· Build Your Business through Referrals

A client sent me a great article on how to build referrals in your business. It got me thinking about some other recent stuff I’ve read on building referrals.

Here are some of my take aways:

1. Asking for referrals is one of the greatest ways to build business, but we never do it. If you consistently serve your clients well, then they would probably be happy to send you referrals. They’re just busy (like you) and don’t think about it. Ask!

2. Ask for referrals right after you’ve delivered a superior service or product. Start it this way, “If I was able to add value to you, do you think there is anyone you know that I could help as well?”

3. Setup a process to ask for referrals. Our firm’s marketing person (my wife) has helped me do this in our firm. We have made a list of the top clients that we do a lot of work for, and have strategically put them on my calendar throughout the year to call and ask for a referral. If we didn’t have a process, I would have forgotten. But its working.

4. Tell your referral sources about what you do, and who would make a good client. I often meet with potential contacts just to see what they need and what type of client they are looking for. Likewise, they ask me what type of client I am looking for. We often think of clients that could mutually benefit each other right in our meeting. Very helpful.

5. Meet a lot of new people. This takes a lot of time, but anytime I travel, I’m always looking to meet new people in the city I’m traveling to. Never waste that opportunity to simply make an acquaintance with other people. You never know, maybe the barista’s brother-in-law just told him about a friend’s mother that needs your services. Building your business ALWAYS means building relationships – you never know where it will lead.

Thanks, Jason M. Blumer