As a solo entrepreneur, one of the most effective ways to attract new customers and grow your small business is through referrals. Building a referral network takes time and effort, but the rewards can be significant. The first step in building a referral network is to identify potential partners who share your target audience. These could be other businesses or individuals who offer complementary products or services. For example, if you run a freelance writing business, you might partner with a graphic designer, a web developer, or a marketing consultant.