My business is built on referrals. That's pretty much the only way clients find me. I have a website, and this blog, but both serve more to build credibility than they do to attract new clients. Word of mouth is it for me. And I am convinced that the way to build that word of mouth is by helping others - my referral sources - build their businesses.
That's why I don't need a referral fee. In fact, a fee would be deter me from giving referrals to you. Here's why.
Not every client is your ideal client. In fact, some clients are downright toxic. They sap your energy, undermine your brand, waste your time, keep you too busy to take on better clients, send your staff running for the hills and send you running for the Valium. In spite of the revenue toxic clients may bring in, I can think of at least nine reasons to fire them.
Time is the only thing you cannot create, borrow, steal or buy. If you waste your time Fixing Other People's Problems (FOPP time), it's gone. Gone for good. If you own or run a business, FOPP time, time spent doing things your subordinates should be doing, keeps you from focusing on the growth you so earnestly desire. If you'd like to spend less FOPP time and more Growth time, try these suggestions.
Just a quick link to a recent post by Paul Chaney on Five Ways to Maximize Your Marketing Dollar Via the Web. I heard Paul speak on this topic last Thursday and loved the simplicity of his approach. Great stuff here for any business in 2009.
In the January 2009 issue, Entrepreneur magazine lists 50 free tools to help you start and run your business. Have a look!
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