How to Ask For (and Get) the Right Referrals

Do you want to work with more of your ideal clients?

Would you like to save time on marketing and get better results?

Do you desire to become a recognized expert in your field?

You can do all this and more when you build your business by referral. If you ask for and encourage referrals, you'll be able to fill your practice with ideal clients who need the exact solutions that you offer.

By taking the time to figure out exactly what type of clients you're looking for and how to ask for it, you'll have a much better success rate with attracting referrals and you'll see your business grow by leaps and bounds. Follow these three simple steps to ask for and encourage referrals from your current clients and contacts:

1. Decide what you're looking for. If you don't have an ideal client profile in mind, it's time to create one. Your ideal client profile should detail the qualities, attributes and needs of the exact type of person that you want to work with. Take some time to get clear on EXACTLY who you want to work with and what problems they are experiencing that you can help with. Getting clear on this before you start asking for referrals will make it easy for you to explain to your referral partners what kind of leads you are looking for. It will also help your clients and contacts to prequalify the referrals for you.

2. Time your referral requests just right. The best time to ask for a referral is when a client has commented on the quality of your work. Graciously thank them for their feedback and then ask "Who else do you know who is look for [SOLUTIONS CLIENT HAS ENJOYED]?" As they brainstorm who they can introduce to you, listen carefully to the contacts they have in mind. Be sure to explain simply how they can best introduce their contact, both so the individual is comfortable and so you can effectively follow-up on the lead.

3. Don't be afraid to ask! Many service providers stop themselves from asking for referrals because they are intimidated. But honestly, you have nothing to be afraid of. If you've been doing a stellar job for the client, it's completely acceptable for you to ask for a referral. And what's the worst they could say? "Probably, I'll keep that in mind." That is a good thing! The only thing you have to lose is the opportunity to be of service to a new client and increase your income.

In addition to asking your existing clients, let your contacts, family and friends know that you're open to referrals as well. Use the same steps outlined above to educate them about what solutions you offer. They may know someone who is struggling with the exact problems you solve. By arming them with information about your business, they'll be able to recognize people who need your services.

Many seasoned entrepreneurs have grown their business strictly by referral. If you like, you can be one of them. As with all effective marketing, creating the desired result, it simply takes focused, consistent effort on your part. By making it clear who you serve and what you do for them, you empower your clients and contacts to make referrals that will be beneficial to you and the people that they refer as well.

About the Author

Known as "The Smart Simple Marketing Coach," the tech-savvy Sydni uses a
results-focused, "how to" approach in implementing simple, customized strategies
so service professionals create profitable businesses in which they enjoy the
lifestyle they choose.

Visit http://www.SmartSimpleMarketing.com for your FR*EE training
course, "5 Simple Steps to More Clients, More Visibility and More Freedom" and
apply for a FR*EE "Profit Breakthrough" session with Sydni!

How to Lay the Groundwork for a Referral Based Business

How much more profitable would your business be if the majority of your clients came from referrals?

How would your life be different?

Would you spend less time on prospecting? Receive more qualified leads? Grow your business faster and easier? There are multiple benefits.

Now, what are you doing each day to create that reality?

Whether or not you enjoy those results depends entirely on you. You can't just sit back and expect others to refer business to you because you are a really nice person. (Though I'm quite sure you are!) You actually have to take action consistently in order to get the results you want.

Here are six ways that you can create a referral magnet in your business:

•Create a "red carpet" experience for your clients - Send a welcome gift to thank them for their new business. Acknowledge special days like business anniversaries. Have a client concierge they can turn to for whatever they need or use a help desk option to ensure that they are taken care of every step of the way. Look for opportunities to wow them and make them feel special.

•If you make a mistake, own it and fix it - It's inevitable that you will make a mistake. You're only human and it happens to the best of us. When it happens, don't make excuses. Don't blame. Just fix it. This will speak volumes to your integrity and remind your client that your focus really is to serve their needs.

•Be a resource - Know what other resources your clients need and have options available for them. For example, I know my clients will at some point need a copywriter, a graphic designer, a virtual assistant and other related services. So I have these professionals on "speed dial" and can easily refer my clients to the support they need.

•Over deliver at EVERY opportunity - Give a surprise gift or an unexpected bonus. Stay on the phone for an extra 5 minutes to answer their questions. Work to create value for them and truly be of service. You'll be more memorable, more valuable and worthy of a referral.

•Explain who your ideal client is and why - Tell them why they are an ideal client for you and what to look for in others. Tell them exactly how to introduce others in their network to your services. When you give them the keys to look for and teach them how to refer your services, it will be easier for them to do so and they'll be more likely to make referrals.

•Piggyback on their praise - The best time to ask for a referral is when a client is raving about you. Graciously thank them for the feedback and simply ask, "Who else do you know that is looking for XYZ results." Striking while the iron is hot is a great way to attract new pre-qualified leads to your business.

When you implement these principles in your business, you're going to see an influx of referrals coming your way. How do I know? Because it happens in my business. 19% of my clients over the past 18 months came from referrals.

Deliver the same top quality customer service, extra perks and quality solutions and you'll see referral after referral coming your way.

Which of these tips will you implement in your business first? Post your thoughts below. Simply committing your idea to "paper" will inspire you to take action!

About the Author

Known as "The Smart Simple Marketing Coach," the tech-savvy Sydni uses a
results-focused, "how to" approach in implementing simple, customized strategies
so service professionals create profitable businesses in which they enjoy the
lifestyle they choose.

Visit http://www.SmartSimpleMarketing.com for your FR*EE training
course, "5 Simple Steps to More Clients, More Visibility and More Freedom" and
apply for a FR*EE "Profit Breakthrough" session with Sydni!