You’re Not Just Getting More Meetings — You’re Borrowing Trust

Avoid these seven mistakes and build a referral network that compounds your authority

If you’re a solo consultant or expert advisor, one of the most effective ways to grow your business is by building a network of Power Partners.

These are non-competing professionals who serve the same decision-makers you do—people your ideal clients already trust.

And that’s the key.

When a Power Partner refers you, you’re not just getting a lead.
You’re borrowing their trust.

Why Power Partners work so well

Power Partners help you grow not just your reach—but your credibility.

Because when they introduce you to a decision-maker, you’re not starting from zero.
You’re borrowing the trust they’ve already built in that relationship.

You get access to people who might normally be hard to reach.
Your credibility comes pre-loaded.
And the conversation often starts at a higher level—because the door didn’t open cold.

When I ran my consulting business…

I developed a tight circle of Power Partners.

Consultants in strategy, organisational design, productivity, and law—people whose work complemented mine and who were already in the rooms I wanted to be in.

The results were consistently strong:

- Warm introductions.
- Faster conversions.
- More high-fit clients.

But I’ve also seen consultants waste time with unfocused referral efforts.

Why?

Because building a strong Power Partner network takes more than just swapping names or hoping for favours.

Here are seven common mistakes consultants make when trying to build a Power Partner network:

1. Insufficient research

If you don’t understand your partner’s target audience, values, or offers, the connection is shallow—and the referrals won’t land.

2. Neglecting the relationship

This isn’t transactional.

Trust is built through real, consistent connection—not just the occasional check-in.

3. Not educating your partners

If they can’t clearly explain what you do and why it matters, they can’t refer you well.

Help them understand your value.

4. Lack of a referral process

Referrals fall through when there’s no clear, simple process to follow.

Make it easy for them.

5. No reciprocity

The best partnerships are mutual.

Support your partners. Introduce them. Look for ways to help.

6. Inconsistent communication

Out of sight = out of mind.

Stay on their radar in a way that feels generous, not needy.

7. Forgetting to show appreciation

Gratitude is underrated.

A thoughtful thank-you keeps the relationship strong and the referrals flowing.

Your Power Partner network should be a strategic asset

Done right, it becomes a pipeline amplifier.

A credibility engine.

And a source of high-trust, high-fit client opportunities.

Creating your Power Partner network is a core part of the Recognised Authority Accelerator programme.

Because when done well, it doesn’t just bring you more leads.

It compounds your authority.

Want to build your own trusted pipeline of C-suite conversations?
Your first step - take the Recognised Authority Scorecard to identify your strengths—and what’s holding you back