How To Give Back When You Don't Have A Referral

Networking is all about developing the relationshipssponsor of this very worthwhile event. Sue's boss
that are mutually beneficial, where you can help withagreed, although he provided funding at a lower level
the success of a referral source as much you can bethan Sue had hoped. Sue then introduced the Realtor
helped in return. With some relationships, that meansto one of Sue's clients who also shares the same
the exchange of referrals back and forth. With otherinterest in child abuse prevention. This person also
relationships, the give and take is more creative.decided to sponsor, and actually gave more support
Sue Haines works as a mortgage originator for a localthan Sue had hoped for. You can bet the Realtor
company. She has developed connections withnow sees Sue as someone with whom she wants to
several Realtors, but in the last year one of thesecontinue to share business.
relationships has matured to a stronger extent. SueWas Sue done? No, she went the extra mile by
now wants to maintain and even increase thatasking her boss if the Realtor and the developer
relationship, but doesn't know if she has enoughcould speak at the next sales meeting about the
business to give more to this Realtor.unique features of the homes they will build and
Sue's first step was to have lunch with the Realtor.represent. Did both actions take some time on Sue's
She realized that while she knows this Realtorpart? Yes, but the payoff was that Sue received
professionally, she really doesn't know her well as afour referrals from the Realtor in the very next
person. During lunch Sue found out that the Realtor ismonth.
passionate about a non-profit organization that fundsSue found out that there were many more ways to
programs for the prevention of child abuse. She alsogive back to people who give her referrals. While it is
became aware that the Realtor was representing aassured that everyone likes business to come their
developer that would be building homes with someway, they are also motivated by many other
very special features, different from the norm.methods. Sue addressed just two ways, recruiting
Because of this time spent, Sue now knows theresponsors and arranging a speaking engagement. She
are ways she can help the Realtor in addition towill continue to send people who want to buy or sell
sending customers.a home to this Realtor, and you can bet that she will
The Realtor was involved in finding sponsors for anthink of other creative ways to showcase the
upcoming event that would benefit the non-profitRealtor - ways that will make the Realtor appear
organization she supports. Sue went to her boss andsuccessful to the community. Success builds more
suggested that they might want to be seen as asuccess.