Want More Referrals? Try This.

I picked up something recently from the team at Giftology that’s stuck with me. It’s simple, it’s timeless, and it works. If you're in a relationship-based business (and let’s be honest, we all are), these two tools will increase your referrals and make you easier to talk about: 3-way texts and clarity conversations.

1️⃣ The 3-Way Text

When you know two people in your network should meet, don’t overthink it. Just connect them. The 3-way text is the fastest, most trust-building move you can make. You say something kind about each person, give context for the intro, and suggest a next step. That’s it.

• Example: “Hey Rachel and Dan—I wanted to connect you two. Rachel’s an amazing interior designer who’s been transforming high-end listings for our team. Dan owns a boutique staging company and has worked wonders in the same space. Thought it might be worth a quick chat to compare notes and explore collab ideas.”

That’s 90 seconds of effort that can spark thousands of dollars in opportunity—or at the very least, goodwill you can’t buy.

2️⃣ Clarity Conversations

If you’ve ever stumbled when someone asks what you do, you’re not alone. That’s why Clarity Conversations—another standout from the Giftology framework—are so powerful. They’re intentional, two-way conversations that clarify who you are, what you offer, and what kind of referrals you're actually looking for.

For example, after sitting down with a financial advisor recently, I asked, “If I were to refer someone to you, what would I actually say?” That led to a 15-minute conversation where we boiled down his offer into one clear sentence, identified three ideal referral types, and even uncovered a few natural shoulder industries we hadn’t considered before. Now, I can talk about his business like I’m part of it—and that’s the whole point.

Everyone’s out here trying to automate connection. But the real wins still come from genuine conversations and thoughtful introductions. Shoutout to the team at Giftology for continuing to lead with practical tools that actually move the needle. These are the kinds of things that keep you top of mind—and worth referring to.

Want to learn more about relationship marketing from this approach inspired by and dedicated to John Ruhlin? Click HERE.