The Subtle Shift that Makes Referrals Feel Natural
How to Make Referrals Feel Natural
January 7, 2026
Written by Andrea Bullard
Most advisors struggle with referrals for one reason they rarely acknowledge:
They don’t fully recognize the positive impact they make on people’s lives.
When you don’t see your work as meaningful and transformative, asking for referrals feels like:
- Selling
- Self-promotion
- An uncomfortable request
Instead of what it truly is — an opportunity to make a bigger impact in the world.
Here’s something else I’ve learned after decades of coaching advisors:
Most advisors have never uncovered — or truly owned — their personal story around money, protection, or financial planning.
And story is where connection lives.
One of my clients was a strong producer, technically excellent, and respected by his clients — yet referrals were inconsistent.
As we worked together, I asked him why he got into this business. Then he shared something he had never connected to his role as an advisor. It was his personal story and why he felt so strong about financial planning.
He grew up with a single mom after his parents divorced.
Money was always tight.
There was constant worry about security and the future.
That experience shaped him deeply — but he had never led with it.
Once he plugged into that story and allowed it to inform how he spoke about his work, everything changed.
Clients felt his why.
They trusted him more deeply.
They understood why he cared so much.
And his referrals exploded.
Not because he asked harder.
But because people felt the purpose behind his work.
This is exactly the kind of shift we focus on inside the challenge that will bring immediate change in how you feel and how you ask. It will transform your business and your ability to get referrals.
Referral Momentum FREE Challenge
Inside the challenge, you’ll learn:
- How to reframe referrals from “selling” to serving
- How to connect to your personal story and purpose
- Language that feels natural, confident, and authentic
- How to lead referral conversations without pressure
- How to build momentum without feeling awkward or salesy
Referral Momentum is the starting point.
Now take action and let’s start 2026 with great momentum.
Your Coach,
P.S. People don’t refer advisors because of products. They refer because of purpose, trust, and connection — and that can be learned.
For advisors who want to turn this mindset into a permanent growth engine — with deeper systems, team alignment, and mastery — the next step is to continue inside the Rainmaker’s Playbook.
