Here's the thing about referrals; whatever the performance of the person you refer turns out to be, that blows back on you! If they do a great job, you're a hero; however if they're a slouch or poor communicator, guess who is also tarnished? And rightly so.
Sometimes referrals are much too cavalierly handed out. In Real Estate there can be instances of someone referring a Realtor, in another town, that they have not researched in the least. Then, once the client ends up with the out of town Realtor they can feel compelled to use them even if they don't click well. Worst case scenario they leave the Realtor you sent them to and you too! Serves you right!
Referring a Realtor to a client in another town can be done very well and very respectfully. Its amazing what you find out about someone by doing a little homework. If I'm going to refer you, you need to show me that you:
1. are a great and prompt communicator
2. will bend over backwards for my client
3. will not take the referral and pass off the client to someone else
4. will ALWAYS put client ahead of your paycheck or mine!
5. will keep me in the loop as appropriate
And, from my end, it is my job to communicate with my client to see how they are fitting with the referred Realtor and, if needed, to intercede to make any necessary adjustments.
Sometimes people join referral groups; a great idea! However just because someone is in your group in a chosen profession, does not mean they're good at what they do! Again, if you don't have first hand knowledge, do some homework before referring.
I am so thankful to have many people refer my services. I'd never let that be taken for granted! If someone is kind enough to refer you; make sure to loop back and thank that person -- it doesn't matter, ultimately, if the person they refer buys, sells or not! The gesture of referring has already happened and deserves thankful recognition. Of course, if a client does end up buying or selling, that gives another occasion for a generous thank you!
In any profession, it is wise to be so thoughtful and careful about recommendations. That said, if you know someone is GREAT, shout it from the rooftops! Tell everyone you know! Post it on facebook! We can all celebrate the fine professionals of the world!
Sometimes referrals are much too cavalierly handed out. In Real Estate there can be instances of someone referring a Realtor, in another town, that they have not researched in the least. Then, once the client ends up with the out of town Realtor they can feel compelled to use them even if they don't click well. Worst case scenario they leave the Realtor you sent them to and you too! Serves you right!
Referring a Realtor to a client in another town can be done very well and very respectfully. Its amazing what you find out about someone by doing a little homework. If I'm going to refer you, you need to show me that you:
1. are a great and prompt communicator
2. will bend over backwards for my client
3. will not take the referral and pass off the client to someone else
4. will ALWAYS put client ahead of your paycheck or mine!
5. will keep me in the loop as appropriate
And, from my end, it is my job to communicate with my client to see how they are fitting with the referred Realtor and, if needed, to intercede to make any necessary adjustments.
Sometimes people join referral groups; a great idea! However just because someone is in your group in a chosen profession, does not mean they're good at what they do! Again, if you don't have first hand knowledge, do some homework before referring.
I am so thankful to have many people refer my services. I'd never let that be taken for granted! If someone is kind enough to refer you; make sure to loop back and thank that person -- it doesn't matter, ultimately, if the person they refer buys, sells or not! The gesture of referring has already happened and deserves thankful recognition. Of course, if a client does end up buying or selling, that gives another occasion for a generous thank you!
In any profession, it is wise to be so thoughtful and careful about recommendations. That said, if you know someone is GREAT, shout it from the rooftops! Tell everyone you know! Post it on facebook! We can all celebrate the fine professionals of the world!
