And what's the best way to meet these folks? Through your current clients and centers of influence.

6. Be transparent. Be candid and transparent with these folks. Let them know that you believe in your value, you're looking to bring that value to more people/businesses, and that you would value their help.

Don't assume that this will have to be a reciprocal referral relationship. While some folks may expect to start getting more referrals in return from you, many will be thrilled just to have a resource like you to send people to.

5. Communicate your value — more than once. Schedule plenty of time to make sure they understand your value — what you do, who you serve the best, how you do it, why you do it, and how people benefit from your work.

You simply MUST become referable in their eyes if you want to start getting more referrals and introductions from them. And this isn't usually accomplished in one meeting. It takes time for it to sink in. They need to see value in your process and in the results you produce. They also need to like and trust you (especially trust).

If appropriate, have the same conversation with them about their business.

4. Teach them who you serve the best. These members of your referral team need to know for whom you do your best work and how to recognize these people/businesses. Teach them the demographics and psychographics or your ideal clients. What would an ideal prospect for your business be talking about, complaining about, or trying to accomplish?

3. Don't wait for referrals or introductions. Doing the previous steps may generate a few passive introductions, but if you really want productive relationships, you have to be appropriately proactive from time to time.

Related: Referral selling: What you might be missing

If you can identify specific people you know that they know, ask for specific introductions. If not, suggest categories and generally brainstorm with them. This is something you can probably do with these folks 2-4 times per year.

2. Secure effective introductions. Don't settle for word of mouth or “Call George and use my name.” Discuss how you are going to introduce folks to each other. Will these introductions be in person, over a meal, with an email handshake?

The best way to view any introduction is with the same criteria the Food and Drug Administration uses to evaluate a drug for the market; is it safe and effective? You want your referral source and the new prospect to feel “safe” or comfortable with how you are introduced. And you want to have the prospect's curiosity piqued a bit to at least get them open to hearing from you.

1. Create a contact-management plan. These are not set-and-forget relationships. You know the old expression: Out of sight, out of mind. These relationships need continual nurturing to get them to a productive stage and to keep them there. Agree with each person who often you're going to meet and review expectations, etc.

Editor's note: The essay first published in the author's own blog.