Here’s a secret to finding a fortune in referrals: It’s not necessarily who YOU know, it’s who THEY know.

Not everyone will be a new customer or business partner, but everyone can lead you to someone you can serve.  While you’re looking for new customers and potential business partners, you’re also looking for that perfect referral! And once you meet that person, you’ll simply share your stories and discover their interest.

Get started and create a fresh sense of urgency – by creating or revisiting your prospect list. Don’t limit yourself! Along with all your social media contacts, be sure to creatively include all the people you know personally, the people you do business with, your current customers, and new people you meet. Today more than ever, people are looking for connections and solutions.

Here is some proven referral language that can effectively and professionally support you in the art of asking for a referral:

“You may or may not have a personal interest, but I’m hoping you can lead me to just the right person. I’m looking for referrals.”

If you’re thinking, is it really that simple? The answer is YES! This is an easy approach you can use with anyone. I recommend you make a two-fold strategic commitment: 1) Add new names to your list every day; 2) Consistently reach out to new people every day.

Here’s another easy approach you can take: Let’s say your cousin lives in Dallas (geographic expansion always makes sense!). You can schedule a call, and after an authentic conversation about how life is going, you may hear how she could benefit from either your products or your business. Take a positive approach, with the focus on service and solutions.

“Hi, Judie, my business is expanding to Dallas, so of course I thought of you. I’d like to take just ten minutes to tell you what I’m doing and who I’m looking for. You may or may not have a personal interest, but I’m hoping you can lead me to just the right person. I’m looking for referrals.”

Success comes from enthusiastically sharing your product and business with many new people, as quickly as possible. With that in mind, let’s review two different networking options for meeting new people:

Community Networking: Even in our new reality, I continue to be a fan of networking groups. Most have simply shifted their meetings to virtual or highbred events. I continue to hear stories on how these groups continue to be just as effective virtually. Networking groups are a tried and true method for developing the social skills necessary for high achievement in sales. I recommend you investigate and join a local group. Here’s why: Not everyone who joins a direct selling business comes from a work history of having to effectively network with people to build relationships.

I don’t know your background, but I am confident that through regular participation in these types of activities, your social skills will develop dramatically. Both virtually or live.

Social Networking: It’s exciting to see online technology transform the way we live and interact. Social media has become the predominate way we socialize today … both professionally and personally.  Social Networking will continue to redefine our ability to reach out and engage with people.  My advice is to get up to speed and stay current. Be willing to learn and adapt as these technologies evolve. Social Networking will continue to play a major role in your direct selling success – and in your personal life – so learn and utilize the sites that work for you.

When you master the combination of social media with personal reach outs, ongoing live conversations, and new community engagements, you’ll find countless opportunities to ask for referrals, expand your prospect list, and inevitably grow your business.