A Referral Is Handing Over Your Credibility
Hello, I am Mitsunori Kimura, an expert in Smile Engineering. Please see this article for more on "Smile Engineering."
I believe that when introducing something to someone,
one must be especially careful.
This applies equally to products, services, people, and companies.
A referral is not simply telling someone, "This is good."
It is the act of handing over your own credibility to the other person.
The person being introduced trusts the referrer.
"If Kimura-san says it's okay, then it must be."
"If this person is introducing it, there must be a good reason."
It is precisely because they think this way that a referral carries weight.
That is why I do not want to make referrals lightly.
Thinking it looks good is not enough.
In this day and age, there are many things that look good.
It uses AI.
It helps with DX.
It improves operational efficiency.
It increases sales.
It solves labor shortages.
These words are very attractive.
However, what is truly important is not the words.
It is the reality.
Will that product or service truly be useful to the other person?
Is it worth the price?
Will the other person be inconvenienced after I introduce it?
Will that company or person respond with sincerity?
Will they face the situation without running away if something happens?
You must look at those things.
Saying "because I thought it was good" is not enough.
Only when you consider whether it is right for the other person can you truly call it a referral.
Referrals reveal your virtue.
In my business, I value the philosophy that
"Virtue is the foundation of business."
Virtue is also revealed in referrals.
Are you making the referral for your own benefit?
Are you making it for the other person's sake?
Are you prioritizing your relationship with the person you are referring to?
Are you prioritizing the happiness of the person being introduced?
If you get this wrong, a referral will destroy trust.
A referral is not a sales pitch.
A referral is not a pushy imposition.
A referral is a bridge of trust between people.
That is why one must be cautious.
The courage to say no is also a responsibility of making referrals.
Sometimes I am asked for a referral.
Sometimes I am asked to connect someone.
Sometimes I am asked to help spread the word about a product.
At those times, it does not mean I should accept everything.
If I feel even the slightest discomfort, I pause.
If I think it does not suit the other person, I do not force a referral.
If I am not convinced by the price or content, I keep my distance.
If I cannot fully trust it, I do not refer it.
This is not being cold.
Rather, it is being sincere.
If someone ends up in trouble as a result of a referral,
that becomes an act that reduces smiles.
What I am aiming for is
building a society where everyone continues to live with a smile
.
If that is the case, then referrals must also be something that leads to smiles.
Protecting trust is the most important thing.
Business, in the end, is trust.
No matter how convenient the system,
no matter how excellent the technology,
no matter how attractive the sales materials,
it will not last without trust.
A referral is something that stands upon that trust.
That is why I want to be cautious when making a referral.
Look closely.
Listen carefully.
Think thoroughly.
Put yourself in the other person's shoes.
And only refer things that I feel I can entrust my own reputation to.
This is my basic stance.
A referral is passing on trust.
That is precisely why it must not be treated lightly.
Do not do anything strange.
Do not do anything that causes trouble for others.
Do not do anything that damages trust.
I believe that this accumulation creates good work, builds good relationships, and leads to a society where people continue to live with smiles.
Thank you for reading until the end.
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