Why We're Focusing on Quality Over Quantity

When you're building a network—whether it's a formal referral group, an expert directory, or just your circle of trusted colleagues—there's a temptation to say yes to everyone who wants in. 

More people means more opportunity, right? Not exactly.

The Trap of Building a 'Gimme' Network

Here's what I'm learning lately: if you create a group full of people who are hungry for business, you don't get abundance. You get a feeding frenzy.

Everyone shows up with their hand out. Every conversation becomes a pitch. There's no trust, no generosity, no real collaboration. Just a bunch of people scrambling to get what they need.

I've been a part of "communities" like this... When you let in people who are operating from scarcity, the energy shifts. 

Instead of "How can I help?" it becomes "What can I get?"

That's not the kind of community anyone wants to be part of. You always feel like you're going to be hounded instead of promoted. 

What Makes a Healthy Referral Community

The networks that actually work—the ones that generate real referrals, create lasting partnerships, and feel good to be in—are built on a different foundation.

They're made up of people who:

• Are already doing well enough that they can show up generously
• Want to expand their network, not desperately fill their pipeline
• See collaboration as a long-term investment, not a transactional exchange
• Have something meaningful to contribute beyond just their own need

When you gather people like this, something shifts. Conversations become richer. Referrals flow naturally. People invest in each other's success because they're not operating from lack.

Setting Standards That Protect Your Network's Value

So how are we building this mindset into this platform?

We're setting standards and we're going to hold them.

At the moment, we're focused on being invitation-only from trusted communities that are already vetted. 

And then we're enhancing our application process for anyone who hits the site from an external source (which you can see here: Apply to Join Your Expert Network). 

We're going to ask about revenue, their presence and reputation on Google and LinkedIn, how professional is their site, and so much more. 

We're asking why someone wants to join this and where their motivation is for being a part of a referral directory. 

We'll be looking at the energy someone brings to the application process.

And, honestly, we're not letting everyone in. 

It's not about being exclusive. It's about being intentional.

Here's the thing: we're not building Fiverr. We're not trying to be the platform for everyone. 

We're creating something more like a trusted guild—a place where businesses and experts know that everyone at the table has earned their seat and will provide immense value when they connect. 

When we do that, the right people will recognize the value immediately. They'll see that we're protecting something worth being part of. And they'll show up accordingly.

Quality over quantity isn't just a nice idea. It's what makes the difference between a network that drains you (and you avoid) versus one that actually works and you want to be a part of. 

Here's to building a network that richly rewards those who participate with kindness, generosity, and intentionality.