So, what DO you know about the person you're referring to someone else? What is your personal experience of their service? What is your awareness of their background and training?
Random referrals can so easily backfire and result in a foisting the wrong person on the right job. This is my trepidation involving any "referral groups." These are a collection of individuals seeking to mutually benefit each other professionally. Could be fantastic....but make certain if you are referred to anyone that the person referring you does business with that professional themselves!
A great rule of thumb is to never refer anyone who you haven't or wouldn't use yourself. And, even if you loved their work, best to make the recommendation with an encouragement for the person to research for themselves.
I had clients wanting renovations done and they knew I was having some work done at my home. I was happy to make the introduction between them and my carpenter but first I invited them to come over and see the work first hand. Further, I recommended that they interview the professional on his pricing, timing, background in what they needed, etc. Once I made the introduction, my role was done! It was up to them to determine if he was the right person for their job.
Many of us have learned the hard way that if we heartily promote someone and that someone doesn't do a good job the bad smell traces back to us!
I never recommend a single inspector or lender, lawyer or notary. Rather I include names of individuals I have had great experience with and that I trust implicitly. I may favour one over another based on knowing the client; but it is always good practice to provide choice. Then it is up to the client to decide. I would never blindly recommend anyone for anything; nevermind based on receiving a benefit from that person or organization.
Likewise when referring clients to a REALTOR in another area, its so important for your local REALTOR to first have a relationship with that other person -- and to have researched the person to make sure the "fit" is right. If not in person, certainly over the phone, REALTORS can be interviewed and vetted. If they don't communicate in a timely fashion with me I surely know they are not going to be a good fit for anyone I do business with!
Referring someone to a client, and having that client have a superb experience with them, is deeply satisfying. And the sweet scent of that experience also traces back to us!
Next time anyone recommends a professional, do ask them, "what do you base this referral on? Have you used this person?" Make sure it's not just "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" kind of referral.
And....you know that caution about not doing business with family members or people related to colleagues of yours? Be afraid. Be very afraid. There's a good reason we are cautioned about this! Never doubt that a botched job can ruin a friendship.
Random referrals can so easily backfire and result in a foisting the wrong person on the right job. This is my trepidation involving any "referral groups." These are a collection of individuals seeking to mutually benefit each other professionally. Could be fantastic....but make certain if you are referred to anyone that the person referring you does business with that professional themselves!
A great rule of thumb is to never refer anyone who you haven't or wouldn't use yourself. And, even if you loved their work, best to make the recommendation with an encouragement for the person to research for themselves.
I had clients wanting renovations done and they knew I was having some work done at my home. I was happy to make the introduction between them and my carpenter but first I invited them to come over and see the work first hand. Further, I recommended that they interview the professional on his pricing, timing, background in what they needed, etc. Once I made the introduction, my role was done! It was up to them to determine if he was the right person for their job.
Many of us have learned the hard way that if we heartily promote someone and that someone doesn't do a good job the bad smell traces back to us!
I never recommend a single inspector or lender, lawyer or notary. Rather I include names of individuals I have had great experience with and that I trust implicitly. I may favour one over another based on knowing the client; but it is always good practice to provide choice. Then it is up to the client to decide. I would never blindly recommend anyone for anything; nevermind based on receiving a benefit from that person or organization.
Likewise when referring clients to a REALTOR in another area, its so important for your local REALTOR to first have a relationship with that other person -- and to have researched the person to make sure the "fit" is right. If not in person, certainly over the phone, REALTORS can be interviewed and vetted. If they don't communicate in a timely fashion with me I surely know they are not going to be a good fit for anyone I do business with!
Referring someone to a client, and having that client have a superb experience with them, is deeply satisfying. And the sweet scent of that experience also traces back to us!
Next time anyone recommends a professional, do ask them, "what do you base this referral on? Have you used this person?" Make sure it's not just "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" kind of referral.
And....you know that caution about not doing business with family members or people related to colleagues of yours? Be afraid. Be very afraid. There's a good reason we are cautioned about this! Never doubt that a botched job can ruin a friendship.
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