tested this instead of setup fees.
Rule that made it work: • referral must be introduced within 14 days
• referral must book a call
• referral must match my niche
If those conditions aren’t met → normal setup fee kicks in.
This avoids free labor. Keeps leverage. Still rewards clients with strong networks.
Important: don’t make referrals “optional.” Make them contractual or time-bound.
Has anyone else tried referrals instead of upfront cash?