People ask how do you get more referrals. They want to work with more and better companies.
A lot of the time they are unhappy with the people they work with.
You can get more referrals by
1. Become someone that people want to refer out.
2. Start referring other people
3. Grow your Network – Build a group of people that can refer you.
Getting a referral is great. But you will still need to figure out if that is a company – You want to work with.
Figure out your Ideal Client or Ideal Show. Book Yourself Solid has a workbook you can use to ask the right questions.
Each person is different. Some people are very happy working a Festivals and camping outside.
Others Hate working in a ballroom, traveling and staying in hotels. Maybe you want to go on tour or Maybe you only want to work close to home.
Once you figure out your Ideal Show/Company – finding them will be easier.
Any company can ask if you are available.
But if they are not on your list of people you want to work with – Say No.
Become a LD That People Want to Refer
The first thing you need to do to get more Lighting Job 
Referrals – is to be a person that people should refer and want to refer.
Don’t ask people to refer you – after working with them for one setup.
It does take time working with people before they will refer you to other companies they work with. Just let people you work with know you are looking for more work.
Story – I had a stagehand ask me to call him direct next time and skip the stagehand company he was working with.
1 – I do not book labor – So I was the wrong guy to ask.
2 – the week before that show – I told the labor company not to send him out on shows any more – So I definitely was the wrong guy to ask. I don’t see that guy on shows anymore.
Tips To Help You Become a Better LD
Refer Other People
One of the best way to get a referral is by giving one. But don’t mess this up. Telling someone that they should hire this random person that thy do not know – is tricky.
I only refer out people I like to work with.
I like to work with people that know their job. But also people that do not put my job in jeopardy.
If that person has a bad temper and upsets the client. I might not have that same show next year.
Story – This year I work with someone for the first time.
She was the A1 – it was a small show – so there was no A2 or other audio people in the room. I get nervous working with new young people in a main role.
A lot of new people learn the technical side of their job but never get to learn the client interaction. This person amazed me.
It sounded good and every time she interacted with a presenter – it made me smile.
She works for a company but if she every went freelance – I would be the first to tell everyone I know to hire her.
When you start referring people out. Send good referrals their way.
If they no longer want to drive truck.
Don’t tell people you know a great person that can drive their truck.
That company will call and get a No Thank You. And they might never call that person again.
Ask people if it is OK to refer them out to other companies.
It is Easy to Refer a Person That Has a Good Attitude – Does Not Complain – And Does Their Job
Grow Your Networking
Grow the network of people you work with. Join Facebook groups.
Go to open houses.
Let people know that you are looking for new companies to work with.
But don’t be annoying
Connect with people. I like to use Facebook like a business roledex. When I work with someone –
I will usually connect with them after on Facebook.
I don’t need their phone number or email address. If after working with them some more.
I decide to refer them out. I will contact them and get their information then.
Here is a list I made about Dos and Don’ts to help people like you more.
A company would rather hire a person that is referred to them.
They are taking a risk hiring some based off a resume.
Full time employment might require a resume
But freelance work is all about your network and referrals.
Figure Out Your Ideal Client/Company Grow Your Network Refer the Right People
Get More Lighting Job Referrals
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
Read More
- Getting Started in Lighting
- Become a Better LD
- Lighting Dos and Don’ts
- Church Stage Lighting Basics You Will Absolutely Want For 2021
Pins for Pinterest
If you like what we see feel free to share some love on Pinterest <3
Ryan Conlon is a highly experienced Corporate Freelance Lighting Designer with two decades of dedicated work in the entertainment industry. With a passion for creating captivating lighting experiences, Ryan has contributed his expertise to numerous corporate meetings, stage productions, concerts, and events throughout his career.