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Well, check out these questions below, and if you can answer yes to most or all of the following points about a person and her business, you would have a pretty deep referral relationship: You trust them to do a great job and take great care of your referred prospects. You have known each other for at least one year. You understand at least three major products or services within their business and feel comfortable explaining them to others. You know the names of their family members and have met them personally. You have both asked each other how you can help grow your respective businesses. You know at least five of their goals for the year, including personal and business goals. You could call them at 9 o’clock at night if you really needed something. You would not feel awkward asking them for help with either a personal or business challenge. You enjoy the time you spend together. You see each other on a regular basis—in both business and personal situations. You enjoy seeing them achieve further success. They are “top of mind” regularly. You have open, honest talks about how you can help each other further.
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Ivan R. Misner (Networking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts into Connections)