Results Driven Networking Application

So here's a site I think all of you should take a peek at. Referral Key
Referral Key is sort of the "no-fluff" version of everything out there. I've been using it for quite some time and definitely think it stands apart. While similar sites such as Zolve and Koolse are following their lead, I think that their is something to be said for the fact that Referral Key costs 1/10th the price. RK allows its members to manage their professional relationships between their trusted associates and at he same time develop new relationships.




Unlike the large "Linked-In" and "face book" which promise throngs of chatterboxes and teenage jabber jaws, Referral Key attempts something different. During the sign up process you are asked to enter your current Referral Associates(i.e. business friends, partners, just about anybody who you do business with). The idea is that you will build a "circle of trust" which may "actually" lead to a sale in the real world; not just a chat room discussion about networking.

One mistake I see a lot of people make with Referral Key is they do not add associated to their circle when signing up. Adding associates makes you more attractive to do business with and is imperative for RK to work properly.

Example: My name is Kevin the financial advisor. You, Joe the attorney, are in my circle of trust. One of my clients is looking for an accountant. I may not have an accountant within my "circle" however I can take a look at your "circle of trust", Joe, and I see that you do know an accountant. I can now refer my client to Joe's accounting associate Ted, with more confidence than if I met him in a random forum on some networking giant. This is how I've strengthened my network and generated some revenue. I currently have around 27 associates.

Other features include "reciprocity reports" which allow you to keep those relationships balanced. And probably the most important feature I found was that Referral Key allows you to view your "associates" own circle of trust, thus expanding your relationship while maintaining confidence in referring your customers.

The new blog feature adds depth and allows for a little internal dialogue however, the system is still no frills.

I would recommend this service for Doctors, Lawyers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Agents, Accountants, Entrepreneurs, and just about anybody who stands to benefit from timley and qualified leads.


Pricing: Referral Key is moderately price at $9.99 for silver membership and $19.99 for Gold.

The benefits and features are outlined here Pricing and Benefits

There is also a free trial with limited features through this link Begin Building Your Network

Shhh, listen very carefully. I am going to share with you the secret to giving the perfect gift... Buy something the receiver would really like.

I know, I know. This is fairly obvious (and easy) advice. The tricky part is finding out what the receiver would really like. To do this, you must be a detective. Start to listen to the person. What subjects do they talk of often? What do they do when they are not working? Do they have any hobbies? Are they a fan of a particular sport? Do they have a favorite charity? If the person does not give you any clues about their interests, you must be an investigator. Start asking questions. "What did you do this weekend?" "Have you gone on vacation recently?" "What is your favorite restaurant?"

Giving Gifts to Clients

Not all clients are created equal. Following the old rule of thumb, 20% of your clients account for 80% of your revenues. For a business, it would be foolhardy, as well as costly, to treat all clients equally. You have three options:

1. Send the same gift to all clients
2. Send gifts reflective of the clients business (larger gift to larger clients)
3. Send cards to all clients and gifts to VIP clients.

Please remember that a promotional item (i.e. something with your company's name on it) is not so much a gift as part of a marketing plan.

Giving Gifts in the Office

Most offices have guidelines on gift giving. If you are not familiar with these guideline, now is the time to investigate. The first place to check is the employee handbook. If there is nothing listed, ask a fellow employee what happened last year. Here are some of the typical rules:

1. Employees can see gifts to a boss as a requirement. Employers should make it clear well before December that supervisors and superiors are not allowed to accept gifts. (The only exception to this rule is between a boss and their executive secretary. These are two individuals who have a special relationship as well as a symbiotic career path.)
2. Small token of esteem from bosses to employees are always welcome. But employees tend to prefer bonuses and additional time off to a trinket.
3. Gift swaps can be entertaining. However, when poorly executed can leave bad feelings behind. Gift swaps often go bad when not everyone brings in a gift or when some gifts are tasteless and/or thoughtless. Plus, gift giving among employees can be taxing for employees and their pocketbooks.

I recommend that for an office in the spirit of holiday giving, to donate to a charity. Employers can fund the contribution and allow the employees to decide where the fund will be donated. Oftentimes, employees prefer this charity fund to another little knick-knack from the company.

My favorite business appropriate gifts:

• Writing paper – such as Crane's
• Beautiful pen – Cross or Mont Blanc
• Fruit baskets – Harry & David
• Business card cases – monogrammed is nice
• Business portfolios - leather
• Calendars/planners/PDA
• Watch/clock/timepiece
• Crystal paperweight
• Silver picture frame
• Tickets to an event (not for December)

Gift Giving Guidelines:

1. Know the person's preferences and try to match the gift.
2. Be aware of cultural, religious or international taboos. Also be aware that some companies restrict their employees from accepting a gift over a certain amount.
3. Use your common sense, no matter what the salesperson or website says is appropriate.
4. Save the gag gifts for purely social occasions, and even then, proceed with caution.
5. Save items with your company name on them for marketing campaigns.
6. For business select a gift that reflects your business and your image.
7. A gift for the client's office can bring greater good will especially if the staff participates in projects for your business.
8. Wrap the gift. Half of the thought is the presentation.
9. If you need some gift hints for a client, speak to his/her assistant.
10. Start planning in advance. For extra help, contact a professional gift manager.

Author: Jodi Smith @ Mannersmith