Finding Value-Aligned Partners Who Will Actually Refer You

Will, EnableUs Community

Hey everyone, welcome back to Finding Participants! I'm Will from EnableUs, and as always, I'm joined by Winter. How's it going, Winter?

Winter, EnableUs Community

Hey Will, I'm good! Excited for this one. I feel like value-aligned partnerships are one of those things people talk about, but not enough folks actually do it well.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, totally. I mean, we've all heard "it's not what you know, it's who you know," but honestly, it's more like "it's who you know that actually cares about the same stuff you do." Like, if you and your partners both put participants first, everything just... works better. Referrals feel natural, not forced.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Exactly. And it's not just about getting more referrals, it's about getting the right ones. When you share values like respect and reliability, you can trust that your participants are in good hands, and that just makes the whole process smoother for everyone.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and I reckon that's why our first real referral partnership was such a game-changer. I still remember it—this plan manager reached out, and straight away, you could tell they genuinely cared about their participants. They'd heard about us from a support coordinator, and we just clicked. We both had this participant-first mindset, and it wasn't about ticking boxes or filling spots, it was about actually helping people. That first referral? It went so well, and it set the tone for how we wanted to work with everyone else after that.

Winter, EnableUs Community

That's such a good example. And honestly, it's not just plan managers. Support coordinators, local area coordinators, even community groups—when you find those people who share your approach, it just feels easy. Like, you don't have to chase them or convince them, because you're both already on the same page.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and I think that's something we touched on in our episode about building referral networks, right? It's not about having the biggest network, it's about having the right people in it. People who actually want to see your participants succeed.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Absolutely. And when you get that right, the referrals are more genuine, the communication is smoother, and you end up with partnerships that last way longer. It's just less stressful, honestly.

Will, EnableUs Community

So, let's talk about how you actually find those partners. It's not like there's a big sign saying "value-aligned partner here!"

Winter, EnableUs Community

I wish! But yeah, it's about looking for people who work with similar participant groups, or whose services complement yours. Like, if you're supporting young people, maybe look for allied health professionals or community orgs who focus on youth as well.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and I think doing your homework is key. Like, check out their website, see what kind of language they use, what values they talk about. Are they all about participant outcomes, or is it just, you know, "we have spots available"?

Winter, EnableUs Community

Exactly. And when you reach out, don't make it all about you. I remember this one time, I did a cold outreach to a local allied health professional. I was honestly a bit nervous, because I didn't want to come across as just wanting referrals. So instead, I sent them a quick intro about what we do, but I also asked about their approach and what kind of participants they love working with. I offered to share some resources, and just left it open. A couple of weeks later, they got back to me, and we ended up having a coffee. That turned into a really great collaboration—like, we still refer to each other all the time.

Will, EnableUs Community

That's awesome. And I think that's the trick—start with value, not a pitch. Like, "Hey, I noticed we both work with people in this area, maybe we can help each other out." Or even just sharing a resource or a capacity update, instead of asking for something straight away.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and then just keep it gentle. Like, don't bombard them with emails or calls. Just check in every now and then, share a win, or let them know if you've got new services. It's about building a relationship, not closing a deal.

Will, EnableUs Community

And honestly, sometimes it takes a while. But if the values are there, it'll happen. And if not, that's okay too—better to know early than waste time on a partnership that doesn't fit.

Winter, EnableUs Community

So, once you've got those partnerships started, the real work is keeping them strong. Like, it's not a "set and forget" thing.

Will, EnableUs Community

Yeah, totally. I think prompt follow-up is huge. If someone refers a participant to you, get back to them quickly. It shows you respect their effort and you care about the outcome.

Winter, EnableUs Community

And don't forget to close the loop! Like, let them know how it went, even if it's just a quick message. It makes them feel valued, and it builds trust for next time.

Will, EnableUs Community

And reciprocation, right? If you get a chance to refer back, do it. Even if it's just once in a while, it shows you're in it for the long haul, not just to take, take, take.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and sharing resources is another big one. Like, if you come across something useful—maybe a new community program or a funding update—pass it on. It doesn't have to be a big thing, but it keeps the relationship warm.

Will, EnableUs Community

Actually, that reminds me of the partnership we had with a disability employment service. At first, it was just a couple of referrals here and there, but we made a point to always follow up, share outcomes, and send a thank you. Over time, it turned into a steady stream of high-quality referrals, and honestly, the participants got way better outcomes because we were all working together. It just proves that a little effort goes a long way.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Yeah, and it's not just about business growth—it's about making a real difference for participants. When you build those genuine, value-aligned partnerships, everyone wins.

Will, EnableUs Community

Alright, I think that's a good place to wrap up. If you're listening and thinking about your own partnerships, just remember—start with values, keep it genuine, and play the long game. You'll see the results.

Winter, EnableUs Community

Thanks for tuning in, everyone. We'll be back soon with more ways to help you find and connect with the right participants. See you next time, Will!

Will, EnableUs Community

See you, Winter! And thanks everyone for listening. Take care!