Problems included failure to produce Viewdata artwork for inspection, or to fulfil oral promises of exclusivity, and absence of client referrals.

"As best we can tell, she seems to have wanted to create a mystique about herself that would lead to client referrals and other new business."

Another group, the Christian Legal Society, provides dues-paying members with a national directory of Christian lawyers, which its brochure calls"indispensable for client referrals, fellowship and networking."

Craig Sheinker, Quantum's president, says that every week he receives marketing calls and visits from bank officials who are looking to line up factors for client referrals.

It is either a onetime charge to the division or an annuity that the division gets for a client referral.

Many Banks believe that the primary source of leads must be client referrals.

Generating a good number of leads through client referrals shows the good health of the private bank.

In fact, the remodeling association says that nearly three-quarters of renovation business comes from client referrals or word of mouth.

Others exist mainly to exchange bread-and-butter legal expertise and to make client referrals.

"They are not backseat drivers," Mr. Suh said, adding that Agency.com had few client referrals from other Omnicom agencies.