Empower Women Now » Referrals versus Recommendations Defined

Referrals versus Recommendations Defined

Kristen’s article RE: Referrals Versus Recommendations. of her reinvention inc blog, sparked my interest…of course…because she’s talking about power network stuff for women entrepreneurs!

In my upcoming book, Empowering Women to Power Network I introduce “PonnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Power Pun: You must Power Network to build a Power Network”.

To share my point and add something online to this topic, here’s a sidebar in my book regarding referrals and recommendations:

“A lead points you in the right direction towards reaching your goal. A referral is a name of someone who can help you reach your goal. A personal contact from your power network (recommendation) is a secured path towards goal attainment.

For example, a lead was advice to join Real Estate Investors Association so I can offer my specialized services. A referral was any investor given to me because they are interested in buying distressed homes. This person may be actively looking but not committed to me or my services. A personal contact from my power network (recommendation) is an investor who was told and convinced to only work with me, because I will give them exactly what they want, when they need it, and enjoy my company as well. ” {I’m a Foreclosure and Short Sales Specialist}.

Keep in mind: business growth lies in being able to share all three: leads, referrals, and recommendations. But as you’ll see, there’s a difference in quality and quantity for each action.

This is why I wholeheartedly agree with Kristen about being careful with sharing my recommendations. While I dish out referrals all the time, I’m extremely careful with my reputation when it comes to personal and professional recommendations.

I also want to piggy-back on her “I’m not a fan of how to generate a referral in 30 seconds or less“. There’s a distinct difference between talking your business in 30 seconds or less, and promoting someone else’s (which is what you’re doing in giving a referral or recommendation).

Please refer to my old post Women Need To Learn How-To Talk Our Business for yourself…not others.

Feel free to recommend this post to other aspiring women entrepreneurs Cheers!