So, what’s your brand? Answer that question, and you’ll likely mention your color palette, tagline, logo, and perhaps a descriptor or two (We’re playful! But also very professional!). 
Done and done, right? Not so fast. Your brand can and should be so much more than that.  

File it under “Too much of a good thing”. Referrals? Good. Fantastic, in fact. In theory. 

Organic growth by word-of-mouth is the goal. It’s virtually hands-free, affordable, and works for businesses small, medium, and large. It’s the great equalizer. But before you get to the point of having a nearly self-perpetuating system, you need to lay the foundation, build the system, and cultivate the appropriate environment. And that is no quick fix.

Referrals are the lifeblood of new business and organic growth. But can it ever be too much of a good thing? Absolutely. 

In fact, referrals can quickly become a curse if you’re not careful. You can drown in a sea of less-than-ideal referees while believing that you’re building your business. Too many people are unaware of that disconnect. It’s truly quality over quantity. 

Are you asking for feedback from your clients? Probably. But are you asking for input? 
One helps you improve, while the other allows you to better understand not just their financial goals, but also their feelings about their future, their plans, and yes, even you. 

Are you still doing the same thing with your clients that you’ve been doing for the past decade? Have you noticed an uptick in client churn?
That’s not a coincidence. 

Lead gen companies offer a quick and easy product, but are you really getting what you think you’re buying? Does it check all the boxes if you look a little closer? 
Their easy-button solution is tempting, but you’re paying for their system and their audience, when you should be building your own. 

Do you ever catch yourself playing the role of marriage counselor with your clients? Or how about the role of mental health practitioner?
Consider this. When your clients’ needs go beyond your scope of practice, referring them out is one of the most caring things you can do.

Are you still waiting to get your voice out there? Maybe you’re stuck because you believe your content will “never be good enough.” 
How do you push past perfectionism and publish anyway?