Can you give more leads?

Residential leads I give away all the time, past customers ( and some new ones) are very happy that I have someone I can refer them to and I have had some call me back and thank me, same with some commercial that I dont do or have time to do, like a rush job that I just cant get to. I have a couple local guys that I give quite a few leads to. I am glad I have someone to refer people to

Outside of our trade I only have one guy that does good carpentry and some small handyman stuff that I refer people to. Other trades I have no one I trust
 
Giving leads is probably more important then getting leads for us. We are getting about 75% referals now. Usually old customers or refered from past customers. We also belong to networking groups which is based solely on referals. This gives us other contractors and business folks as insurance, plasterers, bankers, etc. I assume most people are refering to getting business. Having the name of a good plumber to pass onto a customer is valuable. Referals are only a name for helping others. We pass on leads to anyone qualified for work we do not do. Belonging to our National Organization is amazing also. We get names and info we could never get anywhere else. And for only the cost of membership. Thank You.
 
I used to give leads all the time for small jobs that usually weren't worth my time to start my machines. Well, turns out one of the guys had an employee who would spray and dash houses and fight with his girlfriend on the phone for extended periods of time. Needless to say, I got calls from the customers informing me of the business practices of the companies I reccomended. The owner of the business was top notch. He himself has been in the business almost as long as me and is very professional. I just don't like not having control over the employees that the company you refer brings to the jobsite. I really treat my employees well and expect in return that they put on a professional display, take care of the little things (Moving small plants, rinsing off the driveway when done, little stuff), and that they refuse tips. Now I have only 2 or 3 local guys that I usually refer jobs to, and I know all of their employees as well. Many owners have good intentions since it's their livelihood on the line, but their employees, they're who you have to watch out for.
 
I belong to a networking group that gives referrals. Working with others outside your trade can produce good results if you can earn peoples trust to refer you.

I have been pretty busy the last few months. My business is still at a point where I need everything I can get so on the PW end I do everything I get on my own. Worked seven days a week for the last two weeks and will probably be pulling another seven next week. The RT's I have been attending are helping me get to know some other PW guys in the area. I would hope my business continues to grow to the point that I have enough work to bring some others in on larger jobs as I go through growing phases. I would not just hand over leads to anyone. It would have to be a contractor I know and trust.
 
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