So I got a call today from someone who owns a concierge biz. She said she had a client in one of my areas who was looking for a groomer and this biz lady wanted a "really good groomer" on hand to refer to people. GREAT! I thought. Then she said she expected me to treat them, like she does, "as her best clients"....ok. I do that for all my clients, and they love me. Then she asks for a few references.....ok, no problem. *little red flags are starting to pop up*. At the end of the conversation, she mentions a "referral fee" and then said but we won't worry about that yet, we can just work up a good relationship first....huh??!?
What the heck?? I'm not paying someone to give me referrals. Referrals come from people who love my product or who have heard about me from those who love my product and that's the type I appreciate. I refer people to other businesses I know and respect and I CERTAINLY don't expect payment in return. That's a bit presumptuous, I think. I'm very cautious about other professionals handing me their card and asking for mine saying we can "have a referral thing going on". Great, how do I know I can feel good recommending my clients to you?
Anyone else have any experience with that sort of thing? That conversation set my hackles up a bit, as does any that feels too pushy. She emailed a reminder for my references. Should I give them to her still?
What the heck?? I'm not paying someone to give me referrals. Referrals come from people who love my product or who have heard about me from those who love my product and that's the type I appreciate. I refer people to other businesses I know and respect and I CERTAINLY don't expect payment in return. That's a bit presumptuous, I think. I'm very cautious about other professionals handing me their card and asking for mine saying we can "have a referral thing going on". Great, how do I know I can feel good recommending my clients to you?
Anyone else have any experience with that sort of thing? That conversation set my hackles up a bit, as does any that feels too pushy. She emailed a reminder for my references. Should I give them to her still?
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