Christmas and the New Year holidays are traditionally a time when we reward others by giving gifts and recognition. As we enjoy the kiwi Christmas and hot summer, we often bring gifts of food, drink and other items to friends, family and colleagues. However, it’s important to remember that we don’t just have to give at Christmas; we can give all year round. In fact, simply by exercising the Givers Gain philosophy – for good referrers it’s Christmas all year!
As human beings we are naturally wired to make referrals and it’s a satisfying urge, which can and should be satisfied all year around. Just because Christmas is around the corner doesn’t mean that business stops and that referrals stop as well. In order to maintain that good feeling during the holiday season, try to follow these four points:
1. Build your business with referrals
We all know that the more referrals we give, the more we get, so give referrals and watch your business grow. Referrals remind other businesses of your business’s offerings. Think of making a referral as putting a deposit into a business owner’s referral bank account. Eventually you will get great returns of your own.
2. Trust is the key to referring
It’s vital that you make sure you have confidence in the person you are referring to. It is also important to make sure that they trust you so they will be confident to refer you in return. Trust underpins all referrals and business will evaporate if no trust exists.
3. Boring businesses don’t get referrals
Make sure your business is a pleasure to deal with, make it easy for others to refer you. Take the time to educate your chapter about the exciting aspects of your business. This is especially important in the New Year when businesses often have time to sit back and reflect on their networks. Use social media to promote the interesting aspects of your business coming up.
4. Commit, be present and participate
Consistency builds more and more trust. If you consistently turn up at your BNI chapter meeting, participate fully, give referrals, do 1-2-1 meetings and hand in Thank You for Closed Business slips, other chapter members know that you are serious and will work harder to support you in return. Enjoy the Christmas break, but stay committed so the referrals keep coming in.
Last of all no one loves a scrooge…Christmas is buzzing with potential business opportunities so keep those referrals coming in and stay connected over the long holiday break.
