How to Introduce RECOMMENDii to a Business You Already Recommend

You already recommend them. You already send them clients. You already talk about them when someone in your chair asks "do you know a good physiotherapist?"

The question is not whether to recommend them. You are already doing it. The question is whether to make it official.

Why the conversation feels awkward (and why it isn't)

Most people hesitate to bring up RECOMMENDii because it involves money. Asking a business to pay $300 every 180 days (about $50 a month) to be on your list feels like asking for something.

Reframe it. You are not asking for something. You are offering something.

You are offering them access to your client base. Your trust network. The people who already listen to you. For about $50 a month, less than the value of one new client, they get a spot on your recommendation list, shared directly with everyone who asks you for a referral.

That is not a big ask. That is a good deal.

The message that works

Here is a template used by a barber in Ontario to approach local businesses he was already sending clients to. Feel free to adapt it.

What makes this message work

• It is personal. You are already in a relationship with this business. The message sounds like it.
• It explains the value clearly. "Direct, pre-vetted referrals from my clients" is the whole pitch in one phrase.
• It gives them a clear next step. Create a profile. Send a request. Done.
• It is honest about cost. $300 every 180 days, stated up front. No surprises when they activate.

Who to approach first

Start with businesses you already recommend the most. The ones where you have an existing relationship and a track record of sending clients their way.

Those conversations are easiest because both sides already know the value. You have been recommending them for free. Making it official just formalizes something that already exists.

Businesses can see anonymous visit and click counts from your page. They won't see referrals you make in person, so if they ask, mention that your word-of-mouth recommendations continue as before.

What if they say no?

That is fine. Not every business will see the value immediately. Some will come back later when they see a client come in and mention your name.

Do not pressure anyone. A Recommendationship that starts with pressure is not one you want. Both sides need to be genuinely in for it to work.

Move on. There are other businesses worth recommending.

One more thing

Before you approach anyone, make sure your RECOMMENDer profile is complete. A photo, a tagline, and a clear description of who you are and what you do. When a business clicks through to see who is asking them to join their Recommendationship, they should see someone they want to be associated with.

Your profile is your pitch. Make it count.