Connect2GTHR referral guide

Make a referral like you’d introduce a friend to a neighbor.

Learn what to ask for, what to listen for, and how to bring two people together for a three-minute conversation by phone or in person.

Build your referral brief · Create a handoff plan · See a referral from start to finish

How to ask for and give a good referral

Ask for one kind of introduction. Think about customers you’d gladly help again. What changed just before they needed you? Tell your partner who fits and what makes the timing right.
Give your partner words to listen for. “We open next month, and people still don’t know we’re here” is easier to recognize than “a business that needs marketing.”
Explain the connection in your own words. Say how you know the person, what you can speak to firsthand, and how their relevant product or service could help.
Ask permission privately. Offer a three-minute conversation with all three people. Give the person an easy way to decline, and ask what background and contact details they’re comfortable sharing.
Make the introduction live. Use text or email to coordinate when helpful. Bring both people together by phone or in person, say why you thought of the match, and let the person you’re helping speak.
Let them choose what comes next. If they want another conversation, agree on who will do what and when. The person receiving the referral takes that step, thanks the partner, and shares a brief update that respects privacy.

Worksheet 1 · Build your referral partner brief

Define your ideal customer profile (ICP) and give a trusted partner enough background to introduce you comfortably. Practice explaining each other’s brief in your own words.

Worksheet 2 · Plan a live referral

Use this checklist and form when someone comes to mind. Confirm permission and availability before bringing both people together.

Handoff checklist I heard a specific signal and can explain why I thought of this person. I asked privately and confirmed what I can share. Both people agreed to a three-minute phone or in-person introduction. I introduced them live and gave them room to choose what comes next. We completed any agreed next step and thanked the person who made the introduction.

Who I’m introducing and how I know each person The signal I heard and why this business, product, or service fits The words I’ll use to ask permission privately Permission and the details or contact information each person is comfortable sharing The confirmed time, place or phone plan, and who will bring everyone together What I’ll say to introduce both people and give the neighbor the floor What we agreed to do next, who owns it, and by when How I’ll close the loop and what happened Download a blank copy or save your completed answers. Answers stay in this browser page until you download them.

Walk through a referral from start to finish

Example. Jamie tells a networking friend that a Westfield business is opening soon and nearby households still don’t know about it. The friend thinks of Tory at Great Deals Media.

Check the fit. The friend asks, “Is getting the word out locally something you’d like help thinking through?”
Ask privately. “I know Tory through local networking. He helps businesses think through how to reach nearby households. Would you be open to a three-minute call so I can introduce you?” The friend checks what Jamie is comfortable sharing, then confirms a time with Tory.
Make the call together. “Jamie, meet Tory. Tory, Jamie’s opening in Westfield and wants people nearby to know about it. I thought you two should meet. Jamie, what would you like Tory to know?”
Give Jamie the floor. Tory listens and can ask one brief question. Near the end, Tory asks, “Would it help to find another time to talk through the opening?” If Jamie says yes, they pick a time. If meeting was enough for today, the friend can say, “I’m glad you two got to meet.”
Keep your word and close the loop. Tory makes the agreed call and thanks the friend. “Thanks for introducing us. We connected and set a time to talk.” Keep Jamie’s private details between Jamie and Tory.

Try it with three people. Take turns playing the neighbor, the partner, and the person being introduced. Practice once with a second conversation and once where everyone is happy just to meet.