Business Tip: Skyrocket Your Business Through Referrals

Referrals are one of the best ways to build your business. After all, if a trusted source refers to you, it's worth it's weight in gold because you already have half your work done for you. You already have credibility and a certain amount of trust from your new customer. Just based on their relationship with the person who referred them to you.

So how can you get more referrals, especially when you are new in your business?

If you are in a services business (psychologist, coach, hair dresser, cleaning, etc.), think of who knows your ideal client. Make a list of all of those service provider types who might also deal with your client. For example, coaches sometimes have to refer clients to psychologists, massage therapists, feng shui specialists, personal organizers, accountants, financial planners, attorneys, housecleaning services, wedding planners, etc. If your business is any of these, have you directed marketing towards coaches? Can you use this idea and do some out-of-the-box thinking about who may be able to direct clients or customers your way?

Make a list of every one you know who is in a business who may be able to refer to you. Be generous and include more than you think is strictly applicable. Get out your rolodex or your business card file. Even if you do not know the person well, add them to the list. Now write a marketing letter that introduces you and your business in a positive, catchy way. Include a professionally taken photo. Directly ask for referrals and offer to refer to them. You may even offer a money or service incentive for the referral (e.g., $50 if they sign up for X or 25% of amount spent in first visit, etc.). Be sure to include the kind of information the referring person would need to make the determination about your qualifications and fit for their client. Make it as easy as possible to refer to you. Include all your contact information and a few business cards. Ask if there is something you can do for them in return. This letter needs to be very professional looking and include a brochure or other information that makes you stand out from the crowd.

Here's one more idea for the people-person entrepreneur. Hand your business card to everyone you meet. You can do this all the time, or if you have to work up to the idea, only do it at lunch time or only on Mondays. At least try it a few times to see how easy it truly is. When you drive through the bank or fast food line, hand the cashier a card with a big smile and ask for their referrals. When you pick up your dry cleaning, stop at the grocery store, meet with your financial planner, visit your attorney, give them your card and ask for their referral and business. After a month you will have given out hundreds of cards. After a year, thousands. Referrals often come from the most amazing places, so be bold and hand out your cards. And all for free!

If you have other ideas about getting referrals for your business, please make a comment to this article.

All blog content is copyrighted, all rights reserved, Mary Anne Fields and Life Unfolds, 2006