For an individual, there isn't any, but within the local community and the web of trust at large it is useful to have well connected members, which the referent member network provides.

Referent is a Ğ1 co-creator who has reached a certain level of connections through certifications in the web of trust. Ğ1 co-creators identified as referents have no more rights, no more privileges than anyone else.

We can only assume that they are more active in the web of trust, because they have received and given a certain number of certifications. 

Referent is a status that is used in the system to calculate the Distance Rule in the web of trust. The Distance Rule is measured thanks to the certifications that have been given by Ğ1 co-creators. So, if someone hasn't yet given any certifications, their profile won't be used to calculate Distance in the web of trust. To measure the Distance Rule, the software uses only people who have given and received a certain amount of certifications (this value is currently 6 certifications, given and received). Those that meet this criteria are called Referent Members.

Check out the Glossary to know the exact amount of certifications needed to become a referent, and the formula that calculates this value. This value changes over time as the size and structure of the web of trust evolves.