Business Networking – Referrals (not getting them but giving them)
Ever hear of Ivan Misner and BNI? No?
Ivan Misner built an entire organization called Business Network International out of the premis that givers gain. What this means is that your business attitude should be “What can I do for you?” instead of “What can you do for me?” This organization is made up of chapters, and many of them do millions of dollars in business in just a few months. This business I speak of consists of the business members giving referrals to other business members of that same chapter. It’s awesome!
Folks, I’m here to tell you that you will get more out of your business relationships and personal life, too, if your attitude is service to others. Yeah, you guessed it – it’s the “What goes around comes around” thing you keep hearing about. Only you generally hear about it as payback for doing someone wrong. But guess what? There is another side to that saying and this is it. It’s even in the Bible: 2 Corinthians 9:6 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. The more you give, the more you get. It refers to more than just referrals, but that’s what we’re talking about in this article.
So…if giving referrals is one of the services you can do for others, how can you do that? Well, we’ve got a terrific automated tool for doing so. But think about this – what if you could mention a particular business to everyone you know in about two minutes using direct mail? What if you could bring a business person up on a stage in front of hundreds of others at a seminar? What if you could get hold of a microphone at a networking function and compliment someone’s business? What if you could just make introductions at a networking event with a quick recommendation or compliment? What if you could do a webinar with the guest being a business associate? What if you could put a tattoo on your forehead with the business name you’re trying to promote and walk around all day long without a hat on? Remember sandwich boards that said, “Eat at Joes”? I mean, let’s use our imaginations here!
What you give is what you get. If you want business success for years to come, if you want more friends that you can count on, then giving is the way to go. Sow those seeds of generosity and you’ll reap a bountiful harvest.
To your referral-giving success!
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