10 Tips to
Getting Referrals
by Emily Bonilla
Getting referrals is not as hard as you
think. It is actually very easy and can increase your business by 80%.
1. Make Your Customers Happy: Unhappy
customers will not refer you. Deliver a superb product or service on
time. Don't make promises you can't keep, in fact promise very little
so that you can over-deliver. Incorporate a Quality Assurance Program
into your business to track and improve customer satisfaction.
2. Keep Your Customers Informed: If your
customers are updated periodically about your company, products and
specials, they will be more likely to buy from you again when they are
ready and refer you to others.
3. Make It Profitable For Them To Refer
You: Why should they refer you? Because they can get a new car! No
really, maybe not a new car, but perhaps a commission or a coffee mug.
Make it worth their while to refer you.
4. Be Giving: If you are not right for a
customer but you know another company that is, send that customer
their way and let them know you did. This will be remembered by the
customer who will tell others how unselfish and wonderful you are. And
the other company may do the same for you.
5. Turn Your Customers into Business
Partners: If you are able to add an affiliate program to your company,
convert your customers into affiliates.
6. Get Your Customers Involved In Your
Company: Invite your top customers to join a Customer Advisory Board
at your company. This will give you insight into the minds of your
customers and your participating customers will rave about you because
they will feel like they are part of your company.
7. Get Your Employees Involved: Offer
bonuses and contests for employees that bring you more business
through referrals.
8. Ask Your Vendors and Suppliers for
Referrals: They will know others in your industry who may be of need
of your services.
9. Socialize in Real Life As Well As
Virtually: Take your customers to lunch, go to networking events, and
throw a Christmas party. But don't forget to ask for referrals while
you are having fun.
10. Ask For The Referral: Before you make
the sale, during the sale and after the sale you should be asking for
a referral. While making the contract ask if they know anyone else who
can use your services. After the deliver of the service or product ask
for a testimonial. You won't get it if you don't ask.
See, getting referrals is easy. You just
have to do what you should already be doing plus ask. But remember; be
prepared to handle all the new business or you may end up with unhappy
new customers.
