Giving referrals to other wedding pros is one of the best ways to GET referrals.  You may not always get a direct referral from that individual in return.  But, I believe in networking karma.  It may sound hokey to you, but I firmly believe that if you put out goodness into the universe, it will come back to you.

I think that there are few segments of our market that don’t get enough referrals (wedding planners and videographers).  A large part of the challenge is that we simply don’t know enough about what they do, the value they bring, and how to talk about their services.  I want to teach you on how to educate your clients on these other individuals and what they can bring to a wedding.  Over the next few posts I’m asking a few different wedding pros to share tips on how to refer a bride and/or groom to them.

I’ll start out with 5 Rules for Giving Good Referrals:

  1. Build your teamNETWORK with all wedding pros so that you can learn whom to refer to your client and for which type of event.
  2. Be a problem solver.  I like to refer individuals because I like to find solutions for people.  When I sense that client is overwhelmed, I can help them by referring a wedding planner.  I’m always looking out for my client’s well-being.
  3. Be an expert.  By connecting a client with another wedding pro, you are showing your expertise.  The client has a need and you know the wedding industry and the people in it.  It’s your expertise.  Share your knowledge with them.
  4. Be a matchmaker.  Referring someone isn’t about passing out names for any photographer to any client.  Find out what the client is looking for and make the best match with the photographer that fits their needs.  (This is why rule #1 above is so important.)
  5. LISTEN!  Your client may express frustrations in the planning process.  LISTEN!  They may blatantly say that they are having a hard time finding a DJ for the wedding day.  Or, that they aren’t finding what they need for wedding invites.  Pay attention or you may miss out.

Come back tomorrow!  Debbie Orwat of Planner’s Lounge is going to share her tips on how to refer a wedding planner to your client.