.png)
Referrals are the lifeblood of many businesses, mine included. They can be a beautiful thing when they’re spot-on, but let’s face it—not all referrals are created equal. Sometimes, they miss the mark entirely. Let’s talk about the difference between good and bad referrals and how you can navigate these situations effectively.
What Makes a Good Referral?
A good referral is like a well-wrapped gift. It’s thoughtful, intentional, and perfectly suited for what you offer. These referrals come from someone who truly understands your business and takes the time to share accurate and current information about your services. For me at Dreamworth and Co., a good referral looks like this:
Someone who needs a modern, animated website built on the Wix platform.
A business owner looking for website maintenance or marketing solutions.
A client who’s ready to streamline their systems and elevate their digital presence.
When these types of referrals come through, they’re seamless. The referred person already knows what I offer, and we’re starting off on the right foot.
What Makes a Bad Referral?
A bad referral, on the other hand, can feel like being handed a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit. It’s not always the referrer’s fault—sometimes, they’re working off outdated or incomplete information about your business.
Here’s my experience: back in 2019, I made a significant pivot. Dreamworth PR became Dreamworth and Co., and I shifted my focus exclusively to website design, system development, and marketing. Public relations services? Gone. Logo design? No longer on the menu. Yet, years later, I still get referrals for those services.
For example, I once received a referral from a well-meaning past client for a logo design project. They weren’t aware I’d stopped offering that service years ago. Another time, someone referred me to a friend in need of public relations help, a service I haven’t provided since the rebrand. These moments can be frustrating, but they’ve taught me valuable lessons.
How I Handled Bad Referrals
When bad referrals happen, I don’t just brush them off. Instead, I see them as opportunities to reeducate and realign. Here’s what I’ve done:
Reached Out to Past Clients: I took the time to connect with past clients who were still referring people my way. I let them know about my pivot and clearly explained what I now offer. For example:
“Hi [Name], I noticed you referred someone to me for [service no longer offered]. Thank you so much for thinking of me! I wanted to let you know that I’ve shifted my focus to website design, system development, and marketing. If you know anyone who needs these services, I’d love it if you sent them my way.”
Updated My Communication: I reviewed all my communication materials—email signatures, social media bios, and website content—to ensure they reflect my current offerings. Consistency is key.
Redirected When Necessary: For those who still reached out for discontinued services, I’ve been upfront. I’d either provide a referral to another professional or kindly explain that I’m no longer offering that service.
How to Prevent Bad Referrals
To minimize bad referrals, communication is everything. Here are a few tips:
Educate Your Network: Regularly share updates about your services on social media, in newsletters, and during conversations with clients.
Be Specific: When someone asks what you do, don’t be vague. Be clear and precise about your offerings.
Set Boundaries: Politely decline projects that don’t align with your current services and explain why.
The Takeaway - Developing a Good Referral Program
Referrals aren’t always perfect, but with a little effort, you can turn even the misaligned ones into opportunities to strengthen your business. By educating your network and keeping your messaging clear, you’ll attract the right clients who are a perfect fit for your services.
Have you ever dealt with a bad referral? How did you handle it? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
Comments