Next to your current customer base, the easiest sale you could make is to your customer's referrals. Referrals can be a very inexpensive way to generate business and in turn profits. Your referrals know what your about, want to spend money, and might even refer someone else.
The question is, where do they come from? The simplest way to get a referral is to just ask at a time when your client is happiest with your business. I good time to do this is while they're enjoying their most recent purchase. Sounds easy. However, you'd be surprised how many business don't utilize any type of referral system at all.
The best way is to implement a multi-step referral process within your business.
First, make a list of all of the ways you can communicate to everyone you are in contact with, ie: friends, family, clients, vendors, competitors, groups you are a member of, etc. Then, devise how you will connect with these groups and ask for referrals. If you can establish a few processes of getting referrals, you will receive far more than you are now. Think about how that might effect your business. Also, think about how much time and money you will save from not having to prospect and market to new clients.
When seeking referrals, try these options-
Give something for the referral. If you can't give something away, offer a free service or offer to make a donation to a their favorite charity in their name.
Provide services or products at a discount to your new referral on behalf of the customer who referred them.
After your client has provided you with a specific number of referrals, offer them a special deal or discount.
Have your clients agree that if they are 100% satisfied at the end of their transaction that they will provide you with two referrals. But don't forget to follow up on their promise!
Come up with a list of companies and/or people who you would like to do business with and see who among your clients might know them and be able to refer you to them.
Provide your clients with cards they can put their name on and pass out to their friends and family. When a card is redeemed with you, you client receives some type of incentive or reward.
Send your client some type of thank you gift to their office. When others see what they have received, they will inquire, leading to referrals.
Offer a stepping-stone referral plan. The more referrals the client provides, the more rewards they receive. This works well because usually if a client refers once, they will refer again.
You are probably getting a good percentage of your business right now from "word of mouth." With a formal on-going referral system, you will not only get instant new clients and an increase in profits but an easy inexpensive way to get them.
Are you using a referral program in your business right now. Share it!
This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com
Kathy Jiamboi has over 14+ years expertise in Relationship and Direct Response Marketing and is President of Creativedge Marketing and Ready2Go Client Contact, in Cleveland, Ohio. Ready2Go Client Contact, a done for you program, allows her clients to simply and efficiently boost client affinity. She provides FREE expert marketing tips to anyone looking to get more clients.
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