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Tell me if you disagree with this: Most of us aren't very good at giving referrals. I don't mean this to be harsh. You can have a big heart. And you can want to give referrals. But wanting doesn't equal doing. So seriously...when's the last time you actually gave one? And how much time was there between that one, and the one before that? Weeks? Months? Years? Why is that? When generosity is such a great way to build a business? This simple answer for most people is, we're just not comfortable with it. We're not comfortable with giving them...maybe because we're afraid to make the wrong recommendation. And we're not comfortable with asking for them...usually because it's awkward. But like all things we want to get good at, first we have to learn. And then we have to practice. And mastering the art of giving referrals—moreover, the art of generosity—is probably one of the best things you can do. That the biblical principle of being a giver. It's from the book of Ezra. (Check out the video for more, or read on below...) Ezra studied things that mattered. He practiced things that mattered. And most importantly? He taught them. The idea here is to study ways to give more referrals, and then practice ways to give more referrals... ...because here's the brilliance... When you do those two things—when you study, and you practice —you actually become great at giving referrals. So what happens? The law of reciprocity kicks in with people actively trying to support your business. Which is great of course. But all that work you put in to study and practice? You can put it to even greater use. Because once you master the art of giving referrals, you can start teaching that process. And when you start teaching your shoulder industries—the people who refer you—how to be better givers...? That's a game changer. So start putting the work in. There are all kinds of resources to help...you only have to seek them out. (By the way, I'm one of them: I've got a framework called the Trusted Advisor Playbook that helps small business owners do it all the time. If you're interested in talking about that, please let me know. I'd be happy to walk you through it.) In the meantime, start evolving your mindset to be a giver! Brian Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:
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Hello, relational leaders. Thank you so much for being here. As a small business owner or commission sales professional, you probably have a servant leader's heart. You love helping others. You love adding value. And I appreciate that about you. Last week we talked about the first trait of a successful giver, which is knowing where you are going. Many of you reached out for the Vision Story, and I hope you found that helpful. Today we are moving to the second trait. Successful givers have an...
Welcome, relational leaders. It is so good to have you here. And because it is the week after Thanksgiving, I want to begin with gratitude. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Everything I create is built for relational leaders like you. Because I know who you are. You are a small business owner or a commission sales professional. Your income is variable. And you are trusting that someone else will recommend your service. You are referral-based. And I applaud you for choosing this...
For years, I believed that if I simply did great work, referrals would naturally follow. But here’s what I eventually learned: Referrals aren’t built on competence alone.They’re built on confidence. People refer the professionals they trust will make them look like a hero—not necessarily the ones with the deepest technical skills. If you want consistent referrals, ask yourself these three questions: 1. What story do people tell about working with me? If your value isn’t clear and easy to...