Are referral cards out of date

barryhynd · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-08, 22:54

I am finalising the design of my SBF business cards. I was planning on having a referral card on one side where an existing member puts in their username etc before passing the cards on to their friends and colleagues etc.

I was then planning on offering a prize be it monthly or quarterly for the top referrer. What do you all think? Does this come accross as too needy or do you think they could work? If I gave you some cards would you be willing to pass them on? Does the prize give extra incentive?

Looking forward to your comments

Brian McIntosh · #2 (**permalink**) 13-08-08, 07:41

I would be happy to pass on cards Barry. I've never had a referral card from anyone that I can think of but I wouldn't need any incentive to hand any out. I was on holiday last year and Microsoft were having a conference about something to do with Vista and they had Vista Evangelists wandering about spreading the word. MAybe you need some SBF Evangelists?

pcsupport · #3 (**permalink**) 13-08-08, 08:14

Oh, this sounds horribly like BNI!!!

Brian McIntosh · #4 (**permalink**) 13-08-08, 08:27

But don't they have pointless meetings where you are supposed to "network" and give each other all your business? Having been to a SBF meeting, nothing could be further from the truth. Anyway, handing out an SBF card with my own wouldn't be any great stress.

frockery · #5 (**permalink**) 13-08-08, 08:47

I wouldn't need any incentive either, Barry, as I believe SBF is a genuinely useful resource for Scottish businesses and am glad to promote it among my colleagues.

Power Lunch Club · #6 (**permalink**) 13-08-08, 12:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by frockery

I wouldn't need any incentive either, Barry, as I believe SBF is a genuinely useful resource for Scottish businesses and am glad to promote it among my colleagues.

I second that...what this forum will be, is an important part/tool in a companies "toolbox" to help them deliver their services, support their business and develop the skills/knowledge. It will "refer" itself.

barryhynd · #7 (**permalink**) 13-08-08, 15:49

So are we saying there is no point putting the referral bit on the back? Would it be better just to put some bullet points of what SBF is all about?

Brian McIntosh · #8 (**permalink**) 13-08-08, 15:57

Bullet points would be the way I would go Barry. I often hand out cards to small business owners and with a referral name on the back they might think along the lines of BNI, etc. I think, on the back, just put what the forum is about.

jimbairn · #9 (**permalink**) 13-08-08, 16:59

Don't get me started on BNI. Or rather, buy me a couple of drinks, wind me up and then DO get me started on BNI...

I'd also go with the bullet points. I'm happy to refer people here without anything that whiffs of "recruitment drives" or "incentives". Just buy me a drink if/when we every meet up.

barryhynd · #10 (**permalink**) 14-08-08, 19:15

OK Folks. How about the attached? Do you think this captures SBF?