In our summer series this year, we are focusing on everyday business owners who have solved problems outside of their expertise. Each episode will showcase how a business owner identified, researched, and ultimately resolved challenges that were not directly related to their core business offerings. By sharing the stories of these business owners, just like you and me, I hope to inspire you to embrace challenges and seek solutions even in areas where you may not consider yourself an expert. ...

Tired of awkward and ineffective referral tactics? Want to grow your business without compromising your relationships? In this episode, we uncover the truth behind referrals and how understanding the science can revolutionize your approach to building a referable business. If you've ever felt frustrated with the traditional, outdated methods of asking for referrals or incentivizing clients, this episode is a game-changer. Learn how to build genuine relationships, respect your connections,...

Sometimes, the key to unlocking referral success lies in asking the right questions. In this episode, I address an important question from one of my listeners. My response may surprise you, and it includes a powerful challenge that I extend to all of you as well. Listen in to discover what this challenge is and how it can revolutionize your approach to building a referable business. Are you ready for the challenge? Resources and links mentioned in this episode can be found on the show...

Want to know more about the power of accountability and support in building a successful business? In this episode, I chat with two amazing interior designers, Amy Peltier and Darci Heather. These two talented designers are not only business besties but also members of my Building a Referable Business coaching program. Amy and Darci share their insights on the importance of referrals in the interior design industry and how they have leveraged the strategies from the coaching program to...

After overcoming any rookie mistakes you may have made with your referrals, let's dive into some next-level mistakes I see people make when trying to level up their referral game. From misconceptions about cultivating new referral sources to emotional decision-making that impacts referral generation, I'll share some common pitfalls to avoid. Join us on May 15th for a live training session where you'll discover insights on how to unleash your referral explosion. To learn more and submit your...

Have you ever wondered about the types of questions a business owner asks when they're working on building their referable business? In this episode, I reveal some of the insightful questions my clients have asked during our coaching sessions. From consultants wondering about handwritten touchpoints to interior designers seeking advice on planting referral seeds in their marketing materials, we cover a range of topics that can help you elevate your referral game. Resources and links...

Are you neglecting potential referral sources without even realizing it? Join me as we explore misconceptions about earning the right to ask for referrals and why genuine connections and empathy are crucial in the referral process. In this episode, I share a unique stream of consciousness I had that stemmed from a recent client encounter. I’ll explain the pitfalls of using scripted approaches and the necessity of understanding the human element in referral relationships. Resources and...

Referrals are a crucial part of any business. They not only bring in new clients but also help in achieving a greater purpose. During this recent conversation with one of my BRB clients Jen Gillman, I was amazed by her passion for helping her clients find happiness in their careers. Jen shares her deep and meaningful reason for doing what she does and how referrals play a vital role in allowing her to live out her purpose. Her dedication to making a difference in their lives is truly...

To ensure the success of your referral strategy, conducting a quarterly review is essential. In this episode, I will walk you through how I teach my clients to conduct a referral quarterly review. You will learn the significance of setting referral goals and tracking them effectively, strategies to improve the quality and quantity of referrals, how to analyze your referral sources and closing ratios, and why to track your progress quarterly. If you didn’t already know, we're currently...

Want to receive more referrals consistently? Start by mastering your thank you card. In this episode, I review the hardware and software aspects of crafting the perfect thank you card, including the type of card to use, what to write, and when to send it. I also provide a simple script for what to say inside the card and some common questions and misconceptions when it comes to writing thank you cards for referrals. Resources and links mentioned in this episode can be found on the show...

Are you making these rookie mistakes when it comes to referrals? It doesn't matter if you've been in business for three years or thirty. If you're starting to really think about referrals in your business, you are bound to make a few missteps. As someone who has been teaching referral strategy for over a decade, I've seen it all when it comes to the common pitfalls that can hinder your referral success. In this episode, I break down the top 5 rookie mistakes so you can avoid them. Resources...

Just because something appears to be true, and everyone goes along with it, doesn't mean it makes sense. In this episode, we explore the misconceptions surrounding referrals and how understanding human behavior can revolutionize your referral strategy. Listen in to learn how to trigger referrals effectively and make it easy for your network to refer you. Remember, referrals are the lifeblood of a successful business. Let's take control of our referrals and build a referable business...

We are celebrating our 300th episode of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast! In this special episode, I share 13 things I have learned on the road to 300. From the power of connecting with my listeners to the importance of setting boundaries between free and paid content, this journey has been a learning experience. You will also hear from a few members of the Building a Referable Business coaching program about their experiences inside BRB. It's a must-listen! Thank you for being a part of...

There is a certain tension that arises when discussing referrals. Some may deny its existence or claim that it cannot be overcome. To truly understand the concept of referrals, it is necessary to acknowledge that there are two key factors at work here. While you can manage one, the other is beyond your control. In this episode, I explain these two factors and offer guidance on navigating this tension to build a referable business without resorting to outdated methods such as incentivizing...

Referrals play an important role in sustaining a business, especially in challenging market conditions. In this episode, I chat with Melissa Herdman, a successful real estate agent, who shares her journey of building a business that relies on referrals and the incredible results she achieved through them. Listen in to learn how Melissa tripled her referrals in her first year, consistently increased them in the following years, and measured the impact of repeat clients originally referred to...

When developing a referral strategy, it is crucial to differentiate between the client experience and the referral experience. In this episode, I explain the importance of understanding these two experiences and creating separate plans for each. I also share a story about a business owner who found success taking what she learned from my book, "Generating Business Referrals Without Asking," and applying it to her business. Whether you're looking to cultivate more referrals from existing...

While I often teach specific referral strategies, other opportunities may arise in your business that can be used to generate referrals. These one-time events in your business timeline can be powerful referral generators if approached strategically. In this episode, I share a few examples of how my clients have successfully leveraged events such as launching a new website, hitting a major milestone, or even switching brokerages. Tune in to discover how you can make the most of these unique...

As we enter a new year, it's crucial to adapt our referral strategies to the current business environment. In this episode, we explore ways businesses are shifting in 2024 and how to leverage your referral opportunities effectively. I also share three key referral strategies and a bonus tip to maximize your referral potential. Stay tuned for more episodes this month, where we will expand on these strategies. And don’t forget to check out the show notes page to grab my free referral tracker,...

Have you ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs make decisions without regrets? People ask me from time to time how I came up with the model of how I run my business. It wasn’t easy and didn’t happen overnight, but it has served me well. In this episode, I share the story of a pivotal moment in my early 20s that shaped my mindset and decision-making process to this day. I also reveal the metrics and scorecards I use to measure my business success. These tools help me stay focused and...

Referrals are not just a one-off tactic; they can be so much more. In our earlier episodes, I highlighted the importance of clarity and understanding your referral data to set achievable goals. This episode builds upon that foundation and focuses on identifying and closing the gaps hindering your referral success. This episode will help you align your goals with the three crucial areas that drive referral success. By understanding this alignment and taking the necessary steps, you can...

Setting clear referral goals is essential for building a successful and referable business. Now that we know the three keys to clarity and gathered our past referral data, it's time to take the next step and start calculating our referral goals for 2024. After you've calculated your referral goals, share them with me. Let's celebrate your progress together! Send me a direct message on LinkedIn or Instagram, or join us on one of our upcoming live training sessions on January 18th or 23rd....

In our last episode, I shared the three key factors to consider when setting referral goals. This week, we go even deeper and focus on the second key factor - having the right data from your past referrals to inform your decisions for the future. Today, I take you through how to gather this data and provide you with a free worksheet to make the process easier. By understanding your referral results from last year and analyzing your referral sources, you'll gain valuable insights into your...

Happy New Year! I hope you're off to a fantastic start and ready to make this year your best one yet. As we kick off the new year, I want to help you gain clarity and set the right goals for referrals in 2024. So, let's get started! In this episode, we're going to break down the importance of capacity, understanding your past results, and clarifying your growth expectations. By taking these steps now, you can set realistic and achievable referral goals for 2024. Be sure to tune into our next...

Are you prepared for unexpected challenges in your business? Learn how to life-proof your business with tips from our guest, Chelsea Brinkley. Life-proofing your business is attainable, even if you're a solopreneur, and it can significantly impact how your business adapts to various circumstances. Chelsea shares valuable insights and tips on how to create a business that can thrive and continue to succeed, even when you have to step away. I also share my personal experience of undergoing...

As the year comes to an end, it's the perfect time to look back and evaluate our referral strategies. Join us as we reflect on the past year and think about how to maximize our referrals in the new year. In this episode, I explore some observations I've made about referrals, including outdated referral advice still being taught today, the spread of misconceptions about referrals, and the impact of economic uncertainty on referrals. You won't want to miss this episode! Resources and links...