Referral Partnerships
Practical ways to build referral partnerships, with trusted professionals who serve the same customers.
Partners multiply your reach. Share clients, share trust.
10 tips that really help
These ideas come from The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), Raving Fans (Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.
Partners multiply your reach
Trusted professionals who serve the same customers can recommend each other.
Find some.
Reach out kindly
Offer value before asking for anything.
Write a short note.
Meet and learn about their business
Understanding their work makes referrals safer.
Schedule a coffee.
Refer someone to them first
Giving before asking builds goodwill.
Send a lead.
Keep in regular touch
A monthly catch-up keeps the partnership alive.
Calendar it.
Refer first
Give before you ask.
Act.
Partners share trust
Recommendations carry weight.
Build them.
Meet and learn
Understand their business.
Schedule.
List possible partners
Non-competing services.
Brainstorm.
Agree how to refer
Simple rules.
Discuss.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.
“Could we recommend each other?”
“We serve similar customers.”
“Let us meet for coffee.”
“How can I help your clients?”
“Would that work?”
“Thank you.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
List possible partners
Choose three
Reach out kindly
Meet and learn
Refer first
Keep in touch
Review
Further reading
- The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer)
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- Raving Fans (Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Keep Customers and Win Referrals”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Thank Referrers BeautifullyNext: Collect Reviews the Right Way →
- Why Most Sales Are Lost in the Follow-Up
- Follow Up Within 24 Hours
- The Five-Touch Follow-Up Plan
- Give Value in Every Message
- Use Phone, Email and Messages Together
- Say "I Am Checking In" Better
- Follow Up With a Helpful Link or Idea
- Under-Promise, Over-Deliver
- Respond Faster Than Expected
- Surprise Them With a Small Gift
- Remember Birthdays and Milestones
- Handwritten Notes Still Win
- Make Onboarding Easy
- Fix Problems Before They Notice
- Listen First, Fix Second
- Say Sorry Without Excuses
- Offer a Solution, Not a Speech
- Follow Up After the Fix
- Learn From Every Complaint
- Turn a Bad Review Into a Good Story
- Know When to Escalate
- Review Accounts Every Quarter
- Ask "What Else Could Help?"
- The Gentle Upsell
- Cross-Sell With Care
- Find the Next Department or Branch
- Renewals Without Panic
- Celebrate Customer Anniversaries
- Ask at the Moment of Joy
- A Simple Referral Script
- Give Customers an Easy Way to Share
- Thank Referrers Beautifully
- Referral Partnerships
- Collect Reviews the Right Way
- Build a Personal Brand
- Keep Learning Every Year
- Protect Your Reputation
- Balance Work and Life
- Teach Others What You Know
- Your Ten-Year Selling Plan
