Do not refer me if you are a quid pro quo referral addict.

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Do not refer me if you are a quid pro quo referral addict. An Instead of that… Consider This blog from FSG Messaging and Optics Strategist Loren Weisman.A header graphic with a brown background and a white centered title that reads Do not refer me if you are a quid pro quo referral addict. To the left side is an image of Loren Weisman, to the right of the text is the The Wait What Really OK Logo as well as the Fish Stewarding Group Logo. On the bottom of the image reads the text "Loren Weisman: A brand messaging strategist with ten social media icons below it.

Do not refer me if you are a quid pro quo referral addict…

And, instead of referring anyone that can get you business, consider basing your referrals on your reputation over self-promotion

As someone giving referrals, take the time to vet them, make sure they are worth your referral and even consider seeing any referral as something you would base your reputation on. Many are out to help, but a great deal, like the healpreneurs and the only motivation with no information types, can hurt you, your referral and your reputation.

The referral game can be a very dangerous one. And those that are only looking for selfish opportunities might be referring people to you that can help them, but not you. When you treat each referral like it is a reflection of your reputation or that your reputation is a mirror, you will honor yourself and others.

“The quid pro quo referral game in different networking circles can be a blessing or a curse. The dangers sit in those so hungry for business for themselves, that they will refer anyone, regardless of reputation, validity and ability as long as it can get them business in return. Watch for this unfortunate and common style. Consider vetting both the person that is being referred to you as much as you may want to vet the referrer to see if this seems to be occurring a lot.”

A poster image of an Instead of this consider that video cover. The background is a blue brick wall with the Instead of that consider this logo and the title above that reads referrals with authority, authenticity and honor over hype.

Digging Deeper

When you dig deeper into those referrals you receive, both in the person or service being referred to you as well as the kind of referrals that your referring person gives, you may be able to see a theme that can be a warm welcoming or a cold warning.

“I might not want you to refer me and just because you brought some business to me, does not mean that I am required shift my morals or my message to refer you. That is how I approach referrals.”

An episode quote graphic with the background as a blue brick wall with the instead of that consider this logo as well as a quote that reads: I might not want you to refer me and just because you brought some business to me, does not mean that I am required shift my morals or my message to refer you.
“I might not want you to refer me and just because you brought some business to me, does not mean that I am required shift my morals or my message to refer you.”

This is not saying that all referrals are bad by any means.

I am asking you to consider that with so many less than ethical and moral businesses that are out there only concerned with themselves, that a number of them may be pushing and referring others with no consideration to the authority, ability or reputation of that service.

It might take time to learn who you are, what you do and how you do it. I will never refer anyone after an initial 30 minute one on one call. I treat every referral like my reputation is on the line, so that kind of trust takes time.

For those looking for referrals, look into the referrer. Take the time to be sure you can trust them and that they are looking out for you as well as themselves. It’s not a bad thing to receive compensation for referring someone, but take the time to check out if the referrer is referring to help you too or if they are only out for themselves.

So in the end, if you tend to take more of the quid pro quo referring methods, I would not want to be one of your referrals.

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Loren Weisman is a messaging and optics strategist for The Fish Stewarding Group (FSG). Weisman keeps a focus on the communication, connotations, engagement, compliance and stability of each brand, persona or product.
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Fish Stewarding Group is stewarding strategic solutions by only building authoritative businesses with authentically sound people. The FSG branches include FSG Messaging and Optics, FSG Development, FSG Living Villages, FSG Living Homes, FSG Living Buildings, FSG Living Panels,  FSG Realty, as well as FSG Africa. FSG is bearing the weight of messaging, strategy, finance and development by coming along side.
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Weisman is also the host of the FSG messaging and optics podcast; Wait What Really OK.
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Do not refer me if you are a quid pro quo referral addict.
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Do not refer me if you are a quid pro quo referral addict.
About FSG Messaging and Optics Strategist Loren Weisman 77 Articles
Loren Weisman is a messaging and optics strategist for The Fish Stewarding Group. Fish Stewarding Group is stewarding strategic solutions by only building authoritative businesses with authentically sound people. FSG is bearing the weight of messaging, strategy, finance and development by coming along side. Weisman is also the host of the FSG messaging and optics podcast; Wait What Really OK.