Monday, August 22, 2011

What's Wrong With This Picture


At a large networking event, a suggestion was made that we all use the directory, that had been produced of the the people in attendance, to give a referral to the person on the list below each of us.

Good in theory, not so good in real life.

For those you who read this blog on a regular basis, you'll probably know why I got a squeamish feeling when I heard the instruction. You see, for me, giving a referral is all about the relationship and how much credibility this person has banked with me. I don't just give referrals willy-nilly, but do develop thoughtful referrals for my good friends.

I realize that others may view this differently.

In the meantime, it probably would make more sense if the instructions were to get to know the person listed after you on the list to set the tone for future referrals.

What's your take?

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well Debby this whole networking scene is new to alot of people including myself. But I can say since the beginning I've been told a referral relationship takes time , so it struck me as odd when I heard the same request because I didn't even know the person beneath me. I have to be honest I haven't even looked into who I could refer to them, but now I think it makes sense to reach out and set up a one to one and hopefully down the line we can refer to each other!