Should You Refer Your Suite Mates?

Sharing office space with executive suite mates has many advantages, not the least of which is the potential goldmine of referral partners. Before you dive right in and start handing out your office neighbors’ business cards, how do you know if they’re worth referring?

The saying “When you give a referral, you give away a little bit of your reputation” is absolutely true. For instance, if your referral performs poorly, your relationship will suffer and your reputation will be sullied.

Referrals are a dynamic and crucial part of doing business, but before you refer an office mate, be certain that the company or person you’re referring can do the job well and won’t reflect badly upon you.

One way to test out your new business acquaintance is to use his products or services yourself. While he may give you special attention because he has to see you on a regular basis at the shared office, you’ll still get a good feel for how he does business. Things to look for:

1. Does your office mate add fees that weren’t mentioned on the estimate? Does he stay within budget or go over without your permission?
2. Does he deliver on time? If not, does he give excuses or apologies?
3. Is he responsive to your calls, emails, texts?
4. Is the service/product of high quality?
5. Does a Google search of your office mate turn up complaints or praise?

Remember that referrals go both ways. If one of your office mates uses your products or services, go above and beyond to provide outstanding customer service; be on time and don’t go over budget; and don’t forget to treat him with courtesy and respect. Once you’ve proven yourself to one office mate, others will get on board too.

By: Nathan Jansch

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Nathan Jansch is owner and president of The Boardroom Executive Suites in Denver, which provides office space, virtual office services, conference room rentals, telephone answering, and other services and amenities to small and medium sized businesses. Visit the Boardroom Executive Suites website. andblog for business, financial and real estate news and advice.