Referrals - expectation of rewards

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL - A THANK YOU AND POLICY/POSITION CLARIFICATION

REFERRALS - GETTING REWARDED

I've started to notice how essential it is for me to have open, honest, fact-based engagement with everyone I work with—especially as clients increasingly approach me with referrals, hoping to connect me with new buyers. These referral opportunities are exciting and valuable, yet they also bring a responsibility to maintain clarity around my role and the expectations we have of each other. Lately, I’ve seen more requests for referral rewards or additional recognition for bringing in these third-party opportunities, with some expectation that I build in margin to accommodate a referral fee. This makes it crucial to set clear boundaries, both for the sake of my reputation and for the community we all serve.

When I put my reputation on the line, it’s not something I take lightly. Every action I take in this space reflects not only on me but on our shared values. I want to be clear: I'm not the kind of service provider who’s here to do things 'quick and cheap' or to slip in an extra commission to smooth things over. Our environment is intense and unpredictable, where market swings create real impacts on every choice we make. My approach, therefore, needs to be thoughtful and grounded in principles that protect the integrity of my service and the trust we’ve built.

I think you’ll understand this professionally too—market fluctuations affect all of us deeply, going well beyond finances. My role is about more than profit; it’s about preserving the stability, trust, and respect that our community relies on. And in that sense, I don’t have the luxury of compromising or letting standards slip to accommodate external pressures.

When I push back, or when I emphasize the importance of a clear process, it’s because I am fully committed to maintaining our integrity. I know this can sometimes feel frustrating, but it’s really about ensuring we’re all aligned and that we keep our focus on quality and ethical service. Balancing multiple interests isn’t easy—particularly when it involves serving third parties or handling requests outside of our usual routines—but that’s why I’m here, fully committed to working through these challenges rather than just stepping back.

Nowadys, I see every one of these conversations as an opportunity. The truth is, there's so much for us all to learn and gain from each other, especially as we navigate a market that’s both challenging and rewarding. I'm ready to tackle this together, knowing that we’ll come out stronger, with a shared understanding and commitment to the values that matter most to us.

Your participation, as mentor, client, referrer, partner...is always welcomed.

Thank you & regards
Adam