Getting refs outside of trades

So what methods do you all use for obtaining referrals outside of a trade situation (cash, refs, other items)? I sometimes put my link in my AIM, but it never helps there. MySpace no one can see it and my site doesn't get enough traffic to convert. My Google Ads get no clicks a day. No way a referral for free money is gonna convert. Any tips? What do you do?

Well I know these people, I think they're placed into a category called "friends". Anyways, they help me "go green" on sites that I absolutely need to finish.