We all know that we should be getting more referrals so why then is it that the very best referral generating companies only produce a fraction of what they could be getting? Let's see why.

You see, most small businesses get their referrals from customers. That's okay, but the truth is...the majority of referrals should be coming from businesses that provide complimentary products and services.

90% of your referrals should be coming from complimentary businesses, NOT your customers. This is such an important and vital concept, the savvy internet businesses use it all of the time, not only to get referral traffic, but to get better rankings from the search engines. It's called reciprocal linking.

It's much more difficult to set up a systemic referral program that brings in predictable and consistent results from customers. Word of mouth from my trainees and visitors is great when it happens, but it is difficult to get. Thankfully there have been many, many trainees who have written me unsolicited testimonials, but for every testimonial I have received, the vast majority of my clients never refer me on to their family, friends or co-workers.  They just don't think to do it.

However, businesses that sell complimentary products and services can easily be motivated to consistently send you referrals....if you set up your referral systems correctly.

In reality, there's no end to the different types of joint venture referral relationships you can establish with complimentary businesses.  Both you and those businesses are reaching the same target market with non-competing products and services.

Do This Short Exercise to See What I Mean...

Step 1

Take out a clean sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of the paper.

Step 2

Now list all the "types" of businesses that provide complimentary products and services on the left side of the paper leaving spaces in between.

For instance, for a redesigner, some complimentary businesses might be...

1. a home painter, 2. a real estate agent 3. a landscaper....

Step 3

Then on the right side of the paper, make a list of all the local businesses in your area that fall under each type of category.

For instance, you might have five different painters in the area or 50 different real estate agents. List them all.

Step 4

Now take some time to think about what you could offer them in return for them to send you a referral. Use your imagination.

If you really think about it you'll be able to come up with some great ideas.

Step 5

Lastly, it's time to go out and propose your referral systems ideas to your potential joint venture partners.

What you'll find is that some just won't get it. They won't have the vision it takes to accept your proposal.

But you'll also find a lot of business owners that are hungry to grow their business and are happy to discuss the possibilities. You may even find they will be looking to get referrals from you in return. That way neither of you needs to spend any money or exchange anything other than information.

Those are the type of people that can potentially bring you large quantities of highly qualified referrals.

So what's stopping you?

Success doesn't just happen. You've got to make it happen. Sharpen your designing, decorating skills. Yes. Be trustworthy. Be likeable. All of that is very, very important.

But you've got to get your products or service in front of people. They have to hear about you. They have to be presented with great reasons why they will benefit from your product or service.

If you fail to get the word out, you will fail and it won't matter how nice you are, how trustworthy you are or how much talent you have.

It's a numbers game. For every "no" you get, you will be just that much closer to your next "yes".

And since we are in a very visual business, don't rely solely on your ability to verbalize what you do. 95% of people are visual learners. That means they have to see what you do, not just hear about it.

So if you haven't yet ordered your set of the CD Slideshows (link at top right column above), which will dramatically help you show people just what you can do, and give them fantastic reasons why they need you, then you are losing out on money that could be falling into your pocket - guaranteed. Order your set now CD Slideshow.

If you do not have a degree in interior design, then you really MUST get a copy of Decor Secrets Revealed. You will face a client now and then who quizzes you on why you are doing what you are doing, wanting to know the design concept behind your decisions. You may have a knack for knowing how to arrange things, but if you cannot back up your decisions with solid concepts, you will look and sound unprofessional. I have just completed the newest version of Decor Secrets Revealed, adding in lots more photos and instruction and fixing some of the ones that weren't displaying very well. As I get better with technology, I'm working to improve the products and services I bring to all of you. So be sure to get your copy of Decor Secrets Revealed now. It is imperative that you know what you are doing so that your clients will love the end result.