Virtual Assistant Referral Partners are fellow business owners that you send your clients to for services you don’t offer but your clients need help with. So it’s a great way to help a colleague and earn some extra money.
#1 – What Are Virtual Assistant Referral Partners
Well, a Virtual Assistant Referral Partner is a trusted colleague that you refer business to. There are a number of reasons to have Referral Partners, these are the most common:
- It’s usually either a service you don’t like doing,
- Or a service you want to or could do but you can’t meet a client’s deadline.
An Example Of How You Can Use A Referral Partner
Let’s say you design and build WordPress websites as part of your business. But, you don’t offer graphics or copywriting. Well, many of your clients will either need help with graphics or copy for their new and improved website.
Instead of turning your clients away, to find a graphics person or a copywriter (or both), you would refer them to one of your Virtual Assistant Referral Partners that specializes in either graphics or copywriting.
This way you’re not leaving it up to your clients to find the help they need – you’re helping them find what they need. Plus you get a referral fee for sending your clients to them and the Referral Partner gets the business. It’s a Win-Win for everyone!
#2 – Why Nou Need Them
It’s simple – to be of service to your clients. Instead of saying that you don’t offer a particular skill or service, send them to your colleague instead. Your clients will appreciate the higher level of service and being referred to someone you know and trust. You’re saving them time, money, and possible frustration too!
You’re also not turning away business. Virtual Assistant Referral Partners are a source of income. That’s right, they’re an additional revenue stream for your business. When you refer business to one of your partners you earn a referral fee.
On a side note – if you’re considering starting a team or agency of your own, having Referral Partners will give you valuable experience when it comes to working with a team.
#3 – The Systems You Need
What you’ll need to know about your Virtual Assistant Referral Partners.
- What services do they offer?
- What are their rates?
- How much will the referral fee be?
- How do we make client introductions?
- How and when do you get paid the referral fee?
- How to follow up with your client?
- How to follow up with your Referral Partner?
That’s a rough list of the things you’ll need to create a system for. Start by asking yourself each question and how you would like it handled – then write it down.
Each of the items listed above is important to you, your clients, and your Referral Partners and needs to be part of your overall Virtual Assistant Referral Partner process. I would recommend adding the completed process to your Operations System since it’s part of running your business.
Quick Note: Be sure you and your Referral Partners are in agreement on the fee amount and when it’s paid to you. This is so important!
#4 – How To Find A Referral Partner?
Start with colleagues you already know. People you’ve met in online groups or training programs. It could be someone you’ve worked with before. One of my Referral Partners was a team member of a mutual client. Reach out to them and find out more about them.
- What services do they offer?
- Ask them if they’re interested in being a Referral Partner?
- What type of fee do they want?
- Do they already have a process for referrals?
Check out their website, look at samples of their work and do a test project together to see how you work together. Since you’re trusting them to take care of your clients, it’s important that you trust them and the quality of their work.
That’s it! Remember, it’s a relationship between you, your clients, and your Virtual Assistant Referral Partners. Be sure it works for all of you.
Are you ready to add Referral Partners to your business? Feel free to post below and let me know what action you’re taking today to start looking for Referral Partners.
If you’re looking for other ways to increase your income, please read my post, Ready To Scale Your Virtual Assistant Business? Here Are 9 Ways To Change Things Up.
Thanks for reading – Susan
P.S. If you want to specialize in in-demand skills, learn how to package and offer them as a service to become a known Specialist and get those higher-paying clients, I recommend you have a look at my TechieU Training. You can try it for 5 USD for 5 days and see if it’s for you!
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