Referral Marketing: Two is better than one!

My two dogs love Frosty Paws treats ... it's like ice cream for dogs! At first, I started off by giving them a seperate one for each of them. Before long, the puppy quickly perceived that his sister had something better (which she didn't ... but he's a puppy, so go figure). He desperately wanted to share. Well ... actually, he insisted that she share. She did willingly (perhaps it tasted better to her when she shared it). These two dogs seem to understand the value in sharing and appreciate the benefit of two over one.

It's unfortunate that I still run into people who don't get it. They're so wrapped up in themselves at networking events that they can't even perceive the benefit of two over one. Here's an example: When you take a referral partner with you to a networking event, there are two of you working the room for each other ... you're also focused on them and they're also focused on you. They're driving people to you and you're doing the same for them. Isn't two better than one? Most people see networking as a solo activity and prefer to keep it that way.

It takes two to share something. Sharing is one of those critical life lessons that most of us learned at a very young age. Unfortunately, some people never figured out how to transfer that skill outside the sandbox! Sharing leads to giving ... giving leads to receiving. Networking truly is all about sharing & giving ... sharing your connections, time, energy, information, knowledge, and skills. Giving of yourself freely ... with no growling, snarling, or nipping. Sharing & giving simply because it tastes better that way.

Referral Marketing: Mom Referrals

What makes your mom so special? Besides the fact that she's the ONE person on the planet who can say, "I brought you into this world and I can take you out!"

My mom means the world to me (and so does my dad!). She has always been there for me ... lending a shoulder, an ear, or two strong arms to pick me up. She's an anchor in my family. When it comes to my mother, I will only refer the best of the best to her when she needs something. Why? Because she's worth it ... she's my mom.

How does that translate into referral marketing? From my perspective, you've got to be good enough for me to refer you to my mother before I would consider referring you to other people. I consider this my own personal referral litmus test. Would I trust you with my mom?

From the other side of the coin ... it's in your best interest to earn the right to be referred to someone's mom. Mom referrals demonstrate a significant level of trust ... don't you think?

If you receive a mom referral, you can be assured that your relationship has reached a new height.

So ... are you worthy of being referred to someone's mom? To my mom??!

Referral Marketing: Lisa Nichols

Just a few hours ago, I experienced a remarkable woman who was the keynote speaker for the BNI National Director's Conference. Her name is Lisa Nichols!! Lisa was in the movie "The Secret". Her presentation was motivating, uplifting, moving, inspiring, funny, and educational. Lisa's book is called "No Matter What: 9 Steps to Living the Life You Love".

Lisa believes in referral marketing. One statement she made rings true with referral marketing ... "Your life is not about YOU! It's about what you're meant to GIVE to other people."

Give yourself a gift today and order the book. You'll thank yourself for it. Do someone else you know a favor and buy them a copy of the book.