[Bioman]

I wasn't making any money until I started building relationships with carpet stores, realtors, & interior designers. I don't have to advertise that much and I don't have to pay until after the work is done. Because I pay 10% for every referral they send me. More time with my family, higher job tickets, and much more repeat business than before.

[Ken Wainwright]

I have good working relationships with many carpet retailers and a few local Estate Agents. One retailer is quite prolific with referals. One is quite often and another a little less so. Others are drips and drabs. So too are the estate agents.

As for giving 10% commission? No way! These retailers/agents want a high quality service carried out in a professional manner. After all, I will be keeping THEIR customers happy, so they are grateful for the peace of mind that my business can bring them. And referals can and do work two ways.

Safe and happy cleaning:)
Ken

[Phillips_cleaning]

I've started forming relationships with other related companies.  Obviously i'm new to this but I have relationships with the following:

A localremoval company ( get details handed out when they are quoting in houses that are for sale)

an estate agents -  probably a legal grey area due to the data protection act but i get an update of any new properties they have on the market - contact details etc

a conveyancers - as above

and a domestic cleaning company - I deliver all her leaflets with mine (young legs you see) and get refferals that way

As i said I've literally just started this week but I think these sort of relationships are essential.

[Len Gribble]

Bioman

For info realtors = estate agents, regarding commission I do but they have to sign for it way should I have to pay there tax.

Len

[Dynafoam]

I had developed a number of ad hoc  relationships with local traders. No commission changes hands but work flows in both directions.

I tend to be called in as a problem solver, as they all know that my regulars keep me very busy and I really do not want too much work from other sources.

'Local networking' is a great way of gaining new business if that is what you are after, but it also means that we all have trusted  people in associated trade that we can confidently recommend to our customers.

[Ian Gourlay]

I try to and have had some success but I dont pay £5 notes like I was taught.

Not sure if it would give more success if I did.

Trouble is I have all these idea but spend too much time talking to you chaps (Guys)