Hi Reader

​
It is very rare that anyone gets promoted to partner in their firm without a proven ability to win business for the firm.

A great way to win business in the future is to slowly start building your referral networks today. That's right, from today, no matter where you are in your firm.

If you’re wondering when the right time is to start nurturing relationships that could send work your way, this episode will change how you think about networking.

I've recorded a 7 minute podcast covering what I’ve learned about building a referral network that actually generates business, not just pleasant coffee meetings.

I talk about why waiting until you’re senior is a costly mistake and how the relationships you build today become the decision-makers who hire you tomorrow.

You’ll hear practical strategies for turning colleagues and contacts into a consistent source of quality referrals.

What you’ll learn in the podcast episode:

• Why you should start building your referral network much earlier in your career than you think, and the compounding advantage this gives you over colleagues who wait

• The four types of people who need to be in your network right now if you want a steady flow of referrals in the future, including the often-overlooked group that could be your best source of work

• The critical mistake professionals make when trying to generate referrals (hint: it’s not asking too often, it’s failing to communicate something specific about what you do)

• What actually triggers a referral and the four-part formula that explains why some people get recommended constantly whilst others are never thought of

• How to educate your network on the value you provide without sounding salesy or pushy, so they know exactly when and how to refer you

• Why asking for referrals straight away is the fastest way to damage a promising relationship, and what to do instead to build goodwill over time

Stop waiting to build your n... Dec 6 · How to Make Partner Podc... 7:09   ​

You can also listen here:

​Substack OR ​Apple Podcasts​

Finally if you'd like a step-by-step guide to winning work and to build a real plan to raise your visibility so you are the first person your network thinks about when they have a good referral for you, take a look at my How to Become known as the Go-To-Expert course.​

If you have any questions about how we can help you with building your referral network, hit reply and let me know!

warm regards

Heather

PS - You can get the Go-To-Expert course plus 13 other courses that will help you to build the skills and mindset you need to progress your career in your firm with my Progress to Partner Academy Courses. Find out more here​

Heather Townsend

Author (Poised for Partnership, the Financial Times Guide to Business Networking) Co-author How to Make Partner (and Still Have A Life)

The leading global expert in what it takes to move from senior fee earner to partner, and when you get there, stay there. Founder of Progress to Partner Academy