you.

Here is the tricky part: it's hard to refer someone you DO NOT know, or you cannot vouch for. To get the “golden” referrals, your referral partners actually need to know you, or at least know the quality of your work. How then, can you expedite the “networking” process and get to the “referral” part? Here's this weeks Three Top Tips:

1. Ask an Ex-boss or Ex-Supervisor for a Recommendation on Linked In.

Use the phone to CALL them and have a conversation; ask for a LI recommendation, and while you are at it, ask if they have any leads, or should an appropriate opportunity arises, if they would refer you.

 

2. Set up a “Coffee Calendar”

Meet with two potential referral partners per week. It is easy once you get into the swing of it. Meet busy executives at a coffee shop near where they work, and at their convenience. Have a idea of what you are going to say, and remember, be clear and specific, and ASK for a referral. It works.

3. Give Referrals!

“What goes around comes around” an old adage for sure, but it rings true. If you can, be sure to pass on qualified referrals where appropriate. The more you refer, the more people refer to you. 

To find gold these days you need to strategically plan. Job hunting is like looking for buried treasure and you must be bold. Only ask to be referred by people who can vouch for you, and vice versa. Networking is about making connections and referrals are about recommending the people you meet networking.

Referral Bonus: Any referrals I receive this week get 10% off any career service.

 

About the Author: Kristi Enigl is a Career & Job Search Consultant who brings over 20 years of Hiring, HR Management and Executive Recruiting across a broad spectrum of industries to her professional practice. She helps professionals identify, create, and market their personal brand so they reach their career goals – FAST. Email your resume to coachkristi@kristienigl.com for a complimentary, professional evaluation.

Skype consultations are always free.