# Event Details - **Event Name**: Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Works - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 17 Jun, 2026 at 03:00 pm – Wed, 17 Jun, 2026 at 04:30 pm - **Event Description**: Build referral partnerships that send real business. Learn who to connect with, what to say, and how to follow up without being awkward.About this EventIf you are tired of collecting business cards, having coffee chats, and wondering why referrals still are not coming in, this workshop is for you.Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Sends You Business is designed for business owners, sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and service providers who want to stop randomly networking and start building intentional referral relationships that lead to real business.Most people think they need more contacts. They do not. They need the right people, the right conversations, and the right follow-up system.In this workshop, you will learn how to identify strong referral partners, have better one-to-one conversations, clearly explain who you serve, and create a simple plan to stay top of mind without being awkward, pushy, or forgettable. Because let’s be honest, “Let me know if you know anyone” is not a strategy. It is a cry for help with a business card attached.You will walk away with a clearer understanding of who belongs in your referral network, what to say when you meet with them, how to educate them on your ideal client, and how to turn casual connections into consistent referral opportunities. What You Will LearnDuring this workshop, we will cover:The difference between a contact, a connection, and a true referral partnerHow to identify the right people to build referral relationships withWhat to say during a one-to-one so the conversation actually goes somewhereHow to explain who you serve in a way people rememberHow to make it easier for others to refer business to youHow to follow up consistently without feeling annoyingHow to build a referral partnership network that supports long-term business growth Who Should Attend?This workshop is a great fit for:Business ownersEntrepreneursSales professionalsRealtorsLendersInsurance professionalsHome service businessesContractors and tradespeopleProfessional service providersAnyone who wants to grow through relationships, referrals, and better conversationsIf your business depends on trust, relationships, and people remembering what you do, you need to be in the room. Why This MattersNetworking events are easy to attend.Building a referral network that actually works takes strategy.This workshop will help you move beyond collecting names and start building intentional partnerships with people who understand your business, know who to refer to you, and actually want to help you grow. About the SpeakerShannon Ford is a business coach, referral growth strategist, and Area Manager for BNI Coastal Virginia in Portsmouth. She has been a member of BNI since 2018 and has helped launch multiple chapters, giving her a strong understanding of how the right relationships can create real business growth.Through Coaching with Shannon, she helps business owners and sales professionals build stronger systems, better sales strategies, and referral networks that actually work. Known for her direct, practical, faith-driven approach, Shannon’s mission is to help business owners stop spinning their wheels and start building intentional relationships that lead to consistent growth. What to BringBring business cards, something to take notes with, and a clear idea of the kind of clients you want more of.You will leave with ideas you can actually use, not just motivational quotes that sound cute and then die in your notebook. Event DetailsDate: Wednesday, June 17, 2026Time: 3:00 PM to 4:30 PMLocation: Incuhub, 100 7th St, Suite 104, Portsmouth, VA 23704Host: Shannon Ford - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/portsmouth/referral-partnerships-that-pay-how-to-build-a-network-that-actually-works/100001991020580152 - **Event Categories**: workshops, business - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes - Location: IncuHub - Portsmouth: Mailboxes, Desks, Offices - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Portsmouth - **state**: VA - **country**: United States - **location**: IncuHub - Portsmouth: Mailboxes, Desks, Offices - **lat**: 36.8293863 - **long**: -76.3041649 - **full address**: IncuHub - Portsmouth: Mailboxes, Desks, Offices, 100 7th Street, Portsmouth, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Works - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/f34786a0a8baa5172009309879d64d839cc382fb28087f7a17d4212932a7cfca-rimg-w1200-h600-dc161617-gmir.jpg?v=1780568657 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Works being held? - **A:** Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Works takes place on Wed, 17 Jun, 2026 at 03:00 pm to Wed, 17 Jun, 2026 at 04:30 pm at IncuHub - Portsmouth: Mailboxes, Desks, Offices, 100 7th Street, Portsmouth, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Works? - **A:** Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Works is organized by Ford Sales Strategies, LLC. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Referral Partnerships That Pay: How to Build a Network That Actually Works is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Portsmouth, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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Founded by Shannon Ford, a passionate business and sales coach, our mission is to help entrepreneurs, service providers, and sales teams turn their networking, sales processes, and daily efforts into measurable results.We specialize in personalized coaching, practical sales workshops, and proven strategies that empower you to build better client relationships, increase average invoices, and overcome objections with confidence. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a team, we’ll help you gain clarity, create structure, and transform your strategies into success.Let’s stop spinning our wheels — and start moving forward." } ] } ] ```