In this episode of Small Business Connections, we discuss referrals- asking for, giving, and growing your business referrals, with Stephen Crisp of Nerd Singing. The booming growth of Stephen's business comes from referrals, mastering his craft and his pivotability. Stephen makes disciples, not clients by helping them problem solve and his desire to be the best part of his clients' day. When you help a client solve a problem, they then tell other people how you helped solve their problem. Understanding your clients leads to more clients and ultimately builds your network and your business.

Stephen and Ann talk about the importance of delegation and not telling people you are too busy, as this leads to potentially lessening your referrals. Stephen realized there was a better way to gain time and this was by expanding his business and hiring employees. Offering the science of singing and helping clients develop their voices grew into Stephen becoming an artistic mentor.

Pivoting in the pandemic created more business and more referrals. Showing clients you care because you believe in your product leads to referrals. Your next level product is seeing an opportunity instead of an obstacle and building on it.

Books in the episode:

The Power of Black Music: Interpreting Its History from Africa to the United States by Samuel A. Floyd Jr.

Ann of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael Gerber