Referrals
Due to that fact that there has not been much activity as of late in my investopedia account, I am going to have to focus on the “random thoughts” part of the blog for this post.
The issue I wanted to talk about today has to do with a quote that I heard, and wanted to pass along to all of you. It goes as follows, “A referral is the key that unlocks the door of unfamiliarity.” I heard this quote while attending a BNI meeting on Wednesday here in Grand Rapids. In case some of you have never heard of BNI, it is a fairly exciting concept. Referrals are the backbone of BNI. The way that it works is each chapter allows only one member of each field of business; one plumber, one interior decorator, one dentist, one stock broker, one artist, and so on. Once a week, all of the members of the chapter get together and exchange referrals. For example, if I am a dentist and someone approaches me with a back problem, and asks me if I know anyone that might be able to help; I would refer him or her to my chapter’s chiropractor. The beauty of this is that each member has numerous sales people out there for him or her.
Another rule of BNI is that each member must be there each week, and if they are not able to be, they must send a substitute to hand out their referrals and collect from other members. I personally am not a member, but I was subbing for my uncle. It’s a fun time, and I would encourage anyone interested to find out their local chapter, and see if there is someone who is in need of a sub in the future (most members will be) and go check it out. Helps with public speaking, and you meet a lot of people.
As for the quote, I have found that this is very true. As most of us know, it is not what you know, it is who you know. Referrals are a huge part of every business, but they are especially important to someone trying to get started. They make it much more likely for people to take a “chance” with you, no matter what business you may be in. With this in mind, always greet new people with enthusiasm, for you don’t know who they may know.
Good Luck With Everything!
Mark Zimmer
The issue I wanted to talk about today has to do with a quote that I heard, and wanted to pass along to all of you. It goes as follows, “A referral is the key that unlocks the door of unfamiliarity.” I heard this quote while attending a BNI meeting on Wednesday here in Grand Rapids. In case some of you have never heard of BNI, it is a fairly exciting concept. Referrals are the backbone of BNI. The way that it works is each chapter allows only one member of each field of business; one plumber, one interior decorator, one dentist, one stock broker, one artist, and so on. Once a week, all of the members of the chapter get together and exchange referrals. For example, if I am a dentist and someone approaches me with a back problem, and asks me if I know anyone that might be able to help; I would refer him or her to my chapter’s chiropractor. The beauty of this is that each member has numerous sales people out there for him or her.
Another rule of BNI is that each member must be there each week, and if they are not able to be, they must send a substitute to hand out their referrals and collect from other members. I personally am not a member, but I was subbing for my uncle. It’s a fun time, and I would encourage anyone interested to find out their local chapter, and see if there is someone who is in need of a sub in the future (most members will be) and go check it out. Helps with public speaking, and you meet a lot of people.
As for the quote, I have found that this is very true. As most of us know, it is not what you know, it is who you know. Referrals are a huge part of every business, but they are especially important to someone trying to get started. They make it much more likely for people to take a “chance” with you, no matter what business you may be in. With this in mind, always greet new people with enthusiasm, for you don’t know who they may know.
Good Luck With Everything!
Mark Zimmer
posted by Mark Zimmer at
10:44 PM
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