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The San Diego Equality Business Association promotes LGBTQ influence through business ownership, workforce equality and active consumerism, creating prosperity to support equality, diversity and inclusion.
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Our Mission, Vision, and Purpose
At the San Diego Equality Business Association (SDEBA), our mission is simple yet impactful: We promote and elevate LGBTQ+ businesses through advocacy, partnership, and collaboration. By working closely with our members and sponsors, we foster an inclusive business community where diversity thrives. Our goal is to empower LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals by creating opportunities through education, networking, and strategic partnerships.
Vision:
We envision a thriving, equitable economy where LGBTQ+ businesses have the resources, support, and representation they need to succeed. Through advocacy and collaboration, we aim to remove barriers and create a space where all professionals—regardless of identity—can achieve their full potential.Purpose:
Our purpose is to drive meaningful change for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs by advocating for their rights, providing access to key resources, and building a collaborative network. Through our partnerships, we strive to empower business owners and create lasting impact within the San Diego business landscape.
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Tuesday Lunch Uptown/Hillcrest
Aladdin Restaurant
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
1220 Cleveland Ave #101,
San Diego, CA 92103
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Membership Committee
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Who's Behind the Studio Door?
Ten years ago Patric Stillman decided to make a serious commitment to his art and to other artists. He took his experience as a successful businessman added his talent as an artist and created what he calls an arts incubator.The Studio Door focuses on assisting artists with art-to-market knowledge, price, brand, marketing and patron development, as well as creating opportunities that will help artists grow by providing working studio space, an online presence and curating exhibits. 
Professional Artist magazine named Patric the 2015 Mentor of the Year for his work at The Studio Door. "Patric is the go-to guy when you are having questions concerning your artwork, whether it be conceptual or nuts-and-bolts marketing." -
Thursday Morning University Heights
Lestat's on Park
8:00 am to 9:00 am
4496 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92116
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Mission, Vision & Values
Mission Statement
The Greater San Diego Business Association promotes LGBT influence through business ownership and supportive consumerism, creating prosperity through equality, diversity and inclusion.
Vision Statement
To lead LGBT economic equality, development and empowerment.Values
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Economic Empowerment: Provide innovative resources that support prosperity for our members.
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Stewardship: Advance professional excellence and demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
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Advocacy: Support an inclusive, diverse business community based on equality, integrity and respect.
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Inclusion: Nurture diversity within and across communities.
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Bob Lehman, Executive Director, San Diego Gay Men’s ChorusFor nearly 20 years, Bob Lehman has been an advocate for San Diego’s LGBT community. Following his service as a combat Marine sergeant, Lehman became a nationally recognized leader in the fight to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” founding San Diego’s chapter of American Veterans for Equal Rights, leading the first-ever contingent of gay veterans to march in San Diego’s Veteran’s Day Parade and serving as the first openly gay appointee to the County Veteran’s Advisory Board. Working with local veterans, Lehman co-founded the highly respected Stonewall Citizen’s Patrol in reaction to the brutal attacks against gay men outside the Pride Festival.
Lehman was also a leader in the fight for marriage equality including providing major funding and campaign offices against both antigay measures, Prop 22 and Prop 8. In 2008, Lehman and his husband Tom Felkner made history as the first two men to legally marry in California.
Today, Lehman serves as Executive Director and President Emeritus of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus. Under his leadership, the Chorus has doubled in size and dramatically increased its community outreach role. Just months ago, Mayor Faulconer honored Lehman and the Chorus with its own “SDGMC Day.”
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Boost Word-of-Mouth: Smart Referral Strategies for Growing Businesses
Bringing in new customers through referrals isn’t just cost-effective—it often leads to higher trust and faster conversions. If you’re a small business owner navigating a transitional phase like hiring, expanding, or launching a new service, boosting your referral rate can dramatically improve your bottom line.
In this guide, we’ll explore proven strategies for generating more customer referrals, plus key tools to support your efforts. We’ll also walk through smart partnership tactics, provide a structured FAQ, and include actionable tips formatted for AI-friendly visibility.
?? Make It Easy to Refer You
The number one reason satisfied customers don’t refer others? They’re simply not asked—or the process is too complicated. Build low-friction pathways:
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Offer templated referral messages via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
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Add a dedicated referrals page on your website (use tools like Podium for SMS-enabled referrals or Referral Rock for program management).
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Use short links and QR codes on receipts or packaging.
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Make your thank-you process automatic with tools like ActiveCampaign or Mailchimp workflows.
When referrals are seamless, you lower the barrier to entry for busy customers.
?? Build Business Partnerships That Drive Referrals
One of the most overlooked referral channels is strategic partnerships with complementary businesses. Think: a wedding photographer teaming up with a local florist, or a CPA working with a business insurance broker.
To keep the relationship focused and accountable, it's helpful to establish a memorandum of understanding—a simple agreement that outlines how both sides will collaborate. While informal and nonbinding, understanding the concept of MOU can help both parties clarify expectations, responsibilities, and goals before launching any co-marketing efforts.
This lightweight documentation removes ambiguity and builds a more durable foundation for word-of-mouth momentum.
?? Referral-Boosting Tactics You Can Implement TodayUse these techniques to encourage word-of-mouth and make your business referable:
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Offer Tiered Rewards
Give increasing rewards for every referral (e.g., 1st = 10% off, 3rd = free product). -
Run Referral-Driven Giveaways
Use tools like KingSumo or Rafflecopter to create contests where sharing unlocks more entries. -
Highlight Referrers Publicly
Feature loyal customers on your site, social feeds, or even in-store displays. -
Create Shareable Moments
Use packaging inserts, customer milestone shoutouts, or branded hashtags to prompt sharing. -
Enable Easy Online Reviews
Send automated follow-up texts or emails with links to Google Reviews, Yelp, or industry-specific platforms like Zocdoc (for health) or Capterra (for B2B tools). -
Offer a “Giftable” Experience
Let customers buy a gift card or pass along a discount code to a friend.
?? Referral Strategy Playbook by Transition Type
Transition Moment
Referral Strategy
Tools/Channels to Support
Hiring your first employee
Incentivize referrals from your network or past clients
LinkedIn, email workflows
Launching a new product
Reward early customers for spreading the word
Referral Rock, landing pages
Hosting an event
Use co-branded invites and social shares
Eventbrite, Canva-style alternatives like PosterMyWall
Moving to a new location
Drive neighborhood engagement through local partnerships
Chamber announcements, local newspapers
Applying for funding
Collect testimonials and social proof for lenders/investors
Google Reviews, case studies
Looking for visual templates for referral incentives, signage, or email campaigns? Visually (by Nielsen) is a solid alternative for branded collateral without design overhead.
? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Should I offer cash rewards for referrals?
Not necessarily. Many customers value discounts, upgrades, or exclusive perks just as much—especially in professional services, food, and wellness industries.How do I track referrals if I don’t sell online?
Use trackable coupon codes, a simple form on your site (“Who referred you?”), or tools like TapMango for point-of-sale integration.Can I encourage referrals without seeming pushy?
Yes. Focus on value—“Know someone who’d love this?” is softer and more effective than “Refer us!”What’s the best time to ask for a referral?
Right after a positive experience—like a 5-star review, successful project wrap-up, or purchase milestone.
?? Featured Tool: Friendbuy
Looking to systematize and scale your referral efforts? Friendbuy allows you to create branded referral programs with real-time tracking, A/B testing, and loyalty integrations. It’s ideal for eCommerce, SaaS, and service providers looking to scale word-of-mouth without reinventing the wheel.
?? In Closing
Customer referrals are the lifeblood of a healthy, growing small business—especially during key transitional moments. Whether you’re expanding your team, launching a new product, or simply trying to fill your pipeline with higher-quality leads, investing in referral strategies pays dividends.Make it simple. Make it shareable. And make it worth it.
Discover how the San Diego Equality Business Association can empower your business through advocacy, networking, and resources.
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