Value, Curate, And Expand Your References by Suzanne Scheideker Cook

“Expand your references, and you’ll immediately expand your life.” - Tony Robbins

Recently, I received a telephone call and an online questionnaire from two different entities requesting a reference for an individual that had worked for our company. I was more than a little surprised because when he was accepted into graduate school, we lost touch with each other. While I provided the references for him, it got me thinking about references.

The importance of your references and how you handle them is often overlooked. Here are some suggestions for you on how to value, curate, and expand your references.

1. Always ask a person if you can use him/her as a reference.

2. If this person says “yes,” do not assume that you can continue to use this individual as a reference until the end of time.

3. Before asking someone to be a reference, you might want to do some discreet (emphasis on discreet) checking to make sure that your potential reference will give you a glowing recommendation. I’ve been surprised more than once by calling a reference who gave the individual in question low marks.

4. When you use an individual as a reference, make sure that you list the most up-to-date information for this individual including but not limited to current title, company, and contact information.

5. Review your current references. Ask yourself these questions. How long have I been using each of these references? Have I expanded my list of individuals that I can use as references? In what capacity do I know these references?

6. If you continue to use the same references time after time, something is wrong. As you grow and learn personally and professionally, your network should also be expanding which includes folks that you can use as references.

7. Remember to thank your “go to” references which are the individuals that you have used time and time again. They are taking time out of their busy schedules to do you a favor that will make the difference on if you get into the school of your choice, receive a scholarship, or land the job you want.

Your Personal Challenge: Take the time to curate your references. Write a list of the individuals that you use as references. Are you sure the information for them is current? Have you thanked them? If not, it is time to say thank you. Can you expand your list of references? If not, ask yourself why.

Suzanne Scheideker Cook is the founder of Strategic Ventures and author of A Mentor At Your Fingertips. Suzanne worked her way up from clerk typist to senior management in the city of Los Angeles, and is now a consultant within the construction, transportation, and logistics industries. Additionally, Suzanne is a mentor for graduate business students at the University of Redlands’ School of Business.