Author: Bill Cates

I was having lunch with a financial professional last Friday and discovered that he has a “hole in his WHY.”

Meaning… he didn’t talk about his WHY is as powerful and effective way as possible. Therefore, he was missing opportunities to create strong engagement with prospects and clients.

I asked him to tell me what he told his prospects and clients about WHY he did what he did… WHY he believed in his work.

I want you to think back to your high school or university psychology class. Do you remember learning about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?   I always remember that the first level is physiological like: breathing, food,…

You got connected with a prospect. Yay! You even had a phone call or in-person meeting with them. Double Yay! Then what? Crickets! They stop returning your phone calls. What happened?

You probably didn’t create a compelling reason to take action now.

Have you ever asked a prospective client, “What is the cost (or risk) of not addressing this issue?”

“How should I reward people for giving me referrals?” A common question… without one perfectly right answer. Is a Rolex too much? Yes! What about a gift card to Starbucks? Probably!

In some industries – like financial services – you could easily get in trouble if you “thank” or “reward” for referrals and introductions in the wrong way.

Beyond a handwritten thankyou note (which should be the bare minimum), what’s the right strategy for you? Join me inside our blog and I’ll give you some ideas.

Have you noticed that when it comes to getting referrals (introductions) from centers of influence (Referral Partners) that some people are naturals – and some struggle along to make this important strategy work?

Which are you? A natural? A struggler? (Is that even a word?)

This week, I want to show you what one of my clients is doing to create great results for his business. The strategy is simple and it just might fit your business.

I think it’s worth 2 minutes to check it out…

The value of a great center of influence or Referral Partner can far surpass the value of your biggest client. Are you maximizing your Referral Partners? Are you sure?

Are you making these mistakes?
• Assuming you’re referable?
• Assuming they know how to introduce you?
• Assuming they know who you serve the best?

Apply these 8 simple strategies + a bonus idea, and get ready for more introductions from high-trust sources in your community.

“Darn it! I forget to mention referrals with this client?” How many times have you thought that?

Remember when you were a child and your school teacher was teaching you how to cross the street with a traffic light? I think my daughter even had a song she used to sing.

Green means go. Red means stop! Yellow means be careful. Right?

Here’s a simple idea I learned from a participant on a recent webinar. He calls it “The Green Light Strategy.” See if this “lights you up!”

Have you ever met a referral prospect socially first, only to find it difficult to then schedule the business meeting?

Maybe you felt like you connected with the prospect over a meal or a round of golf, but the whole purpose of this social meeting – to gain a connection for a business conversation – fizzled away?

It’s possible you were missing the ONE KEY STRATEGY that would have made all the difference in the world. Don’t let this happen again!

I am often asked, “How often can I ask my client for referrals?” The thought of asking for referrals more than once feels pushy to some.

This is a hard question to answer, because it depends a lot on the client – how open they are to giving referrals, how connected they are, and who in their life you’ve discovered to suggest for a possible introduction.

There are two keys to asking for referrals a second or third time (or more)…

The best LinkedIn profiles move people to take action. They are written in such a way that visitors will take action; accept your invitation, want to connect with you, and meet with you because someone they trust recommended you.

A compelling profile, voice mail message, email message – you name it – moves people to action. Isn’t that what you want?