Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Works
About this Event
If you are tired of collecting business cards, having coffee chats, and wondering why referrals still are not coming in, this workshop is for you.
Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Sends You Business is designed for business owners, sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and service providers who want to stop randomly networking and start building intentional referral relationships that lead to real business.
Most people think they need more contacts. They do not. They need the right people, the right conversations, and the right follow-up system.
In this workshop, you will learn how to identify strong referral partners, have better one-to-one conversations, clearly explain who you serve, and create a simple plan to stay top of mind without being awkward, pushy, or forgettable. Because let’s be honest, “Let me know if you know anyone” is not a strategy. It is a cry for help with a business card attached.
You will walk away with a clearer understanding of who belongs in your referral network, what to say when you meet with them, how to educate them on your ideal client, and how to turn casual connections into consistent referral opportunities.
What You Will Learn
During this workshop, we will cover:
- The difference between a contact, a connection, and a true referral partner
- How to identify the right people to build referral relationships with
- What to say during a one-to-one so the conversation actually goes somewhere
- How to explain who you serve in a way people remember
- How to make it easier for others to refer business to you
- How to follow up consistently without feeling annoying
- How to build a referral partnership network that supports long-term business growth
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is a great fit for:
- Business owners
- Entrepreneurs
- Sales professionals
- Realtors
- Lenders
- Insurance professionals
- Home service businesses
- Contractors and tradespeople
- Professional service providers
- Anyone who wants to grow through relationships, referrals, and better conversations
If your business depends on trust, relationships, and people remembering what you do, you need to be in the room.
Why This Matters
Networking events are easy to attend.
Building a referral network that actually works takes strategy.
This workshop will help you move beyond collecting names and start building intentional partnerships with people who understand your business, know who to refer to you, and actually want to help you grow.
About the Speaker
Shannon Ford is a business coach, referral growth strategist, and Area Manager for BNI Coastal Virginia in Portsmouth. She has been a member of BNI since 2018 and has helped launch multiple chapters, giving her a strong understanding of how the right relationships can create real business growth.
Through Coaching with Shannon, she helps business owners and sales professionals build stronger systems, better sales strategies, and referral networks that actually work. Known for her direct, practical, faith-driven approach, Shannon’s mission is to help business owners stop spinning their wheels and start building intentional relationships that lead to consistent growth.
What to Bring
Bring business cards, something to take notes with, and a clear idea of the kind of clients you want more of.
You will leave with ideas you can actually use, not just motivational quotes that sound cute and then die in your notebook.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Location: Incuhub, 100 7th St, Suite 104, Portsmouth, VA 23704
Host: Shannon Ford
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
