Research BEFORE Giving a Referral

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

I recently had an interesting experience that taught me a HUGE business life lesson when it came to GIVING a quality referral.

I was contacted by a former business associate, who I hadn’t spoken to in a few years. He called and said he wanted to “hire me” for his new business. As I listened to his immediate needs, I realized that he needed a plan, before I could implement that marketing plan for him (as a Virtual Assistant). As a result, I referred him to a local business owner I KNOW and TRUST.

I KNEW this business associate (requesting the work) three years ago. He was a smart cookie, who would pay WHATEVER it took to get a job done thoroughly and efficiently. So I ASSUMED (I know, don’t go there) that money wasn’t a huge issue for him.

Well now….

So he has a one on one with the trusted business associate I recommended and after an hour and a half of her time he says, “Well, I can’t pay you now, this is a new business, I would like you to volunteer your time and eventually you will get paid when the business becomes successful”…..

When I finally heard about this I was MORTIFIED! First of all, because he wasted this trusted associates TIME that she could have been with her other clients. Secondly, it was now MY Reputation that this trusted advisor was relying on. Thirdly, the business owner “hiring” never once said anything about doing work for free. In fact, his original conversation was that he wanted to “hire” me.

What I FAILED to do was answer all of the 4 questions below:

1. Know the expectations of the Referral Lead
2. Always find out EXACTLY what type of work the client is looking for.
3. Find out the Time Line for the potential client’s needs.
4. Determine dollar boundaries (if possible) for the potential client.

So, even though my heart was to connect two business professionals, I didn't do enough research to make sure it was a valuable solution for both! So take a lesson from me….Research your Referrals and everyone will be better off in the long run (including YOUR reputation!)

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

Thanks Laura! Yeah, this isn't one I will soon forget! LOL

[Bill Laundon]

As usual, Angel, your post has good info and a lesson for all of us. You are such a great business leader because you not only learn from your own mistakes, but also help those around you avoid going down the wrong path. We all worry about passing a bad referral, but you've identified how to qualify referrals. Thanks.

[Michelle Gower-WordPress Mentor]

Angel, I forgive you. :)

Hah, seriously tho...I've been on the flip side of that where someone was throwing money at me and then when the work was done and the invoice sent, never heard from the guy again. A referral, by the way.

It's kind of a catch-22. On the one hand, you want to make sure that you send your friends business--it's important to help each other this way. OTOH, how many bad apples does it take before said friends say to you "thanks, but no thanks?"

Good post as always *wink*

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

@Bill thanks..yeah...thankfully I learned this one early....but yikes...Thanks, as always!

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

@Michelle, YES, that is my biggest fear. Reputation is KEY to any of our successes. I get a large portion of my business from referrals and I TRUST when it comes from one of my "peeps", the potential client being referred has INSTANT credibility.

So I will be doing my homework more and making sure I can provide as much info as possible when sending a referral, but still let those 2 business owners connect if they choose to.

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

Hey Tamara, yes you are right. All we can do is be the connector!

It's nice to have you here, it's a great network of some really smart folks! It takes some time to learn to navigate around here, but once you do, you will LEARN and CONTRIBUTE a great deal, I am sure. LMK if you need anything!

[Olalah ~ Marketing Strategy Pro]

Lesson learned the hardest leave the most lasting impression. We'll all works in progress. It could happen to anyone. Didn't you read the scene "Of Friendship & Rubber Checks in my book? Nuff said. Chin up - you're still an "angel". :o)

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

@ Thanks Julie! Yes, I would go nuts if I flew somewhere....good points..thanks for sharing

@Sharon - Yes indeed, now how long ago did we learn that "assume" lesson? LOL - We are making progress! Thanks for the share!

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

@Olalah - OK no joke, I read the rubber check chapter LAST NIGHT at like 1 AM and almost fell out of my bed!! Yes my friend...I got it now! LOLOL

[Angel Lebak ~ Virtual Assistant]

@Angela...well thanks...you knew this blog was coming for sometime!! Business and Life Lesson learned....so that is the good part! Thanks again!