Are You Referable?

 No one wants to be embarrassed by a friend or colleague’s negative comment about someone they’ve referred.  One such will kill recommendations by that person forever.  Here are a few simple habits that will help you generate glowing thanks from your new clients to the ones who sent them.

Show up on time.  When you’re busy, it’s tempting to try to schedule every minute of the day.  If you find a tight schedule has you apologizing to waiting clients, take a good look at the impression you’re creating.  No one wants to feel that they’re your second priority.

Return all phone calls the same day.  Even if it’s late, and you can only leave a voicemail.  Always let every client know that you didn’t end the working day until you at least made an attempt to get back to them.

Don’t promise what you can’t do.  If you can’t get something done until the end of next week, say so.  It’s far better to manage a client’s expectations than it is to fail in fulfilling them.

Finish strong.  Nothing makes me more reluctant to refer someone than waiting for a last minor task that they failed to close out.  Always make one last extra call to your client, to make sure there is nothing else they think you are supposed to do.