The library · Construction firms · Enquiries and follow-up

Approach a referral partner

Architects, surveyors, structural engineers, estate agents and main contractors pass work on when they trust a firm to turn up, finish and look after their client.

The prompt
I work in marketing at a construction firm. Help me approach a business that could refer clients to us.

Context: Architects, surveyors, structural engineers, estate agents and main contractors pass work on when they trust a firm to turn up, finish and look after their client.

Before you start, ask me for anything missing from this list:
- Who they are and who they serve
- What we could do for their clients
- What we can offer in return and what we cannot

Then:
1. Open with what their clients need.
2. Suggest one small way to start.
3. Keep it under 120 words.

Give me:
- The first message
- A follow-up
- Three talking points for a call

Rules:
- Use only the facts I give you. Where something is missing, write [detail needed]. Never invent a number, a name, a quote or a source.
- Describe building work in general terms only. Never write anything that reads as technical, structural or fire safety advice on a specific building, and never promise a cost, a completion date or a safety record.
- Write in plain English, in our voice if I have given you a sample.
- Do not tell me what the rules or regulations say. If something may be restricted, flag it and I will check.

Finish with a list headed "Check before this goes out". Include these, plus anything else the director who approves marketing or our health, safety and quality lead should see:
- Any introduction fee or commission, and how it is disclosed to the client
- What we can and cannot offer in return under our anti-bribery policy
- Past projects cited as proof, with the client's permission

Paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot. It will ask you for what it needs.

Check before this goes out

  • Any introduction fee or commission, and how it is disclosed to the client
  • What we can and cannot offer in return under our anti-bribery policy
  • Past projects cited as proof, with the client's permission

The prompt gives you a first draft. Someone qualified still approves anything a client will read.

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