Marketing Genius: Promote Yourself By Promoting Others

I am a marketing genius. 

In the last few days I've revisited some old strategies I haven't used for a while. The response was great and for the life of me I could not remember why I stopped doing these a while back. I've been busy and just let it slide. Never again.

Here's the thing. I truly enjoy being the guy that helps others. If I know someone I think would make a great connection for you, I will make some sort of introduction.  Over the weekend I looked through my Contacts application on my phone, scanning for new contacts I had that may work well with older contacts.  Early Monday morning I sent out simple emails:

"Bill & Jill, I thought the two of you might benefit from knowing each other. Bill is an excellent ceramic tile installer and Jill is a great kitchen & bath designer. "  

I swear to you, my number one purpose of these emails is simply to make that introduction that could help both Bill and Jill. What happens next I believe to be Karma.  I will get emails back saying : "Israel, thanks for the introduction. We haven't seen you in a while, call me - let's do lunch!" Folks, it's always good to have lunch with a previous client or referral partner.  Another email would be : "Thanks! That reminds me, I have an interior designer you should meet..."

The lesson that I keep teaching myself is: be sincere in your caring about those around you, and they will care about you.  You see, when I ask you "How's business?" , I really want to know.  I'm not making small talk. I want to know what you're doing that may help me, but I'm also curious about what I can do to help you.  And somehow, that ends up working out for me.  

Try it: take a look through your list of contacts and figure out who would benefit from knowing each other.  Send out the introductory emails, and let me know what kind of feedback you get.

This post by Israel Retana. Israel is the founder of C.H.I.P.s and 2ndgeneration craftsman at Retana Cabinet Works , where they've been specializing in custom cabinetry and antique furniture restoration for nearly 30 years. He can be followed on twitter (iretana), friendedonFaceBook , connected with on Linkedin, or contacted atisrael@retanacabinetworks.com