Referral Marketing: Being Left Behind

A week ago, I got a new puppy (Tucker). That's right ... for those of you who follow this ... it's dog #2. He's a total joy to have around and he's fitting right in to the family. My other dog (Karlie) has taken a strong liking to him. They've bonded and have been seen drinking from the same bowl at the same time, chewing on opposite ends of a bone, and even sharing a bed (their bed ... not mine!). He's really cute ... isn't he?!

Since he's only 3 months old, he's in the middle of house training and that means a crate at night and when I leave the house. The other day, I tookKarlie to dog school ... leaving Tucker behind in his crate. You would have thought his world was coming to an end! He cried and howled the saddest of songs. I set up a "puppy cam" so a friend tuned in to see how long it would take him to settle down. It only took him about 5 minutes to realize that his situation was not giong to change and so he might as well accept it and relax.

Are you feeling left behind like Tucker when it comes to referrals? Have you noticed other people getting referrals that you think you ought to have received too? Why do you think that is?

It's obvious that you are not top of mind for that person. Perhaps you have not yet established the credibility with that person to warrant the referral. Perhaps you haven't made it clear what you're looking for? Perhaps they perceive you differently than you want them to perceive you? Regardless the reason ... you don't have to act like Tucker and believe that you can't change the situation ... because you CAN!! Unlike Tucker ... YOU can open the door and begin to change your situation for the better. So what are you waiting for? Open the door and begin to educate people more effectively on what you actually want in terms of referrals!