As my readers know – this is my forum to discuss real estate – and things that happen in my life/business.
I get asked all the time about REFERRALS… “Do you know someone who does this???”
Fun Fact: according to a study by Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust referrals from people they know. Shows how important recommendations are!
In my world, I give referrals to ALL types of businesses – ALL the time. I literally have a rolodex (yes I am old and still call it that!) of people, companies, trades – that I can count on!
Plus, I have resources to help find support for my clients – for whatever they need! And I am super creative and persistent. I vet the companies/individuals before I refer – because ultimately that referral (and how that experience was for my client) comes back to me!!!!! Reflects on ME. And I will NEVER refer someone that offers me a kickback or financial gain for the referral.
I LOVE that my clients come to me first for everything. I want them to text or ask me – before going to “Google” 😉
Of course, I refer lawyers, mortgage brokers, movers, cleaners, handymen, painters, contractors etc. – but I have been known to find the perfect spot to order a birthday cake for a teen girl’s 16th in Airdrie…advise re the perfect restaurant downtown for a special anniversary – and I have also researched volunteer opportunities in a neighbourhood for a client new to town wanting to meet friends! I am a pleaser by nature – so bringing good people together – truly makes me happy. Â
But NO matter how confident I am in a company or person’s past services – a referral can go wrong.
When we moved my own mother-in-law – I used a MOVER I had referred to hundreds of clients! And the experience was not good. Â
Not good at all….and left me wondering if any of my past clients had also had a bad experience – and just not told me!??? Or did this mover – who had proven results in the past – just had a bad day? VERY Possible. VERY probable. But when I called him AFTER the move was done – to discuss my concerns (remember we had a relationship!) … he BLAMED me … told me I gave him the wrong address (which I did NOT!) …. and ultimately at the end of the conversation – did not give me what I needed – and thus I no longer refer him.
I live in a world where things go wrong or “different” than expected all the time. You can never prevent that – but what you can do is:
SHOW UP when things are NOT going well
(not just on the good “Instagram-worthy” days!)
Be present.
Be available.
Show empathy.
OWN it – if YOU did make the mistake.
Then find a solution – ANY solution.
My famous line in life (and in business) is:
“Sometimes you just throw money at it”.
I can’t prevent frustration, dissatisfaction or disappointment – but I will continue to do my best – at checking track records and engaging with companies and individuals with similar values.
On the other side – I ask you – my trusted contacts – PLEASE to inform me if someone I recommended – did NOT meet your expectations!!!!! I am always striving to learn and do better!!!!!!
Since at the end of the day – in my business – the clients come FIRST!