Should an agency reward a family for referring another client?
If the agency uses a referral reward, publish a simple rule: who is eligible, what counts as a qualified new engagement, when the reward is earned, and whether it is a credit or payment. Keep it separate from public-review requests and never make an honest review contingent on a reward. Review the program’s payment and disclosure details with the appropriate adviser before launch.
What if an influencer asks to trade exposure for placement services?
Treat the proposal as a marketing purchase, not an automatic fee waiver. Ask for audience fit, specific deliverables, timing, usage rights, privacy safeguards, and a way to measure qualified inquiries; compare that value with the agency work being exchanged. Keep candidate and household details out of public content. If any endorsement is provided in return for free or discounted service, review the FTC’s material-connection disclosure guidance before posting.
How should an agency set referral fees for other agencies?
Set a referral fee from the economics of the actual search, rather than copying an unverified industry percentage. Define what counts as an accepted lead, who owns the client relationship, when the fee is earned and paid, what happens if a search is refunded or replaced, and whether the referring agency may contact the client directly. Put permission to share client information and any required disclosures in writing. Compare the expected fee with the cost of finding that same qualified lead yourself, then have counsel check any jurisdiction or contract limits before the first referral.