Referrals | Smart Simple Marketing - Practical Strategies for Creating a Highly Successful Small Business

A Simple Analysis That Defeats Marketing Paralysis – Part 1 of 3

April 13, 2012 By Sydni Craig-Hart 5 Comments

The term analysis paralysis is fitting when a person over-analyzes a situation to the point where a decision is avoided or action is not taken, thus paralyzing the outcome.

shortest path Success ALWAYS responds to decisive action. So even if an action you take leads to an outcome you didn’t expect, it doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake. The goal is to create results!

Make this easy on yourself! Instead of wasting time and energy worrying about which step to take next, review what you’ve done in the past to help determine what you should be doing now and into the future. Read more about A Simple Analysis That Defeats Marketing Paralysis – Part 1 of 3

Filed Under: Marketing Advice, Marketing Strategy Tagged With: business marketing strategies, Effective Marketing Strategies, referrals, Small Business Marketing Research, Smart Simple Marketing, Sydni Craig-Hart

Referral After Referral After Referral for You!

March 9, 2012 By Sydni Craig-Hart 1 Comment

Simply click the play button to watch my video tips for you:

Take Action Notes

Decide what kind of clients you want. If you haven’t yet created your ideal client profile, it’s time to get it done. You want to be specific and detailed as to exactly who you want to work with and what problems you will help them solve. Getting clear on this before you start asking for referrals will make it easy for you to explain to your referral partners what kind of leads you are looking for. Be sure to identify a few key phrases or situation “triggers” for them to watch for. This will help your clients and contacts to prequalify the referrals for you.
Time your requests just right. Be sure to stay in touch with your referral partners regularly to maintain and strengthen your relationships. Schedule a monthly coffee or lunch date. Or stay in touch with a letter to let them know what you are up to. With your clients, the best time to ask for a referral is when they have commented on the quality of your work. Graciously thank them for their feedback and then ask, “Who else do you know who is looking for [SOLUTIONS CLIENT HAS ENJOYED]?” As they brainstorm who they can introduce to you, listen carefully to the contacts they have in mind. Be sure to explain simply how they can best introduce their contact, both so the individual is comfortable and so you can effectively follow-up on the lead.
Don’t be afraid to ask! Many service providers stop themselves from asking for referrals because they are intimidated. But honestly, you have nothing to be afraid of. If you’ve been doing a stellar job for the client, it’s completely acceptable for you to ask for a referral. And what’s the worst they could say? “Probably, I’ll keep that in mind.” That is a good thing! The only thing you have to lose is the opportunity to be of service to a new client and increase your income.

Many seasoned entrepreneurs have grown their business strictly by referral. If you like, you can be one of them. As with all effective marketing, creating the desired result, it simply takes focused, consistent effort on your part. By making it clear who you serve and what you do for them, you empower your clients and contacts to make referrals that will be beneficial to you and the people that they refer as well.

Filed Under: Attract Ideal Clients Tagged With: Business Growth, Ideal Clients, referrals, Smart Simple Marketing, Sydni Craig-Hart

Increase Business With A Personal Note

June 1, 2010 By Sydni Craig-Hart 2 Comments

Getting anything "good" in the mail these days is a challenge. Your mailbox is probably filled with bills, direct mail pieces (i.e. junk mail) and things you’d really rather not look at. Think about the last time you actually received a greeting card or personal handwritten note in the mail. When was that? A long time ago I bet.

The truth is, handwritten personalized notes are few and far between. That's why when someone does receive one, it stands out. This leaves a great impression on the receiver of that personalized note.

Sending a handwritten note to a potential client after a meeting is a great marketing strategy to implement. One, you have the chance to quickly thank your potential client for the meeting. Two, it keeps you on top of their mind as they are "thinking" about working with you. Three, it makes you stand out from the crowd. If they are "shopping" for service providers, they will be more likely to choose you for your great service, because they are impressed by your gracious follow-up.

But sending a handwritten note doesn't stop with new potential clients. This practice should be carried out throughout the life of your relationship with your client. This means thank you notes when the job is completed, a card acknowledging the anniversary of their business, congratulating them on a BIG win, etc. The time you spend maintaining the great relationship with your client will go a long way towards creating a satisfied customer and generating referrals.

And, who doesn't love referrals?

Happy customers will tell their friends, family and anyone who will listen about the great service you provide. The next time someone needs a financial planner, guess who they will recommend? YOU! Because you were a great financial planner (or whatever service you provide), you gave them great customer service and you are on the top of their minds because you are in constant contact with them.

The type of card you send should be a mixture of personal choice and professionalism. First of all, send the nicest card you can afford. If you are going to have monogrammed or personalized note cards made with your business logo, take the time to hire a graphic designer to make them look polished and professional. Plus, be sure they are printed on good quality card stock. You don't want someone who is paying $1,000 for your services to feel like they got a "cheap" card from a discount store.

Depending on your profession, you will probably want to avoid using the cartoon and caricature type of cards. These do not support your brand your business and could detract from your professionalism. I'm interested to see how this strategy works for you and would love to hear the feedback you get from clients! Please share your success stories with me by posting a comment below!

Filed Under: Attract Ideal Clients, Business Management, Marketing Strategy Tagged With: handwritten note, personalized note, potential clients, referrals, Smart Simple Marketing, Sydni Craig-Hart

The Number One Reason You Don’t Make Big Money

March 11, 2010 By Sydni Craig-Hart 4 Comments

At the beginning of each year, we set our New Year's Resolutions. We want to lose weight, we want to exercise, we want to travel more, WE WANT TO MAKE MORE MONEY.

Some of us are really good at setting goals, and we know exactly how much money we want to make - down to the last penny. But, on December 31st, you're sitting back and thinking about the last year and you realize, hey I didn't make the big bucks this year like I wanted to.

Why is that? [Read more...]