How well do you know the other Professional Organisers in your area? I suggest that if you don’t already know your local organisers, you should! One of the best tools you have in your kit is the ability to recommend other organisers to potential clients who are not in your ‘niche’. If you are new to organising, or you are going through a quiet patch in your business, this might be the last thing you want to do!
However, if you want longevity, a great reputation and have your clients say great things about you, stick to what you do best. Think seriously about referring prospects who are not your target market.
There are many ways you can refer clients on to your colleagues:
- Affiliations: This is where you agree to recommend a specific service or product provided by another organiser for a fee.
- Lead Referrals: You qualify your potential client and recommend an appropriate organiser for a pre arranged fee.
- Recommendations: You recommend an appropriate organiser as a gesture of good will.
When using any of these methods, make sure that you have a clear communication with the organiser prior to forwarding their details to your prospects. If this is to be a reciprocal arrangement, make that very clear too, that you would like the opportunity of servicing their clients in an area that is not their niche!
Personally, I am happy to recommend and not expect a ‘cut’ from that recommendation. I will only recommend other organisers who exhibit the same values & integrity of my business. It is imperative to put the clients needs first and only pass on details if this is in the clients best interests.
Remember to work to your strengths. If you are a gifted & talented wardrobe organiser but loath paperwork & filing, find a colleague, that you’re happy to recommend, who loves it!
