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Posted on February 24, 2015 in Community Sharon's Corner Small Business

Growing By ReferralsApproaching the end of my fourth year in business and I am still in LOVE!!! Really, I can’t believe it’s been 4 years. I am in awe at how fast my business has grown these past few years…from just me and a home office to three of us and a beautiful retail location.  I had no idea what to expect when I started my business.  So today I share how this has all been possible…

With having a business in the home, the safety and security of my family was always a priority. Who I welcomed into our family home had to pass on both levels, personal and business. This meant that I had to grow my business by referrals ONLY! I wanted to ensure that who I was meeting came from those I trusted (family, friends, business associates and clients who followed me from my previous firms).

And with each passing year the business doubled…growing by referrals was clearly working. I was doing something right. But I also must give credit to whom credit is due…there are so many and for many reasons but these three people were really the backbone of my growth.

1.  Dr. Gil Desaulniers, Owner of Optimum Family Chiropractic Inc. – I met Gil through a networking organization based on referrals. Gil encouraged me to spread my wings and fly…and really gave me the courage and confidence boost to start my business. He also introduced me to #3.

2.  Julie Nowell, Owner of Three Chickens and a Boat – When we met, Julie was the owner of MomCafe Tricities and ran local mompreneur events. She introduced me to a whole new world of moms who were juggling family life and being successful business woman…just like me! She also encouraged me with public speaking opportunities which to this day, I am still passionate about educating small business owners.

3.  Desiree Dupuis, former Co-Owner of Three Sixty Financial Group –  My partner in crime. Through attending numerous community events,  she introduced me to ALL of the Tri-Cities or so it feels. This girl is connected and the true master networker.

These three people played such an integral part in the growth of my business. Although it may not have been through direct referrals, it most certainly has come through community involvement and introductions. And for that, I am forever thankful that these three amazing people came into my life when I needed them most.

As the business continues to grow by referral and more so with the physical presence of my new storefront, I have since implemented a client planner form. This form provides me with some background information to assist in providing you with an estimate of my professional fees and also determine whether I can help or not (sorry but we don’t do everything 😉 ). Plus, it tells me who the referral source is so I can thank them personally. Having moved back into my home office in 2022, the safety and security of my family is once again a consideration although with the business world significantly changing to Zoom meetings and e-signatures, it has certainly changed how clients are accepted too.

Growing by referrals has worked thus far so why change it! As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broken, why fix it?!?”

Lastly, I thank you – my clients, friends, family, business associates and community. And the “many moms on Facebook groups” who I can’t thank personally because you are often named as “Facebook mom groups”.

I am beyond words for how thankful I am to have a business based on referrals. Every time I read the referral section, I am filled with tears of happiness and a heart that is beaming.Your trust and support mean the world to me. Every relationship I have is valued and although time together may not be as plentiful, each and every one of you holds a special place in my heart.

Thank you!  💜