Getting Better Referrals
You have a few options for growing your business: you can advertise your business to prospects with brochure printing and business card printing, you can create ads and special promotions, or you can go with the tried and true word of mouth method. Referrals are a huge part of growing your business. People talk. And they either talk about you or someone else.
Know when to ask your clients for referrals.
You will get more referrals if you know when to ask for them. Here are a few ideas for timing your referral requests just right.
1. Ask for a referral when your customer knows you well.
The longer you have been in business together, the better chance that you will get a referral from a client. You will have a chance to serve your client and give them all the information about you so that they can pass it on.
2. Ask for a referral when your client is happy with you.
Wait until you know that you have served your client well. There is no sense in a referral if it is not a good one. You may have a chance to give extra special service to someone. This is a great opportunity to ask for a referral.
3. Ask for a referral when the person is in the right mood.
You have to choose a time when you have their attention. If a person is leaving the office, they are not ready to give you attention. Right after you have done someone a favor is a good time to request a favor of them. Give your customer your business cards so that they will be ready to hand them out at their convenience.
4. Ask for a referral when you have a special promotion.
Give your referrer something better to offer the referee. If you have an annual sale or a great clearance deal, then the referral goes a lot farther.
5. Ask for a referral when you are capable of following up on them.
Wait until you are set up to respond to the referrals in a timely manner. A forgotten referral could ruin you chances of getting more. Also, there is no use in getting referrals if the business you will be giving them is less than adequate.
Make it easy for your referrers to help you out.
1. Give specific ideas for referrals
Do some homework and find the businesses or individuals that you would like to receive a referral. That way when you ask someone for a referral, you can take the guess work out of it for them. The more specific you can be, the better.
2. Give tools for ease of referrals.
Give your referrers a few business cards and brochures to show their audience. If you have a special promotion, then hand out that printed information so there is a better chance that your referral will be better.
Referrals are an often overlooked method of marketing a business, which is unfortunate because of its success. Add this technique to your marketing plans, print plenty of business cards, and get ready for the new customers referrals are sure to bring to your business.
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