Smart cleaning business owners understand the value of giving referrals without expectation. And when you add the power of a personal introduction, it carries even more weight.

A personal introduction is more than just a referral. But in order for it to add value, it needs to be more than a suggestion like "you should call Jane and mention my name". If you really want to connect people, take the following steps.

1. Send out an email and "CC" both parties. Be sure to talk about what they each do and say something like, "Jane, I wanted to introduce you to Sally, owner of City Hair Salon. Sally has been doing my hair for 2 years now and I'm always delighted with the results." "Sally, Jane owns Jane's Basket Creations and she makes these amazing gift baskets that can be customized with anything from wine baskets to cookie baskets to baby shower baskets. I give these as gifts all the time."
   
   
2. Next, tell them why you think they might find value in knowing each other. "Since I've had such good experiences with both of you, I thought I should introduce you. Sally, you are always doing creative things to market your hair salon and I thought you might want to do a gift basket promotion for your clients using Jane's customized baskets. And Jane, I'm sure you could always use a gift certificate as a basket stuffer."
   
   
3. Now that you've made the introduction and suggested how they might work together, your part is done. Let them know it is up to them to move forward. "I'll bow out now and let you both think about the possibilities. Keep me posted if you create magic together!"
   
   

This approach to introducing people also works at networking events; especially if you can circulate the room with a friend who can toot your horn while you do the same for them. It's a lot easier and much more effective than going on and on about yourself. And you'll find that the people you introduce in this way will appreciate the effort and will start sending referrals your way too!

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Copyright © MyHouseCleaningBiz.com. All Rights Reserved.
Jean Hanson helps owners of residential cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business through her online community at MyHouseCleaningBiz.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for House Cleaning Profit Tips at http://www.MyHouseCleaningBiz.com.