Top Real Estate Strategies Email Newsletter

A Dozen Ways to Rev Up Your
Referral Network!

by Sandy Dixon, Interior Arrangements, Inc.

Every business, especially small and entrepreneurial businesses must have a powerful referral network. It is terribly expensive and often times ineffective to advertise your way to success. Creating an effective network is more effective, much more enjoyable, increases your client base, supports your business and makes you more money!!

People network for many reasons: to make friends, to get information, locate business prospects, to stay current in their profession, gain publicity and ---particularly for those in business for themselves---to market their services and products.

The bottom line is that people do business with people they know.

Follow these tips and create a network that will both help build your business and enhance your personal relationships:

Networking is an active behavior. Get to know a lot of people…and make sure they know you. Be visible! Make an effort to walk up to a stranger and introduce yourself.
Join and participate in worthwhile groups---those that put you in contact with your 'choice client.'
Continue to expand your 'sphere of influence.' Keep the circle growing!
Ask for referrals and letters of recommendation.
Reciprocate and make certain your referral network works both ways. Referring clients must work for both parties so that each benefits from increased business.
Your business card is your ‘silent salesman’---carry them with you at all times. Keep them in your wallet, briefcase, glove compartment, golf bag, backpack, etc.
Remember, it’s about them, not about you. Be helpful---see what you can do to help those you meet. Make suggestions, introduce them to others or offer to brainstorm with them on problems they may have.
Volunteer to help the group, volunteer for a committee or become a board member. The best way to become known in an organization is to be active and visible.
Mingle---don’t make a beeline for your seat. Don’t sit down until the meeting has officially started. Position yourself next to people you haven’t met.
When introducing yourself to a person or group, make it concise. Have a 30 second introduction that simply and briefly describes what you do.
Listen to what other say---let them talk. Ask questions and try to learn about the person---people love to talk more than listen.
Make a point of talking to at least five people you don’t know. It may feel more comfortable being with friends, but the purpose of networking is to widen your circle of contacts.

Remember, networking is not about sales. It’s about developing relationships with people. You have to first build rapport and develop credibility---by doing so you’ll soon discover how networking not only helps you achieve professional success, but a satisfying personal life as well. What are you waiting for? Get your ‘net’ working for you!!

About the Author: Sandy Dixon is a former Realtor® and sales, marketing and training executive. She teaches people how to start, market and grow their own real estate staging and interior redesign businesses. Visit www.interiorarrangements.com for information on her PR and marketing products and her training and mentoring programs.

And another important resource:

"I can't say enough good things about the service and the quality of the products. I highly recommend ITT to real estate professionals everywhere!" ~ Carol Soccio

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