Make a Referral – jump start the economy

We've all heard tales of economic woes from friends, family and peers in the small business community and it's been hard to find many positive stories. The other week John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing let us know about a great project he's leading, Make a Referral Week – a small business stimulus program.

Make a Referral Week is an entrepreneurial approach to stimulating the small business economy one referred business at a time. The goal for the week is to generate 1000 referred leads to 1000 deserving small businesses in an effort to highlight the impact of a simple action that could blossom into millions of dollars in new business. Small business is the lifeblood and job-creating engine of the economy and merits the positive attention so often saved for corporate bailout stories.

Referrals are crucial to small businesses and can be seen a lot online on LinkedIn, Yelp and other review sites. But, honestly, how many of you have taken the time to refer a shop or service?

I’ve pledged to make a referral to a business I want to help. Also, our Facebook page will be promoting Referral Week as part of a national campaign to make 1000 referrals March 9-13. Join the referral movement by sharing your referral here.

During the week, referral experts will provide valuable marketing advice on the site. You can also follow the conversation around it on Twitter, just search for #marw09.

Do your part to stimulate the economy by telling your world about making referrals and Make a Referral Week – you’ll be in good company.

About the Author: Kara Krautter