ARTICLES

Benefits of Networking

Networking provides many benefits, including increased overall business. On first glance, a business may think that referring their clients to someone else is business suicide. However, the opposite is true. With an effective network in place, businesses reciprocate. The result is a general increase in business because each business is filling the need of their client in providing qualified referrals. Your client, who is searching for someone to fill their order, saves time.

When you can't complete a request, you are essentially telling your client to keep looking elsewhere. This involves more time on their part and the hope that the business they do ultimately contract with to do the job is actually qualified to complete it. By providing references to other businesses that are equally qualified and will perform to the same standard as yours, you are building a relationship of trust and good judgment.

Your business will remain on your client's call list as you have ultimately fulfilled their order and filled their need. You will be their go-to person in the future for order fulfillment. Additionally, your business will be referred by other businesses and will gain work from their client base through networking.

It is important, however, to ensure that the business you network with reciprocates and, more importantly, does meet the same standards as you. It would be counter-productive, therefore, to refer your clients to another business that does not perform consistently or that does not produce quality work.

Starting an informal network involves getting to know your peers and how they perform the job. Message boards, such as GoMobileNotary, Notary Rotary and The Signing Registry can provide insight as to the character of others in this field. Look for others who consistently provide sound advice and practical answers to problems posted. You can also start by contacting these businesses and suggesting networking of overflow. Ask if they are willing to reciprocate referrals of business that they are unable to complete. A network doesn’t necessarily have to be a formal organization. It can be a handful of people or a large group.

Offer your client solutions. Be sure to tell your client that you are referring them to someone whom you believe is qualified. If possible, offer more than one name for your client to contact in a particular area.

For example, your client calls with a request for a 7pm appointment and you are unavailable for that time. First, offer an alternative time when you are able to accommodate the request. If that is not acceptable, then tell your client that you can recommend they call Suzy at (phone number) to see is she is available at the specified time. Let your client know that you believe Suzy also does quality work. Let Suzy know that you referred her for this assignment. You've made your client happy and the next time Suzy has an assignment that she can't accommodate, she will refer you. It's a win-win situation.