Mortgage, Real Estate, and Insurance- Do you get the majority of your business from referrals? Would you like your business to be more referral based? Professional networking is one of the most powerful marketing tactics out there.
5 Ways to Expand your Professional Networking
Go to networking events. Think it’s boring? Well think again, usually there are cocktails and food! This is seriously one of the best ways to expand your professional network. Find out which events are better for you by seeing who will be there and who you could potentially work with. You could be missing out on a lot of business (and cupcakes). Hundreds of professionals attend these depending on the event. The key to this is stepping outside of the bubble. Don’t keep attending the same networking events. It’s like heading up shit creek without a paddle. Branch out and go to new events with a whole new set of faces. This will get you in front of a lot more people.
It’s not who you know, it’s who knows YOU!
Stay in Touch. Remember all of those business cards that you have collecting in a drawer? Why did you get them in the first place? Put them to use. Those emails aren’t going to write themselves. After you meet someone, whether you’re at a networking event or not, send them a brief message. Say something like it was nice to meet them and a couple comments to make them remember you. This isn’t asking for a job or for their business, it’s just to say hello. They will remember you down the road.
You know what people will remember? YOUR PRETTY FACE 
Co-market. Feature your referral partners on your site. If you have a website (which you should), make sure your recommended professionals are on there. First off, this shows them that you are letting them piggy back off of your marketing strategies by giving them that extra exposure. Asking someone to be a part of your marketing is like asking someone if they want $1000. They will remember you when they start to give referrals.
Reach Out. Never stop looking for business professionals to work with. Determine partners that would benefit the both of you by joining forces. If you can both benefit from each other, then it is definitely worth evaluating.
Also, set a goal for yourself. Call one of your referral partners daily. Even if you haven’t heard from them in a year, call them to remind them you’re still alive and kicking! Briefly ask how business is and shoot the breeze for a couple minutes. When they start to send out referrals, hopefully they pick you. Maybe jump start it and give them a referral first!
Join a BNI group. BNI is the world’s largest referral organization. YES, world’s largest. Join a chapter in your area. You will thank yourself in the long run. I’ll even give you a little push- Click the BNI picture below.
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