How to Use Your Network to Help Clients

You'll get no argument when discussing the power of your personal or professional network. But how many of us are helping clients by leveraging our personal network?

Here are some fast and easy tips to help you reach out and help your clients beyond what your product or service is already providing them:

1. Give them a call if you haven't in a while to get a read on how they are doing. The key is to be the solution to whatever problem they're having, even if it's not your area of expertise.
2. Use your network and reach out on the social web. Some of the connections will seem obvious, and some you'll need to enlist your network to make the introduction.
3. Make sure they are vetted--don't refer someone you're not sure about to your client. You want to become the one who has the connections that are reliable and trustworthy. Most people don't have time to vet, so if you can save them that step, they're more apt to use your referral.
4. Follow up to see if they've met and helped one another.

People helping people. That's the business that works.