ReferralsUS.com

There’s been thousands of pages written about this because we all know that referrals are the very best way to grow your business.

We also know that asking for a referral can be scary because you are asking someone to recommend you and your product or service..

We also must also look at it from the client’s perspective. Why should I give you a referral? I know it is important to you but what is in it for me?

Given all of these fact, you may want to consider these few ideas:

• Make it easy for someone to give you referrals. Don’t walk into the situation un-prepared. I always prefer doing my homework. SalesTaffy is the best way to prepare and can really help you get referral results. SalesTaffy builds a quick list of your client’s neighbors, social contacts and co-workers that you can print and show. It works great. http://blog.salestaffy.com/?p=9
• Try giving something of value they can offer to their friends (a gift certificate, a free trial). This always works well because people enjoy giving something to another person especially if it does not cost them anything.
• Let them know that you need referrals. Never be ashamed to ask for them. Let people know that you are open for business and you always need new business. Tell them you are blessed with a great clientele that gives you lots of referrals .
• Look for ways that you can refer or help your client. Referral are a two way street. Help them in any way you can.
• Always tell them who makes your best client and ask them to help seek them out. For example if you sell financial services and your best prospects are people that have just taken another job. Let them know this and ask if they know of anyone in this situation that you may help by meeting with them. This also will act as a memory jogger so when they know someone took another job they can recommend you.
• Work from a proven dialogue. There are many, the internet is filled with them . Generally speaking, people like to help you out so I always prefer the simple but effective “Mr Client, I need your help. I have a goal this year to (tell them your goal..could be a sales goal or that you want to take your husband or wife on a trip) and it is tied to my new business. May I ask a favor?”

Can you :

take a look at this list of people that you may know and tell me who would be good for me to call on. (this is why I like salestaffy).

Or if you do not have a list,

The simple, tried and tested “If you were in my business who would you call on?”

• Always update your client on how you made out with their referrals and where it they lead. A simple thank you goes a long way regardless if their referrals resulted in any business for you. If you do receive a new client from their referrals, always send a small gift and a hand written thank you. This will always pay dividends and helps strengthen your relationship with the referring client. 

Kelli@salestaffy.com

www.salestaffy.com