How NOT to Follow Up with a Referral: Part 2
Everyone says that follow up is important. And of course it is. But if everyone says it, why doesn't everyone do it? Especially when you have a live client, ready to write a check and do business.
I had three things happen to me in three weeks that seriously made me wonder why certain people are in business.
In January, I was at a party. I met a printer, whom I had never done business with but had heard good things about. I'm always looking for new people to build relationships with, and I needed new business cards, so I decided to try him out. I handed over my card and said, "I need new business cards. Call me."
I am still waiting. (Good thing I don't wait until the last minute to order new cards.)
At the same party, I met someone who offers a service that we need for Sign*A*Rama. I handed over my business card. She said, "Should I call you next week on Monday or Tuesday." I said, "Yes, please."
I am still waiting.
Okay, maybe it was just a bad party. There was something in the punch that made everyone forget. (Good thing I didn't drink the punch!)
So a week or so later I am at another networking event, and I meet a caterer. She does intimate at-home dinners for Valentine's Day. Great timing! I need to surprise my husband with something nice. So I hand her my card and say...yes, you guessed it. "Call me."
And yes, you guessed it, I'm still waiting. And running out of cards. Good thing my husband surprised me with something nice for Valentine's Day. All was not lost.
Why do I tell these stories (besides the fact that in hindsight, they are kind of funny)? Well, because these people lost more than just my business. They lost credibility with me. And I am never going to refer any of them. No, not because they blew me off. I'm a big girl. I have a brand-new Blackberry. I'm perfectly capable of calling them myself.
No, I'm never going to refer them because I can't trust them to treat my best client any differently. When you pass a referral, you pass along a bit of your reputation. And I don't want to pass on the reputation that they people I refer don't have a clue how to follow up.
So if someone wants your service and asks you to call, I don't care how busy you are. Call! Especially if that person is a well-connected Networking Coach! :-)
|
