Before Referring Business, Think Again

Make Referrals That Work...

Nowadays it is rare to hire vendors or contractors who have the expertise they claim to have.  The old boy network has grown so much that there is hardly any real knowledge because it is overshadowed by who people know to get the foot in the door.  On the opposite side, there are plenty of "solopreneurs" who claim to be experts in many fields that don't require any certification or proof by example.  This is why it is important as a business professional to be cautious about referring others that have not had proven results for your company. Good referrals keep your reputation intact while bad ones can dampen solid relationships.

Before you refer someone else's services/products, do the following:

1). Get a clear understanding of the desired results.
Vague results leave too much room for interpretation. It increases opportunities for people to be taken advantage of if they don't really know what they want.  This normally means there will be additional costs to outline what the expected results should be before even knowing if it can be achieved.
2). Recognize that hard work does not mean the right fit.
There are plenty of individuals who work hard but that does not mean they have what it takes for a particular position.  If the need requires aggression and the person is a passive task-taker, it is not a good fit.
3). Ask if some free or discounted services/products will be provided as a guarantee of work.
If what is asked for is not delivered, at least there will not be a full price paid by one of your colleagues. This eases the burden off of you if what was asked was either not delivered or poorly executed.

The people with whom you are associated is a reflection of you.  Do not risk longstanding relationships for uncertain potential.  In business and in life, relationships are priceless so protect them.

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Posted in: business expert,business planning,business referral,referral,referring others,Temeko Richardson,The RLC Group