How to Start and Manage a Referral Services Business
If you are a people person, and you run your own business, then operating a referral services business is a wonderful career option for you. Referral services help refer people to different businesses that will serve their needs. You can operate a referral business as a one man show, or hire your own employees to help you run the company.
- Pick the area that you want to specialize in. You can operate a referral services business for any industry that exists. If you are interested in law or have a background in law, you might consider opening an attorney referral services business. Or, if you are a family person, try running a referral service that matches up parents with pediatricians or family doctors in your area.
- Study the market. After you select the industry that you will promote, contact those businesses and pitch them your business plan. Both businesses and clients will make up your customer base. Place ads in the Yellow Pages and create a website to attract customers.
- Compile your list. Once you have your business contacts in order, create your referral list. You can design the list to your specifications. You might want to create a separate list of your regular customers and what their business needs are. This will make it easier to match up the client with the right business.
- Purchase office equipment. Computers, printers, phones and headsets are essential pieces of equipment that you will need to manage your business. The quantity will depend on whether or not you will be working alone, or with a team.
- Start referring. When your business is up and running, begin referring your clients to different businesses. Visit local churches, libraries and grocery stores to advertise your business and to build future contacts.