Case in point is the picture above. Funny as it may seem, it is a reminder of the reasons why people should always get to know their business associates before referring a client.
Getting to know someone is important for so many reasons and just because the business card was cool or the website flashy, does not mean that the person is professional and knowledgeable in their line of work.
The problem is that we are well past the days of knowing the local butcher or hairstylist and referring people to them. Even small town Canada/USA has gone big time with the internet and professional marketing programs. It is really hard to know who to trust.
We live in a very transient, and for that matter, solitary world. Many people work well away from home and usually don't know their neighbours very well. I can imagine that if you asked your friends about their neighbours, not very many of them would know what it is that they do for work...let alone refer them business/work.
Unless you drive around in a vehicle plastered with your company logo and contact info (guilty as charged), I think most “casual” acquaintances wouldn't have a clue what you do to make $$.
Is this really important? My answer to this would be ABSOLUTELY!
Your business/job is a large part of your family life. If your income is down because business is slow, this impacts more than just you. Your kids and spouse feel it too with the smaller paycheque at the end of the month.
I don't mean to be obnoxious and in someone's face about your product or service, but a gentle reminder now and again is never a bad thing.
Also, whether you own a business or not, getting to know people that surround you on a daily basis can be rewarding and also enlightening.
Consider this, “networking” with your acquaintances can be an excellent way to market yourself and your professionalism to an audience that is not just the person you are speaking with, but to all their contacts too. This is the power of compounding.
Just like the “Six Degrees of Separation” theory that refers to the idea that everyone is on average approximately six steps away from any other person on Earth. The thought is that a chain of, "friend of a friend” statements can be made, on average, to connect any two people in six steps or fewer.
Think about breaking out of your comfort mold and introducing yourself to the local barista or cashier at the grocery store. You may find that a simple conversation can lead to more than just idle chatter.
The in the movie Stand By Me, the adult character played by Richard Dryfuss said it best... "I never had better friends than the friends I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?" I think the observation is made because as we get older we become jaded and less trusting to learn more about someone. Maybe we need to go back to that place that is curious and adventurous in all of us? It may just pay off.
Liz
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