Friday, February 26, 2010

Referral Marketing: A Yoga Connection

Recently, I've been exposed to quite a bit to yoga. My partner is beginning to practice it regularly (that's a great thing!) and I've met two yoga instructors in the past month. The signs are out there, so what are they saying.

I did a little research (and I mean, just a little) to determine the key benefits of yoga. Lo and behold, there's a direct connection to referral marketing! I didn't know that either until now.

By practicing yoga, the body slowly increases its overall flexibility. Flexibility is a good thing because it allows your muscles and tendons to be lubricated properly. Since all of your body parts are connected, they begin to work in harmony more easily and can create a situation where maintaining that flexibility becomes quite easy.

I've noticed that in referral marketing, you've got to remain flexible in order to be successful. This flexibility allows you to work in better harmony with your referral partners. And, since you and your referral partners are connected by reciprocity it becomes easier to create a situation were the flow of referrals becomes quite easy.

Another huge benefit of yoga is detoxification. It helps the body to rid itself of toxins and enhances blood flow. Overall, this aids in keeping us healthy. Sometimes we need to detoxify our networks too. We spend too much time with people who suck up our time and energy leaving us feeling drained and overwhelmed. Getting rid of "risky relationships" and becoming more protective of our time empowers us to be more selective of who gets our face time. Overall, this will aid in our own health and the health of our business.

There you have it ... yoga for the mind, body and your referral marketing plan!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Referral Marketing: Snow Storm Strategies

I got this idea from Beth Caldwell, author of "I Wish I'd Known That! Secrets to Success in Business". She wrote an article about what you can do for your business during a snow storm. So to jump on that band wagon ... here are five things you can do for your referral marketing efforts when the weather turns nasty!

1. Catch up on your Thank You cards to those who have referred you recently.

2. Read your local business paper and add two networking events in your calendar that you can attend.

3. Call your referral partners and see who can attend those events with you.

4. Schedule your referral partner meetings for the next three months.

5. Read a book on referral marketing such as: The 29% Solution or Get More Referrals Now!

And here's a BONUS one ...

6. Send your referral partner's information to ten prospects for them and schedule time in your calendar to follow up.

So ... even if the snow plows don't make it to your street for several days ... or the storms have knocked out your power ... stay focused on your referral marketing plan and how you can continue to help others!