"No, I Can't Refer You to Anyone"

The invariable question I get from clients is one I’ve come to dread.

“Can you refer me to a [financial advisor, tax professional, immigration lawyer, real estate agent, tour guide, etc.] in [insert destination country/city]?”

I know it can be frustrating, but I often find myself saying “no,” to clients and prospective clients. It’s for their own good. It’s definitely for mine.

Why?

Let me break it down. It’s not a decision I’ve come to lightly, but it is one borne of experience and ethics.

1. I cannot vouch for and ensure quality without having direct experience (or at least, the second-hand experience of someone whose judgment I trust). Case in point: I had a client who needed an immigration lawyer in another country in a particular city, and they were very specific about wanting one who spoke English (reasonably so). The options were limited, but I found one who fit the bill and had good online reviews. The client’s experience with this firm has been terrible. Poor, delayed communication, lack of organization and efficiency, and unnecessary confusion. The client will get what they need in the end, but had I known the firm was so disorganized and messy, I would have never even mentioned its name. Although I was clear up front that I did not know the firm and was relying on online reviews (and there weren’t very many options in that city in any event), I still felt responsible for their poor experience. Never again.

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