Referral After Referral After Referral for You!

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.