Build your own referral network (here’s how)
There's been some heated discussion lately about paid directories and who gets to decide what businesses are "neurodivergent-friendly."
My friend Bex wrote about it here.
I'm not going to rehash all of it, but here's what I will say: You don't need to rely on someone else's list.
You can build your own referral network - one you actually control, filled with people you actually know and trust.
Here's how:
Start a simple tracker. I use Notion, but a Google Sheet works just as well. (I made you a template - link at the bottom.)
Track these things:
Name & business
What they do / their specialty
Contact info (email, website, socials)
Why you trust them / how you know them
Who referred them to you (if applicable)
Any notes (like "great with ADHD clients" or "books out 3 months ahead")
Build it over time, not all at once.
Don't try to create this in one sitting. Just start adding people as you encounter them:
A therapist your friend raved about
A business coach you've worked with
A bookkeeper who actually gets self-employed brains
A designer whose work you love
Every time someone mentions a great provider or you have a good experience yourself, add them to your list.
When to use it:
Someone asks you for a recommendation - you have it ready
You need a provider yourself - you've already got trusted options
Building goodwill in your network - referring people to each other strengthens relationships
This isn't about gatekeeping or being the Official Arbiter of who's good. It's about having your own collection of trusted people so you're not starting from scratch every time someone asks "do you know anyone who...?"
Make a copy, start filling it in as you go, and you'll thank yourself the next time someone needs a recommendation.
