Being able to offer a referral to someone in my life is a way to contribute to the people in my life, whether they are friends, clients, or neighbors. One of my values is to make a difference for people in any way I can, so it's a true benefit to me that I have a network of competent, trustworthy professionals I can rely on for various services. 

As a financial advisor, my clients trust me with some of their most sensitive and personal life information. This allows me to see potential gaps they have. Referrals are easy when the need is clear, and trust is established. 

My favorite way to stimulate a referral opportunity is to share real-life stories with clients, friends, or business contacts. These can happen naturally, whether at the pool with neighbors, brunch with friends, or an annual review meeting with a client. Recently, my misfortune with a sewer backup and the story I share about it has led to opportunities for almost an entire team: plumber, painter, disaster recovery, flooring, insurance, and more.