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Get Referrals by Following the Law of Contribution

Posted by Michael Hartzell on Sat, Oct 13, 2012

As to the challenge of the referral theory, I tend to listen to my own drummer and usually keep my thoughts under my hat.  Everyone has their theory and certainly the books and workshops can help you think differently.
For 30 years my thought about referrals is:  “Don’t worry about it”
I believe referrals are a symptom.  I believe if you are committed, have amazing service, and over the top... you get referrals.  It is the nature of humans.
There are thoughts that go along with this:

• You don’t strategize relationships.
• Be helpful.
• Offer value.
• Listen.
• Make sure that people get what they need/want whenever possible.
• Help 50 people a week with a tip, idea, form, gift… conquer the world and change the community.

Once people experience your acts/actions, they have something to talk about.

If all they hear is talk, there is little to refer.

Those who love what you have done, they will refer you.  Those who don’t … won’t.

This has been the case for 30+ years and has not changed because we have the Internet.
You know the truth of the matter is based on simple human nature.

Those who “do”, get referrals.  Those who "talk" about what they do keep hoping for referrals.

The easiest way to get referrals next month is “Be very good at helping people get what they want and/or need.”

This may be the most important thought:

Do not help people for the reason of getting referrals.

Do the most you are able simply because you want others to achieve success and get what they need.

We don’t give 110% service to customers to get referrals, we do so to make sure they have their needs met.  Once they are over-satisfied, appreciation is shown in the way they feel most comfortable.

In essence "have no expections". Which leads us to the next thought...

The Law of Contribution:  “The level of your success and happiness is proportional to the number of people you serve selflessly.”

Thach Nguyen  -  Thach Nguyen is the Founder and CEO of Thach Real Estate Group, company that serves people from diverse cultures and communities in buying, selling and investing in real estate.
Can you do something special for customers, clients, friends and even strangers with no strings?  Can you do without expectation?  Is selfless even a word you will consider?
It is peaceful.
Surely, along the way a few will appreciate your efforts and give referrals.
Since my purpose is to "First Make Their Day", I don’t pitch products or services.  (Almost never)  With the foundation of "Knowledge empowers, so learn and teach", it is more important to share and teach something helpful than it is to convince you that you must buy my products or services.
The vision and mission is more important and along the way I meet people who say "Yes.  I want more."
Instead of studying in a course or reading a book about "how to get referrals", time may be better spent giving a random 20% bonus service to customers.  The old adage of "No good deed goes unpunished" in reality should say:  Good deeds create success
I am often perplexed about those who say:  "I wish I could get more referrals and recommendations." and then begin to take months to learn how.

There are so many who are hoping for referrals and recommendations but give very few.

Seems to me that if they gave 20 referrals a month, a few would respond and give a referral back.  (Even if it is sometimes out of guilt.)

How to get more referrals:  Start with:  "Don't Just Sell.  First Make Their Day!" ™
Thach will tell you more in detail with his four steps:

1. Connect with people and be interested in others.
2. Find out what they are up to in the world.
3. Contribute to them.
4. Watch your golden dream and how it manifests.

Tags: Guerrilla Marketing Ideas, Inspiration, Referral Marketing