How healthy is your referral landscaping?

When we built our home in Lubbock back in 98, landscaping wasn’t in the bid….so I got to do that!  Flowerbeds, a hedge, monkey grass trimming the driveway, moguls and a grassy front lawn.  Part of my dream house included a lawn without stickers.  Weeds brought stickers.  Weeds had to go.

I went back to the nursery and told the owner I needed “weed killer”.  Instead…he suggested fertilizer.  I clarified the issue: WEEDS.  He clarified the solution: FERTILIZER.  He taught me something really powerful.  “Fertilize your grass.  Water it.  Aerate it.  Strong, healthy grass will choke out all your weeds.”  He was soooooo right!

Interesting story in Luke 13:6-9  Read it.  It’s good business advice.  I’m just saying…..

Luke 13:6  He spake also this parable; A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.  7  Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8   And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung [it]:  9  And if it bear fruit, [well]: and if not, [then] after that thou shalt cut it down.

 Here is what we learned:

1. Three years into this project, the owner isn’t happy with the crop return.

How long have you been into some projects and you’re not seeing the return you want?

2. The dresser wants time to execute a strategy

Time isn’t always the answer….unless it is accompanied by a plan or strategy.

3. He is going to Dig and Dung it (fertilize).

Digging simply means that you need to work your prospect and referral connections.  Sort out your contact base. Make some calls.

Dunging means…. you need to fertilize the referral connection with things that are a value add!  Give them something.  Recognize their efforts. Invite them to an event.  Offer something complementary.

If you want fruit (results)… Dig it and Dung it!

Lead Generation takes WORK

My clients use a 7-7-28 plan.

• 7 New connections to their data base per week
• 7 Personal notes or cards out to their A and B client list per week
• 28 Personal phone calls to A and B clients or Prospects.

Last week….one of my clients closed a $5600 proposal…..Digging and Dunging.  Contact me and I’ll get you a shovel and some Miracle Grow!

Test Your Networking Proficiency

Scott Carley