Hey Reader, do you feel like a taker when asking for referrals?

It's super common to feel that way.

In fact, I recently had a client say those exact words to me.

"I feel like a taker when trying to ask for referrals, so I just don't take any action."

Part of his hang-up when I dug into it is, he'd rather be known as someone who's generous.

Well...? Perfect, actually.

We have the ability to Be the Change We Want to See.

So if we want more referrals, if we want more relationships, we want more strategic partners...

...then we should be a person who creates that for others as well.

The best part? By creating that for others, it takes away the "awkward ask".

You simply become associated with the idea of connections and referrals in people's minds.

As a giver. Not a taker. (And people tend to like to return the favor.)

So if you want to be more connected? Give out more connections.

If you want more referrals? Give out more referrals.

Be the glue. Stick people together.

The challenge? Figuring out what people need.

But that's a challenge that's pretty easy to overcome. (And it gets even easier as your network gets bigger.)

Here's how I told my client to go about it...

(Check out the video for more, or read on below...)

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1) Figure out context

Call someone. A client, an acquaintance, a colleague…anyone who makes sense. Ask them:

“How well do you know your _______?”

The blank? Insert an industry/position that comes across your ideal client often.

So for example in the mortgage industry, great ones are, “How well do you know your CPA?” “How well do you know your estate planning attorney?”

What does this do? It helps you figure out who people know, and who they need.

2) Determine competence

This is something most people don’t get into because it feels like a tricky one. But it doesn’t need to be tricky. And it’s important.

Say, “On a scale of 1-10, how would you rank your _______?”

“On a scale of 1-10, how would you rank your CPA?” “On a scale of 1-10, how would you rank your estate planning attorney?

That question gives an idea of how solid the relationship is, and how quality the connection.

What does this do? It positions yourself to take the next action.

It positions you to…

3) Connect

If the person’s a 9 or a 10, you can ask for a connection to them, which helps you build out your network.

The more superstars you have in your pocket? The more influence you’ll have, the more connections you can make, and the better off everyone who knows you will be.

Plus? That new connection is a potential pipeline straight to your ideal client.

And if the person isn’t a superstar 9-10?

That’s your opportunity to connect your person with a superstar who is. Build out their network. Connect them with someone who could do a better job for them.

(By the way...that person you're connecting them to? Your also creating a referral opportunity for them. So one person in your network gets a connection to a superstar who can make their life better, and another person in your network gets a referral opportunity. A hugely generous impact in just one little connection.)

And you made it all happen. That's you being the glue.

Big wins for everyone involved.

Brian

Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Work with me to transform your referral relationships. (Booking into Nov - let's talk)
2. Get your own board of advisors with ACCELERATE Boardroom (See if it's a fit here)

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