Many businesses are involved in some sort of networking. It could be a formal group like a local Chamber of Commerce. Others are involved with an informal group of solid companies you feel comfortable referring to existing or future customers and clients.
But what do you do when a business needs a product or service and there are two or more providers within your networks. Do you refer only the company you feel provides the best service, or do you refer both and allow the customer to decide? Many of us experience this dilemma. If I believe they are somewhat equal, I refer both. But sometimes there is a marked difference. At that point I ask myself, “who an I serving?” Do I promote Bob with a marginal product or service, or Tom whom I know is top in his field? Integrity is sometimes costly, but it is worth the pain even if you upset a friend.
When people choose to do business with you, they are giving you a level of trust to look out for their interests. A customer who feels wronged is typically vocal regarding your reputation. We all receive complaints or have dissatisfied customers. It could be our fault or misunderstood expectations. Either way those referrals will not be positive. Someone with integrity will own up to their errors and try to make things right. Reasonable customers will appreciate your efforts, but if they don’t you know that you did your best to make things right.
I believe a shift is occurring in that many people are fed up with deceit and corruption. People are looking for those individuals who will attempt to do the right thing even if it cost them profit. I call these people Heroes. Are you willing to pay the price?
Ken Bear Cole
A Second Look Business Consulting LLC
Great infromation Bear. You are right, when you are referring a customer to another business professional, you need to make sure they have the same integrity you do and look at their business as A Business.
Thanks, Maribeth