Why Focusing on Quality (Not Just Results) Is the Secret to Great Referrals

If you’re finding it tough to get the kind of referrals you really want—or if business just isn’t what it used to be—you’re not alone! In this post, I’m sharing some real talk from my latest episode, where I break down the biggest challenges designers and creatives face getting noticed and landing high-quality clients through referrals. I’ll also dig into why shifting your mindset away from immediate results (and towards quality activities) can make all the difference. Let’s get real about how to stand out and create the right connections for your business growth!

We’ve All Been There

Hey friends, Pam here! I know it’s been a while since I’ve checked in live—and wow, has a lot come up lately around the referral game. Maybe you’re in that familiar spot where referrals used to flow but suddenly… crickets. Or maybe you just can’t seem to find those “perfect fit” clients, even though you know you’ve got the goods. Trust me: you’re SO not alone.

Real Referral Struggles—And You’re Not the Only One

One thing I hear all the time (and honestly, I’ve been there too!) is that business can start to slow down, even if things used to feel pretty steady with referrals. It’s scary! Sometimes it’s about not getting enough attention on competitive platforms like Facebook, or not wanting to brag about our own work (guilty as charged). For designers especially, there’s always that hurdle of “how do I stand out?” in what feels like a really crowded field.

And it’s not just about getting more referrals—sometimes it’s about getting the right ones. I hear from so many folks who are ready for higher-quality, higher-budget clients, but just haven’t figured out how to make those connections regularly.

Connect with the Right People—Not Just Anyone

Here’s the big “aha” I’ve learned and shared in the Rapid Referrals Challenge: It’s not about volume, it’s about intention. Are you reaching out to people who are actually connected to your dream clients… or just whoever happens to be in your inbox?

During the challenge, I ask everyone to actually reach out to someone right there in the moment—a little nudge to get over that “what do I say?” freeze. I walk through the exact language (because let’s be honest, that’s usually the part that trips us up!). It’s all about being real, getting specific on what you want, and offering something valuable in return.

My Go-To Mindset: Quality Over Outcome

Here’s my sticky note wisdom of the day:
“I’m not attached to the outcome, but to the quality of the activity.”

That’s a game-changer, and it came up in a coaching call this week too. We get so tied up chasing a “yes” from that one person, and when it doesn’t work out, it feels personal. But the real difference happens when you focus on: Am I showing up regularly? Am I connecting with the right people? Is my outreach genuine and high quality?

Let me give you a quick client story: She’d been reaching out to realtors for years, but only had one decent project come from it. Turns out, that one project was amazing—her dream job! But most of the realtors she was chatting with weren’t even working with the types of clients she wanted. See what I mean? It’s so easy to confuse being “busy” with actually making the right progress.

How I’m Shifting My Own Approach

If you’re ready to try this for yourself, here’s how I’m doing it now:

• Check your circles: Are the people you’re connecting with actually serving the same high-caliber clients you want?
• Perfect your message: No copy-paste emails. Personalize it, and show you’ve done your homework.
• Care less about the outcome: Measure your effort and who you’re reaching, not just whether you get a “yes” back.
• Celebrate the little wins: Sometimes those breadcrumbs—a single great referral—are proof you’re on the right path.

Let’s Play the Long Game

I hope this helps you rethink your referral strategy with a little more intention and a lot less pressure. Remember, it’s not about numbers—it’s about quality, every single time. Keep focusing on building good habits, reaching the right people, and putting out the best version of yourself. I can’t wait to see what kind of amazing referrals you start bringing in!

Talk soon,
Pam

Make sure to listen to the full podcast episode here and check out my other blog posts!