The Importance of Gratitude and Asking for Suggestions and Referrals

Clear and effective communication is essential for professional growth. How you interact with others online and in person can make all the difference in someone offering you resources or opportunities.

Thanking people for their time when you speak with them via email, online platforms or in person should be done with every interaction.

Showing gratitude for other peoples’ time and effort will encourage people to interact with you and they will be more inclined to share any other ideas or suggestions or people that you should talk to when you ask, as you should at the end of every conversation.

Why Thanking People Matters

Expressing gratitude in your online interactions is more than just good manners. It demonstrates respect for the other person’s time and effort.

This small gesture can foster goodwill and encourage others to engage with you in the future. When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to respond positively and offer their support.

They are also more likely to think of you and share an opportunity that you may be interested in when they find out about one.

After thanking someone for their time, always ask if they have any other suggestions or if there are people you should reach out to. This approach not only shows your eagerness to learn but also opens the door to valuable opportunities.

Referrals and introductions can help you expand your network, gain new insights, and advance your career.

Make sure to politely ask if the person has any other advice or knows someone you should connect with and then express gratitude. For example, “Do you have any other suggestions or know anyone else I should reach out to?” Always close your emails or messages with a sincere thank you. For example, “Thank you again for your time and insights.”

Thanking people for their time and asking for suggestions or referrals is a simple yet effective way to build strong professional relationships online. You are looking to build a referral system, so that they will refer you to opportunities in the future. By incorporating these habits into your digital communication, you’ll create a positive impression and people will be inclined to share with you.

How to Ask for Suggestions and Referrals

Here are some tips to make your requests natural and effective

Be Specific

Clearly state what you’re looking for. For example, “Do you have any suggestions for improving my approach?” or “Is there anyone else you think I should speak with about this topic?”

Express Gratitude

Always thank the person for their time and any advice or connections they provide.

Follow Up

If you receive new contacts or recommendations, follow up promptly and acknowledge the referral.

Example Phrases to Use

“Do you have any other suggestions or know anyone else I should reach out to?”

“I’d love to hear any ideas you might have for next steps.”

“Is there anyone in your network who might be interested in this?”

Keep reaching out and connecting with people, asking for suggestions and following up. You can create a path to reach your goals and you can create the life you want.

Join us at a live workshop

Are you missing out on opportunities because you don't comfortable introducing yourself, are not confident or don’t know what to say to get people to help you?

Let's fix that

Our Live Workshops allow you to practice your introductions, practice public speaking, and build confidence with actual people just like yourself in real life situations with a supportive community and we have fun.

Do you want to find more opportunities and resources but not sure how?

Do you want to meet more people who will genuinely help you achieve your goals and that you can possibly help along the way?

Do you currently feel like you:

• Don’t understand who to network with to achieve goals

• Don’t have a lot of people and organizations in your network

• Don’t know what your main goal is or should be

• Your not confident

• Don’t know what to say to someone immediately when you reach someone who you want to help you reach your goal

• Don’t know where to find or identify organizations that an help you

We have helped other young adults successfully overcome similar situations with a new simple guide that we have made available for you.

This affordable e-book and workbook is a step by step guide that teaches you how to set and achieve goals, find resources at organizations, connect with people, stay organized, control your mindset and find opportunities.

The proven strategy has enabled people to connect with others to get internships, win competitions, get certified, get better jobs and so many other goals they have had and you can too.

There is no reason not to get it, it's a small investment with big rewards

This is the exact guide other students have used successfully