How To Find The Right Connectors In Your Recovery Community
Warm introductions are the most effective way to build relationships with referral sources.
But warm introductions require connectors—people who already have trust and relationships in your recovery community.
Most operators don't know how to find these people.
Here's how...
What A Connector Is
A connector is someone who:
Knows a lot of people in recovery (treatment centers, therapists, case managers, other operators)
Is trusted and respected by those people
Is willing to make introductions when it makes sense
Connectors aren't necessarily the most visible people. They're the people everyone knows and respects.
Why Connectors Matter
When a connector introduces you to a treatment center, you're starting with 50% credibility instead of 0%.
The treatment center thinks: "If [Connector] trusts this operator, they're probably solid."
Without a connector, you're just another cold email.
With a connector, you're someone worth meeting.
Where To Find Connectors
1. Recovery Coaches and Peer Specialists
Recovery coaches are often deeply embedded in the local recovery community.
They know:
Treatment centers
Therapists and case managers
Other sober living operators
How to identify them:
Look for Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) or peer support specialists
Attend recovery community events and see who everyone talks to
Ask treatment centers: "Who are the go-to recovery coaches in this area?"
2. Case Managers Who Went Independent
Case managers who left treatment centers to go private practice often maintain relationships with multiple treatment centers.
They're connectors because:
They still coordinate with their former colleagues
They work with multiple providers
They're respected for their clinical expertise
How to identify them:
Search LinkedIn for "case manager" or "clinical coordinator" in your area
Ask at recovery events: "Are there any independent case managers who work with multiple treatment centers?"
Check Psychology Today or similar directories for case management services
3. Long-Time Sober Living Operators
Operators who've been around for 5-10+ years know everyone.
The good ones aren't threatened by new operators—they're willing to help if you're not competing directly.
How to identify them:
Look for operators who've been around for years
Attend sober living association meetings
Ask: "Who are the most respected operators in this area?"
Important: Only approach operators who serve a different population or area than you. Don't ask a direct competitor for help.
4. Clinical Directors at Treatment Centers
Some clinical directors are well-connected across the recovery community because they've been in the area for years.
They know:
Other treatment centers
Therapists and case managers
Sober living operators
How to identify them:
Look for clinical directors at established treatment centers
Attend professional development events for behavioral health professionals
See who's speaking at local recovery conferences
5. Therapists Who Run IOPs or Private Practices
Therapists who run intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) or large private practices often coordinate care across multiple providers.
They're connectors because:
They work with treatment centers on step-down care
They know sober living operators
They're respected in the clinical community
How to identify them:
Search for "IOP" or "intensive outpatient" programs in your area
Look for therapists with large group practices
Attend behavioral health networking events
6. People Who Show Up Everywhere
In every recovery community, there are people who:
Attend every recovery event
Know everyone's name
Are always willing to make introductions
These are natural connectors.
How to identify them:
Attend recovery community events regularly
Notice who everyone talks to
Pay attention to who organizes events or facilitates meetings
How To Approach Connectors
Once you've identified potential connectors, don't immediately ask for introductions.
Build the relationship first.
Step 1: Reach Out With No Agenda
"Hi [Name],
I'm [Your Name], and I'm opening a sober living home in [Area]. I've been learning about the recovery community here, and your name keeps coming up.
I'd love to buy you coffee and learn from your experience. What does great recovery housing look like in this area? What do you wish more operators understood?
I'm not asking for introductions or referrals—just want to learn. Would you have 30 minutes in the next couple weeks?"
This is low-pressure and shows you're there to learn, not take.
Step 2: Listen and Learn
When you meet, ask questions:
What are the biggest challenges in recovery housing right now?
What do treatment centers look for in sober living partners?
Where are the gaps in resources?
What do you need that's hard to find?
Take notes. Show genuine interest.
Step 3: Provide Value
After the meeting, send something useful:
A resource list
An article relevant to something they mentioned
An introduction to someone who can help them
An offer to help with something specific
You're building relationship capital without asking for anything.
Step 4: Stay in Touch
Check in monthly or quarterly:
Share what you're implementing in your home
Ask how things are going for them
Continue to be helpful
You're not asking for introductions yet. You're building trust.
Step 5: Ask for One Introduction (When the Time Is Right)
After 1-3 months of relationship building:
"I've been getting my systems in place and we're starting to accept residents. You mentioned [Treatment Center] is solid. Do you think it would make sense for me to meet [Name]? I'm not asking for referrals yet—just want to introduce myself and learn how I can be a resource."
One introduction. That's it.
If they trust you, they'll make it.
Red Flags: Connectors To Avoid
Not everyone who seems like a connector is worth your time.
Avoid people who:
Want payment for introductions (unethical)
Promise referrals in exchange for kickbacks (illegal)
Badmouth other operators constantly (they'll do it to you too)
Are unreliable or have a bad reputation (their introduction hurts you)
Want something transactional immediately (not relationship-focused)
Connectors worth working with are generous, ethical, and respected.
How Many Connectors Do You Need?
Start with 2-3.
That's enough to get your first 3-5 warm introductions.
Once you've built relationships with those referral sources, you can expand.
You don't need to know everyone. You just need to know the right people.
What To Do This Week
Day 1: Make a list of 5-10 potential connectors in your area using the categories above
Day 2: Research them on LinkedIn or through mutual connections
Day 3: Reach out to 2-3 with a low-pressure coffee invitation
Day 4: Prepare thoughtful questions for your meetings
Day 5: Follow up with value after each meeting
Don't ask for introductions yet. Build the relationships first.
Connectors make introductions to people they trust.
Be someone worth introducing.
-Kevin
Want more insights like this? Join Sober Home Success. It's free.
