Image
Call us
Home
Home
Solution
Solution
Client Success Stories
Client Success Stories
Testimonials
Testimonials
Contact Us
Contact Us
Our Mission
Our Mission
Blogs
Blogs
Call us

You may be interested in the following:-


How to get More Referrals


How to ask for Referrals Without Feeling Awkward


How to Build Referral Partnerships That Generate Business


How to Get More Referrals From Business Networking


How to Make a Networking Pitch That Gets Referrals

What to Say in 30–60 Seconds So People Remember You, Understand You and Know Who to Refer

You're standing at a business networking meeting.

It's almost your turn.

Then you hear:

“You've got 30 seconds to tell us who you are, what you do and who you're looking for.”

What do you say?

Many business owners try to squeeze their entire business into half a minute.

They explain:

  • Their company.
  • Every service.
  • How long they've been trading.
  • Where they're based.
  • Why they're different.
  • Who they help.

Then finish with:

“So if you know anyone who needs what we do, please send them my way.”

Thirty seconds later, everyone has heard you.

But how many people actually know who to refer to you?

That's the real test.

A good networking pitch isn't simply about explaining your business.

It should help other people recognise a referral opportunity.

If you want to create a networking pitch that gets referrals, focus less on telling people everything you do and more on giving them something specific to listen for.

Here's how.

What Is a Networking Pitch?

A networking pitch is a short introduction explaining:

Who you are

Who you help

What problem you solve

and ideally:

Who you'd like to be introduced to.

Depending on the networking group, you might have:

20 seconds

30 seconds

40 seconds

60 seconds

or slightly longer.

The mistake is assuming:

More information = better pitch.

It doesn't.

The objective is:

Clarity + Relevance + Memorability.

Your Networking Pitch Is Not a Sales Pitch

This distinction is important.

Imagine you're speaking to 25 people.

Perhaps none of them currently needs your service.

Does that mean your pitch has failed?

No.

Those 25 people may collectively know hundreds of potential customers.

So your networking pitch shouldn't only ask:

“How do I persuade the people in this room to buy?”

It should ask:

“How do I help these people recognise somebody outside this room who needs me?”

That's a referral-focused networking pitch.

The Real Audience Is the Network Behind the Room

Suppose an accountant is listening to your pitch.

They don't need a business coach.

But they speak to dozens of business owners.

An HR consultant may not need you either.

But their customers might.

A bookkeeper may never become your customer.

But they could hear a client say:

“We're incredibly busy but never seem to make enough money.”

Your pitch needs to make them think:

“Kim talked about exactly that.”

That's the objective.

The Biggest Networking Pitch Mistake

The biggest mistake is trying to explain everything.

For example:

“We help businesses with sales, marketing, strategy, staff, cash flow, time management, leadership, systems, processes, accountability, planning, referrals, profitability and growth.”

What should I refer to you?

I don't know.

There's too much information.

Instead, choose:

One customer.

One problem.

One trigger.

That's much easier to remember.

The Networking Referral Formula

A simple structure is:

WHO + PROBLEM + OUTCOME + TRIGGER + ASK

Let's break that down.

1. WHO – Who Do You Help?

Don't say:

“Everyone.”

Be specific enough to create a picture.

For example:

“I work with established SME business owners…”

or:

“We work with commercial property managers…”

or:

“I help independent estate agents…”

The listener now knows where to look.

2. PROBLEM – What Are They Struggling With?

For example:

“…who are generating plenty of turnover but aren't making enough profit.”

Now you've created relevance.

Someone in the room may immediately think of a business owner they know.

3. OUTCOME – What Do You Help Them Achieve?

For example:

“I help them identify what's eating into their margins and build a more profitable business.”

This tells the listener why the introduction could be useful.

4. TRIGGER – What Should People Listen For?

This is the part many networking pitches miss.

Tell the room what they might hear.

For example:

“If you hear a business owner saying, ‘We're really busy but there never seems to be enough money left at the end of the month,’ that's a good conversation for me.”

Now you've given them a trigger.

5. ASK – What Do You Want Them to Do?

Finish with a clear request.

For example:

“I'd appreciate an introduction.”

Or:

“I'd particularly like an introduction to established construction businesses in Essex with 5–20 employees.”

Or even:

“This week I'd particularly like to meet John Smith at ABC Ltd.”

Specific beats vague.

Put the Formula Together

Here's the structure:

“I'm [name]. I help [WHO] who are struggling with [PROBLEM] to [OUTCOME]. If you hear somebody saying [TRIGGER], I'd really appreciate an introduction.”

That's your foundation.

You don't need to use exactly those words.

Make it sound like you.

Example: Business Coach

“I'm Kim Wheatley. I work with established SME owners who are incredibly busy but aren't seeing enough profit for the work they're putting in. I help them identify what's holding profitability back and put practical changes in place. If you hear a business owner saying, ‘We're busier than ever but there's never enough money left,’ that's a good introduction for me.”

Notice what isn't included.

No huge list of services.

No complete biography.

No attempt to explain business coaching.

One problem.

One referral trigger.

Example: Bookkeeper

“I'm Sarah from ABC Bookkeeping. We help growing small businesses that have reached the point where keeping on top of their own bookkeeping is taking too much time. If you hear a business owner saying, ‘I'm spending my evenings sorting receipts and invoices,’ I'd love an introduction.”

Clear.

Example: HR Consultant

“I'm James from XYZ HR. We help small employers who don't have their own HR department deal with people problems before they become expensive problems. If you hear a business owner saying, ‘I've got an employee issue and I don't know what I'm allowed to do,’ that's a good introduction for me.”

Again:

Problem.

Trigger.

Referral.

Example: Commercial Cleaner

“I'm Jane from ABC Cleaning. We provide reliable commercial cleaning for offices across Essex. If you hear an office manager complaining that their current cleaners keep missing visits or standards are slipping, I'd appreciate an introduction.”

The listener now knows exactly what to listen for.

Example: Electrician

“I'm Paul from ABC Electrical. We work with commercial property owners and managing agents across Essex. If you hear somebody saying they're struggling to find a reliable electrician who actually turns up when promised, that's a good introduction for me.”

Example: Website Designer

“I'm Emma from ABC Web Design. I work with established businesses whose websites look fine but aren't generating enough enquiries. If you hear someone saying, ‘We've got a website but it doesn't bring us any business,’ I'd love an introduction.”

Example: Accountant

“I'm David from ABC Accountants. We work with established SMEs that want more than somebody who simply files their accounts once a year. If you hear a business owner saying, ‘I don't really understand what my numbers are telling me,’ I'd be happy to have a conversation.”

Example: Tree Surgeon

“I'm James from ABC Trees. We help homeowners and commercial property managers across Essex with tree maintenance and removal. If you hear somebody complaining about a dangerous or overgrown tree they're worried about, please introduce us.”

Example: Marketing Agency

“I'm Sarah from ABC Marketing. We help established SMEs that are spending money on marketing but can't tell what's actually generating customers. If you hear someone saying, ‘We're doing loads of marketing but I don't know what's working,’ that's a great introduction for me.”

Referral Triggers Make Networking Pitches Stronger

This is worth emphasising.

Your listener may struggle to remember:

“Kim provides business coaching.”

But they may remember:

“Kim wants business owners who are busy but not making enough profit.”

Problems create associations.

And associations help referrals happen.

What Is a Referral Trigger?

A referral trigger is something another person:

Says

Does

or:

Experiences

that indicates they may need your service.

For example:

Business Coach

“Everything depends on me.”

HR Consultant

“I've got a problem employee.”

Accountant

“I don't know where the money is going.”

Website Designer

“Our website doesn't generate leads.”

Commercial Cleaner

“We're constantly complaining about our cleaners.”

Recruiter

“We can't find the right staff.”

Financial Adviser

“I need to sort out my pension.”

Teach your network those triggers.

Use the Customer's Language

Don't make referral triggers overly technical.

Your customers probably don't say:

“I'm experiencing inadequate organisational delegation architecture.”

They say:

“My staff bring every problem to me.”

Use real language.

That's what networking contacts are likely to hear.

Where Do You Find Referral Triggers?

Listen to:

Customers

Sales conversations

Enquiries

Reviews

Networking conversations

Emails

What do people actually say before they buy?

Write those phrases down.

They can become powerful networking messages.

One Pitch = One Referral Trigger

This is one of the easiest ways to improve a regular networking pitch.

Don't say:

“Listen for somebody who needs more customers, better cash flow, more profit, better staff, improved systems, better time management and stronger leadership.”

Nobody will remember all that.

Choose one.

This week:

Profit.

Next week:

Staff.

Following week:

Sales.

Over time, your network learns the whole business.

Rotate Your Networking Pitches

If you attend weekly, you have approximately 50 opportunities a year to educate the room.

Use them.

For a business coach, you might rotate:

Week 1 – Profit

“We're busy but not making enough money.”

Week 2 – Sales

“We're getting enquiries but not enough customers.”

Week 3 – Employees

“My staff bring every problem to me.”

Week 4 – Time

“I'm working ridiculous hours.”

Week 5 – Cash Flow

“We're profitable but there's never money in the bank.”

Week 6 – Growth

“We've grown but everything feels chaotic.”

Now members learn six different reasons to refer you.

Don't Change Your Core Positioning Every Week

There's a balance.

Vary the problem.

Keep the core identity consistent.

For example:

“I'm Kim Wheatley, business coach and mentor for established SME owners…”

remains familiar.

Then change the referral trigger.

This builds both:

Recognition

and:

Breadth of understanding.

Use a Theme of the Month

Another option is to focus on one area for several weeks.

For example:

January – Profitability

Week 1: low margins.

Week 2: pricing.

Week 3: rising turnover but falling profit.

Week 4: busy but not making money.

February – Sales

Week 1: not enough enquiries.

Week 2: enquiries but no sales.

Week 3: poor follow-up.

Week 4: low conversion.

This can help members understand a topic in greater depth.

Use Specific Industries

Instead of always asking for:

“SME owners.”

occasionally narrow the request.

For example:

“This week I'd particularly like to meet owners of electrical companies with a team of five or more.”

Next week:

“I'd like to meet independent estate and letting agents.”

Another week:

“I'm looking for owners of commercial cleaning companies.”

This helps networking contacts search different parts of their network.

Use Specific Locations

If geography matters, say so.

For example:

“I'd particularly like introductions to business owners in Brentwood, Chelmsford and Basildon.”

That may trigger different contacts than simply:

“Businesses in Essex.”

Use Named Companies

This can be extremely effective.

Rather than:

“I'd like to meet more construction companies.”

say:

“This week I'd particularly like an introduction to ABC Construction in Chelmsford.”

Someone may know the owner.

Even if nobody does, the specificity can make the request more memorable.

Research Before You Pitch

Before a networking meeting, spend a few minutes asking:

Who do I want to meet this week?

Look at:

  • LinkedIn.
  • Local businesses.
  • Target sectors.
  • Existing contacts.
  • Group members' networks where appropriate.

Turn up with a purpose.

Don't invent the referral request while standing up.

A 30-Second Networking Pitch Structure

For a short pitch, use:

0–5 seconds

Name + business

5–12 seconds

Ideal customer

12–20 seconds

Problem

20–27 seconds

Referral trigger

27–30 seconds

Clear ask

Keep it tight.

30-Second Networking Pitch Example

“I'm Kim Wheatley, business coach and mentor. I work with established SME owners who are busy and growing but frustrated that the business still depends too heavily on them. If you hear an owner saying, ‘I can't take a holiday because everything comes back to me,’ that's a good introduction for me. I'm Kim Wheatley.”

One problem.

One trigger.

Easy to remember.

A 40-Second Networking Pitch Structure

With another ten seconds, add:

A little proof or outcome.

For example:

“I'm Kim Wheatley, business coach and mentor. I work with established SME owners who are growing but finding every decision still comes back to them. I help them improve delegation, accountability and the systems around the business so the owner isn't the answer to everything. If you hear someone saying, ‘My staff won't make a decision without me,’ I'd appreciate an introduction.”

A 60-Second Networking Pitch Structure

At 60 seconds, you can use a short story.

Structure:

Hook

↓

Situation

↓

Problem

↓

Solution

↓

Referral Trigger

↓

Ask

60-Second Networking Pitch Example

“A business owner said something to me recently that I hear far too often: ‘I've built myself a business that I can't escape from.’

The company had grown, they had staff and plenty of customers, but every decision still came back to the owner.

That's one of the areas I help SME owners work through — improving delegation, accountability and processes so the business becomes less dependent on them.

So this week, listen for the business owner who says, ‘I can't take time off because everything falls apart when I'm not there.’

If you hear that, I'd really appreciate an introduction. I'm Kim Wheatley, business coach and mentor.”

The story gives the listener something to visualise.

Start With a Hook

When appropriate, use an opening that creates interest.

For example:

“How many business owners do you know who have accidentally created themselves a very stressful job?”

Or:

“More sales don't necessarily mean more profit.”

Or:

“Being busy and being profitable are not the same thing.”

Then connect the hook to your referral request.

Don't Use a Clever Hook That Confuses People

Creativity can help memorability.

But clarity comes first.

If everyone laughs at your pitch but nobody knows what you do, it hasn't done its job.

Ask:

“Will people remember the referral opportunity?”

not only:

“Will they remember the joke?”

Humour Can Work

A light theme can make a regular networking pitch more engaging.

You might use:

  • Seasonal themes.
  • Sporting references.
  • Films.
  • Music.
  • Current events.
  • Everyday frustrations.

But always bring it back to:

Who should they refer?

The referral ask is the commercial purpose of the pitch.

Use Numbers Carefully

Numbers can make a message memorable.

For example:

“Imagine a business generating £1 million in sales but only 3% net profit. A 1% improvement in net margin would represent another £10,000 in profit.”

Then:

“If you know a business owner with healthy turnover but disappointing profit, that's a good introduction for me.”

Make sure any figures are clear and accurate.

Use Questions

Questions engage the listener.

For example:

“Do you know a business owner who's always the first person in and the last person out?”

Then:

“That's the type of owner I help.”

Simple.

Use Contrast

Contrast can make the message memorable.

For example:

“More turnover isn't always the answer. Sometimes the business needs to make more from the sales it already has.”

Then connect it to your target referral.

Use Before and After

For example:

Before:

Owner working 60 hours.

Every decision goes through them.

Constant firefighting.

After:

Managers take responsibility.

Processes are clear.

Owner has time to focus on growth.

Then:

“If you know an owner stuck in the first situation, I'd appreciate an introduction.”

Use a Mini Case Study

For example:

“I worked with a business owner who thought they needed more customers. When we looked at the numbers, they had plenty of enquiries — they simply weren't converting enough of them. If you know an owner saying, ‘We're getting enquiries but no sales,’ that's a good introduction for me.”

Case studies help the network understand what you actually do.

Don't Breach Customer Confidentiality

You don't need to identify the customer.

You can say:

“A construction company I worked with…”

or:

“One of my clients…”

The story can still demonstrate the problem without disclosing inappropriate information.

Your Pitch Should Create a Mental Picture

Compare:

“I help businesses optimise their operational performance.”

with:

“I help business owners who can't take Friday afternoon off without the phone ringing every 20 minutes.”

Which can you picture?

Use language people can visualise.

Avoid Jargon

Your networking group may contain people from completely different industries.

Avoid assuming they understand specialist terminology.

If you have to explain what a word means, it's probably wasting valuable seconds.

Use everyday language.

Avoid Long Lists

Lists sound like:

“We do X, Y, Z, A, B, C…”

The listener is waiting for the list to end.

Focus on the problem most relevant to that week's pitch.

Avoid Generic Claims

“We offer great service.”

“We're passionate.”

“We go the extra mile.”

“We're customer-focused.”

Most businesses say these things.

They don't help somebody identify a referral.

Use specifics.

Don't Spend Half the Pitch Saying How Long You've Been Trading

Experience can build credibility.

But don't use 20 of your 30 seconds explaining company history unless it's particularly relevant.

Your network needs to know:

Who should I introduce to you?

That's the priority.

Don't Finish With “Anyone”

After delivering a great pitch, don't destroy the specificity with:

“So anyone who needs a business coach.”

Finish specifically.

“This week, I'd like an introduction to an SME owner with 5–20 employees who is struggling to get their managers to take responsibility.”

That's actionable.

Don't Ask for “Businesses That Want to Grow”

Almost every business owner could claim they want growth.

What does that look like?

Instead:

“Business owners who are turning work away because they don't have enough capacity.”

or:

“Owners who have grown to 10 employees but are still making every decision themselves.”

Observable situations create better referrals.

Make Your Pitch Easy to Repeat

Here's a useful test.

After the meeting, could another member say:

“I know someone you should speak to. Kim helps business owners who…”

and finish the sentence correctly?

If yes, your pitch is probably clear.

If not, simplify it.

Ask Members What They Remember

This can be revealing.

Ask trusted networking contacts:

“If someone asked you what I do, what would you say?”

Don't correct them immediately.

Listen.

If their description is completely different from your intended positioning, your message needs work.

Build Repetition Into Your Pitch

Marketing often requires repetition.

Don't worry if you've mentioned:

“Business owners working too many hours”

before.

People may need to hear it several times before the association forms.

Vary the story while keeping the core trigger recognisable.

Your Pitch Is Only One Part of Networking

Even an excellent pitch won't create a referral strategy by itself.

You still need:

  • Consistent attendance.
  • One-to-one meetings.
  • Relationship building.
  • Credibility.
  • Follow-up.
  • Reciprocity.
  • Good service.

The pitch helps people recognise opportunities.

Trust determines whether they'll introduce you.

The One-to-One Makes the Pitch More Powerful

Suppose someone hears your 30-second pitch every week.

Then you have a one-to-one and explain:

  • Your ideal customer.
  • Problems you solve.
  • Case studies.
  • Who isn't suitable.
  • How you work.

Now your weekly pitches reinforce a deeper understanding.

That's why one-to-ones matter.

Teach Referral Partners More Than Your Pitch

Your strongest referral partners should understand:

Who you help

What problems you solve

What a good referral looks like

What isn't a good referral

How to introduce you

A 30-second pitch creates awareness.

A referral partnership creates understanding.

Follow Up Specific Opportunities

If someone approaches after the meeting:

“I know somebody who might be perfect for you.”

Don't simply say:

“Great, give them my number.”

Ask:

“What makes you think they might be a good fit?”

Then:

“Would you feel comfortable introducing us?”

Turn the conversation into an appropriate warm introduction.

Make the Introduction Easy

Offer simple wording your networking contact can adapt:

“Sarah, I'd like to introduce you to Kim Wheatley. Kim works with established SME owners on areas including profitability, sales and staff management. You mentioned you're struggling with X, so I thought it might be useful for you two to speak.”

The easier you make the introduction, the more likely it is to happen.

Thank People Who Refer You

Whether the referral buys or not:

Thank the referrer.

They used their relationship to create an opportunity for you.

Don't take that for granted.

Track Which Pitches Generate Referrals

This is where you can become more strategic.

Keep a simple record:

Pitch TopicReferral TriggerEnquiriesReferralsProfitBusy but not making money32StaffProblems always come to owner54SalesEnquiries but no sales43TimeOwner working too many hours22

Over time, you'll see which messages resonate.

Then use them more frequently.

Test Different Referral Asks

Try:

Problem-based asks

versus:

Industry-based asks

versus:

Named-person asks

versus:

Location-based asks.

See what generates the best introductions in your particular network.

Measure Quality, Not Just Quantity

A pitch that generates:

5 irrelevant leads

may be worse than one that generates:

1 excellent introduction.

Measure:

Qualified opportunities

Sales

Revenue

not simply:

Names received.

Create a Networking Pitch Bank

Instead of inventing something every week, prepare 10–20 pitches.

Categories could include:

Profit

Sales

Cash Flow

Staff

Time

Delegation

Systems

Pricing

Referrals

Growth

Then rotate and update them.

This saves time and improves quality.

A 12-Week Networking Pitch Plan for a Business Coach

Week 1 – Profit

“Busy but not making enough money.”

Week 2 – Sales Conversion

“Getting enquiries but no sales.”

Week 3 – Time

“Working too many hours.”

Week 4 – Staff

“Employees bring every problem to me.”

Week 5 – Cash Flow

“Profitable but no money in the bank.”

Week 6 – Pricing

“We're scared to put our prices up.”

Week 7 – Delegation

“Nobody can do it as well as me.”

Week 8 – Systems

“Everything is in my head.”

Week 9 – Recruitment

“We can't find good people.”

Week 10 – Customer Acquisition

“We need more customers.”

Week 11 – Referrals

“Most of our business comes through word of mouth, but we don't have a referral strategy.”

Week 12 – Growth

“The business has grown but feels out of control.”

Then repeat the strongest themes with different stories.

A Simple Networking Pitch Template

Use:

“I'm [NAME] from [BUSINESS].

I help [IDEAL CUSTOMER] who are struggling with [SPECIFIC PROBLEM].

We help them [OUTCOME].

So if you hear someone saying [REFERRAL TRIGGER], I'd really appreciate an introduction.

I'm [NAME] from [BUSINESS].”

Adjust it to fit your natural speaking style.

A Problem-Based Template

“Do you know a [CUSTOMER] who is struggling with [PROBLEM]?

That's exactly the type of business I help.

I work with them to [OUTCOME].

So this week, listen for someone saying [TRIGGER].

I'd appreciate an introduction.”

A Story-Based Template

“I recently spoke to a [CUSTOMER] who was struggling with [PROBLEM].

The issue was [INSIGHT].

We helped them [ACTION/OUTCOME].

So if you know somebody experiencing something similar, I'd really appreciate an introduction.”

A Named-Referral Template

“This week I'm specifically looking for an introduction to [PERSON/COMPANY].

The reason is [RELEVANT REASON].

If anybody knows them well enough to make an introduction, I'd really appreciate a conversation after the meeting.”

Very clear.

Before Your Next Networking Meeting, Ask Five Questions

1. Who am I talking about this week?

2. What single problem will I focus on?

3. What phrase might that person actually say?

4. What do I want the room to remember?

5. What exactly am I asking for?

If you can answer those five questions, your pitch will usually become much clearer.

Your Networking Pitch Checklist

Before delivering your pitch, check:

Is it clear?

Is it specific?

Does it focus on a problem?

Is there a referral trigger?

Does it contain one clear ask?

Can somebody repeat it afterwards?

If yes, you're in a strong position.

The Goal Isn't to Sound Impressive

This is important.

Your goal isn't for everybody to think:

“What an amazing 30-second speech.”

The goal is for somebody three days later to hear:

“My business is busier than ever but we're making less money.”

and immediately think:

“You need to speak to Kim.”

That's a networking pitch doing its job.

Want to Get More Referrals From Your Networking Pitch?

I'm Kim Wheatley, a business coach and mentor helping SME business owners across Essex and the UK.

Networking and referral marketing are areas I work on with business owners who spend valuable time attending networking meetings but aren't generating enough opportunities from them.

We can look at:

  • Your networking pitch.
  • Ideal customer.
  • Referral triggers.
  • Referral asks.
  • One-to-one meetings.
  • Referral partners.
  • Networking strategy.
  • Follow-up.
  • Sales conversion.
  • Networking ROI.

The objective isn't to make your networking pitch sound clever.

It's to make your business easy to understand, easy to remember and easy to refer.

Book Your Free Business Growth Accelerator Meeting

If you're regularly attending networking meetings but aren't receiving enough quality referrals, let's look at your approach.

During a Free Business Growth Accelerator Meeting, we can discuss:

  • Your current networking message.
  • Your ideal customer.
  • Problems you solve.
  • Referral triggers.
  • Referral partners.
  • Networking activity.
  • Follow-up.
  • Conversion.

Then we can identify practical ways to make the time you're spending networking more commercially productive.

Book your Free Business Growth Accelerator Meeting today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I say in a networking pitch?

Explain who you help, the specific problem you solve, the outcome you provide and what a useful referral looks like. Keep the message simple enough for someone else to repeat.

How do I make a 30-second networking pitch?

Focus on one ideal customer and one problem. Introduce yourself, describe who you help, give a recognisable referral trigger and finish with a specific request for an introduction.

What is an example of a good networking pitch?

For a business coach: “I work with established SME owners who are incredibly busy but aren't seeing enough profit. If you hear a business owner saying, ‘We're busier than ever but never seem to have enough money left,’ that's a good introduction for me.”

How do I make my networking pitch memorable?

Use specific problems, real customer language, referral triggers, short stories and clear examples. Avoid long service lists, jargon and generic statements that could apply to almost any business.

Should I use the same networking pitch every week?

Keep your core positioning consistent but vary the problem, referral trigger, example or target customer. This helps regular networking contacts gradually understand the different situations in which they can refer you.

What is a referral trigger in networking?

A referral trigger is a phrase, problem or situation that helps someone recognise a potential customer for you. For example, “My staff bring every problem to me” could be a trigger for someone who helps business owners improve management and delegation.

Should my networking pitch include my company history?

Only if it's relevant and you have enough time. In a short pitch, helping people understand who to refer is normally more useful than spending most of the time explaining your company's history.

Should I ask for a specific referral at networking?

Yes, where appropriate. Specific industries, business types, locations or named organisations can make your request easier to act upon than asking for “anyone who needs my services.”

Why isn't my networking pitch generating referrals?

Your message may be too broad, unclear or focused on services rather than recognisable customer problems. Referrals also depend on relationships and trust, so improving your pitch should be combined with one-to-ones, follow-up and relationship building.

How can I tell whether my networking pitch is working?

Track which topics and referral requests generate conversations, introductions, qualified opportunities and customers. Also ask trusted members to explain what they think you do; their answer can reveal whether your message is clear.

Can a business coach help improve my networking pitch?

Business coaching can help you clarify your ideal customer, value proposition, referral triggers and networking strategy so other people can more easily understand when and who to refer to you.

Subscribe to Receive Business Tips

ImageKim Wheatley Mentoring
Company
HomeBusiness Coach BasildonBusiness Coach RomfordBusiness Coach ChelmsfordBusiness Coach BrentwoodSolutionTestimonialsContact UsBlogsOur MissionBusiness Coach EssexReviewsBusiness coach HarlowBusiness Coach IlfordBusiness Coach SouthendBusiness Coach ColchesterBusiness Coach HornchurchBusiness Coach ThurrockBusiness Coach GraysBusiness Coach UpminsterBusiness Coach RayleighBusiness coach WickfordBusiness coach saffron waldenBusiness Coach BraintreeBusiness Coach MaldonBusiness Coach CanveyBusiness coach trades essexBusiness coach tree surgeonsBusiness coach for HR companiesBusiness coach for BookkeepersBusiness coach family businesses EssexBusiness coach Social Media companiesBusiness Coach for Website DesignersBusiness Coach for Digital Marketing CompaniesBusiness Coach for Estate & Letting AgentsBusiness Coach for Cleaning CompaniesBusiness Coach for Bathroom CompaniesBusiness Coach for Window CompaniesBusiness Coach for Decorating CompaniesBusiness Coach for Travel ConsultantsBusiness Coach for ElectriciansBusiness Coach for Roofing CompaniesBusiness Coach for BuildersBusiness Coach for Heating EngineersBusiness Coach for Air Conditioning CompaniesBusiness Coach DagenhamBusiness Coach South Woodham FerrersBusiness Coach South BenfleetHow to Increase Profit in a Small Business | 12 Practical StrategiesHow to Get More Customers for My Business | 12 Proven StrategiesHow to Increase Sales in a Small Business | 12 Practical WaysHow to Improve Cash Flow in a Small Business | 12 Practical WaysHow to Grow a Small Business | 15 Practical Growth StrategiesHow to Increase Prices Without Losing Customers | Small Business GuideHow to Price a Service | Small Business Pricing GuideHow to Know If Your Prices Are Too Low | 12 Warning SignsHow to Improve Profit Margins in a Small Business | 15 WaysHow to Tell Customers About a Price Increase | Examples & TipsValue-Based Pricing for Small Businesses | Practical GuideBusiness Is Busy But Not Making Money? 12 Reasons WhyTurnover Increasing But Profit Falling? 12 Reasons WhyBusiness Making a Profit But No Money in the Bank? WhyWhy Am I Working So Many Hours in My Business? 12 ReasonsHow to Make Your Business Run Without You | 12 StepsHow to Delegate Effectively as a Business Owner | 10 StepsHow to Create Systems and Processes in a Small BusinessHow to Stop Employees Bringing Every Problem to YouHow to Hold Employees Accountable Without MicromanagingHow to Manage Underperforming Employees in a Small BusinessHow to Motivate Employees in a Small Business | 15 IdeasHow to Retain Good Employees in a Small Business | 15 StrategiesHow to Recruit Good Employees for a Small BusinessHow to Convert More Enquiries Into Customers | Small Business GuideHow to Follow Up Sales Leads Without Being PushyWhy Am I Getting Enquiries But No Sales? | 15 ReasonsHow to Get More Referrals | 20 Ways to Win More BusinessHow to Ask Customers for Referrals Without Feeling AwkwardHow to Build Referral Partnerships That Generate BusinessHow to Get More Referrals From Business NetworkingHow to Make a Networking Pitch That Gets Referrals30-Second Networking Pitch Examples for Small Businesses
Resources
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
© Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved by Kim Wheatley Mentoring