[su_dropcap style=”flat”]T[/su_dropcap]HERE ARE MANY things that contribute to gaining referrals to grow your business. I’ve listed a few below, but keep in mind, this is just the start. The key to success in business is tapping into your own creativity…there are ideas there you haven’t even considered.
This list will help get you started. Ask yourself, what else can I do? What haven’t I thought of? When we ask ourselves better questions, we allow ourselves to tap into our creativity to find new solutions.
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Join a networking group – It could be the local chamber of commerce, or a meetup group, or a niche group within your area or even on social media. Network with other business owners, and get to know what they offer. Refer them whenever given the opportunity and you will find them reciprocating….
Over deliver – When we receive more than we expect, it is exciting and we naturally want to tell others. Ask yourself what you can do either in bonus items, or in bonus add value that will leave your client impressed and wanting to refer you?
Provide value – A lot of value can be added just in simple education of your service or product. For instance, start a blog on your website, and post valuable articles that educate your present and future clients on what you offer. It isn’t just about the sale. After the sale, go the extra mile and provide valuable knowledge they would not normally get. This sets you apart from the competition. The good news is there is no competition at this level! Those that provide extra value are among the minority…this will make you shine.
Testimonials – Social media is a wonderful platform to show testimonials from your already satisfied customers. Have people write up a short testimonial in their own words and post it on your social media channels, and on your website.
Give a referral fee – This could be a gift certificate for future purchases, or a gift from another business. You could also partner with local businesses to provide these gift certificates, so that you are collaborating with other businesses with the same goal in mind.
Volunteer and make yourself known in the community – This could be in a number of ways. When clients see you giving back, it is a reminder you care about your community. As Richard Branson says, “doing good is good for business”.
Ask – think about this….if every customer gave you just 2 referrals, you are doubling your business every time! Unless you ask, often people will not think about giving a referral, even though they know a couple of people that would be interested in and benefit from what you offer.[/message][su_spacer]
Remember it is YOUR business and up to YOU to create success. The more you take personal responsibility for your success, and the more committed you are long term, the more you will think of ideas that benefit the growth of your business.
