The third type of referral is "The Sitter"

Continuing with the theme from last post where I gave you great advice about finding qualified referrals, the third way is "The Sitter" That is the referral that comes to you. You are literally sitting at your desk and the phone rings. The person at the other end asks if you can refer them to someone who can help them. This is the easiest to find, (after the initial groundwork has been done) and the most successful. The key ingredient is an ongoing programme of promoting yourself and your business. You become a referral gatekeeper, the hub of your network. I use my email signature as a source for referrals. I actively promote another person each month ahead of myself to inform my contacts that I know many people from a variety of backgrounds. Here are 9 other ways you can go about successful self promotion.

1. Put the BNI logo on your business cards
2. Ask for referrals when you send out an invoice or letters
3. Mention your network in your newsletter/mail out/flyers or general advertising
4. Tell your colleagues, employees and suppliers about your network
5. Carry your BNI Card file with you and use it at every opportunity possible
6. Place a BNI sign at your business premises
7. Wear your BNI Label pin all the time
8. On your letter head promote your referral business partners
9. Purchase the BNI Display board for your office promoting the cards of your network.

"You must get good at one of two things: planting in the spring or begging in the fall" -Jim Rohn. Sounds a lot like "Givers Gain", if you want to receive you must first learn how to give.