Referral Book leverages the power of technology to amplify the time-tested strategy of referral networking
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the world, savvy real estate professionals aren’t showing any signs of slowing down while the world collectively pauses and catches its breath, preparing to come out the other side stronger than ever.
In fact, real estate professionals across the board are doubling down in order to forge a path that will carry them through these challenging times and set them up for success as the market resurges.
“Activity rules results, so if you’re going to cloud your days with Netflix and Amazon Prime, you’re making a big mistake,” says Todd Swicegood, founder and chief visionary officer of Referral Book—a unique, easy-to-use software that leverages the power of technology to amplify the time-tested strategy of referral networking.
His advice to real estate professionals as we continue to adapt to the new normal?
“Take your networking to the next level by actively involving yourself in referral networking to continue conducting business during these trying times,” says Swicegood. “And, more importantly, go into the process with a giving attitude, because in the end, when you give, you get.”
With 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Swicegood has spent much of his professional career entrenched in the referral lifestyle.
“Having studied referral networking organizations over the years, I know that referrals are where it’s at when it comes to having a pipeline of business you can count on made up of people that know, like and trust you,” says Swicegood.
But the challenges associated with traditional referral networking groups are what ultimately motivated Swicegood to conceptualize and build out Referral Book—an online application designed to build a productive referral network for its members by effectively positioning the real estate professional at the center of his or her own circle.
The No. 1 challenge associated with traditional referral networking groups? Time.
“Today, old-school referral networking organizations are being challenged because they’re accustomed to weekly meetings,” says Swicegood. “But in the age of COVID-19, we’re relegated to online communication, which is nothing short of onerous on a weekly basis.”
That’s why Referral Book suggests, as a best practice, that “circle builders” provide monthly get-togethers when they’re able to.
“I wholeheartedly agree in face-to-face communication and look forward to when we can meet and have coffee and chat like the old times, but until then, focus on digital get-togethers,” says Swicegood.
Next, there’s cost. While most referral networking organizations cost anywhere between $600 and $1,200 a year, Referral Book actually pays real estate professionals to build their own circle. “The idea here is to put together a group of people who are predetermined to help one another with referrals,” explains Swicegood.
The third consideration is accountability, which is typically lacking within referral networking groups. But for those who are a part of Referral Book, remaining in good standing is easy so long as you provide one referral per month to someone in your circle.
“It’s important that we aren’t minimalist,” says Swicegood, who challenges circle members to not rest on their laurels and refer within their circles more often.
Lastly, there’s accountability. With more than 1.3 million REALTORS® in the U.S. and only 50,000 referral networking groups, getting a seat at the table is a challenging proposition.
Eliminating the challenge completely, Referral Book guarantees real estate professionals a seat at the table by providing the opportunity to create their very own referral networking circle complete with individuals hailing from a number of professions ranging from attorneys to roofers and beyond. Drilling down even further, since only one member for each business type is permitted in each circle, there’s absolutely no competition.
“At Referral Book, we understand the importance of having a broad base of opportunity,” says Swicegood, “and no matter what’s transpiring in the world around us, tradesmen will continue to be valuable to real estate professionals as they work with their clients to achieve their home-buying or -selling goals.”
While it’s unclear what the future holds, according to Swicegood, now is the time to focus on working on your business.
“The real payoff is going to come from spending time building your network,” concludes Swicegood, “so utilize this unprecedented opportunity to relaunch your business and reorganize your phone and computer.”
For more information, please visit www.referralbook.com.
Paige Tepping is RISMedia’s managing editor. Email her your real estate news ideas at paige@rismedia.com.
