Ivan Misner
1 Just OK
It was just OK for me. Lots of common sense and filler. Most sales books have the same format...and this is one more.
2 Good advice
This book is helpful in putting structure around a referral program. We'll be implementing many of this book's suggestions.
3 Solid Long-Term Program
I chose to read two books, one right after the other - Endless Referrals by Bob Burg (also reviewed) and Business by Referral by Misner and Davis. Business by Referral is a good follow-on to Endless Referrals. With only a little overlap, Misner and Davis pick up where Burg stops. However, be warned; this book starts off very slowly. Misner and Davis take a VERY academic approach to the entire process. I felt as if I were in grad school again. That having been said, the follow-up element of the Misner and Davis system is the strong point of this book. They have provided a complete set of forms, which they allow to be reproduced. The forms are used for determining where you are in the referral-based business process, finding your strengths and weaknesses, building on your strengths, and strengthening your weak areas. The follow-up system is super. The techniques presented by Misner and Davis will not be integrated into your process as readily as Burg's in Endless Referrals; however, they are vital to a continuing referral-based business process and will serve any business person well for a very long time.
This book is solidly recommended and is a must-read for anyone looking to build a long-term process in referral-based business. The forms that are provided are worth the price of the book, but you'll need to read the book to really understand how to use them.
4 This book will give you GAINS beyond belief!
"Business by Referral" is a cross between a business plan and a referral marketing campaign. It is chocked full of ideas on how to motivate people to provide referals for your business. My favorite is the ingenious GAINS exchange which allows people to interface and learn about each person. GAINS offers an easy way to interview members one-on-one, and learn about their Goals-Accomplishments-interests, networks, skills. A very well done and easy to read book. I recommended it wholeheartedly to any business person (small business or large.)
5 More than just a good marketing book
Does your success in business depend largely on your ability to market yourself and your services? Mine does, (I'm a professional speaker) and I peruse almost every new marketing book that comes down the pike. You know, the old "If I can get one good idea from the book, it is well worth reading" attitude. Well, this book breaks the mold. Hundreds of good ideas, but much more importantly, a blueprint for putting those ideas into action.
That's right. Not only does the book contain information about the single most powerful marketing force available to the entrepreneurial professional, it has worksheets to help you not just read about building referral business, but to actually start building your referral network. And the best part is, it works. I really used those worksheets, and they made a big difference.
This book is a MUST READ for anyone who needs to generate new business at a profit.
6 endless chain referral
endless chain referra
