5 WAYS TO BUILD A REFERRAL-BASED BUSINESS

A referral-based business is the gift that keeps on giving. Referrals should be a strong component of any comprehensive business plan. People purchase goods or use services based on reviews and referrals of people they trust. Take advantage of this FREE method of marketing.

#1 PROVIDE EXCELLENT SERVICE/PRODUCTS

Provide excellent service. By ensuring your client’s purchase is a stress-free experience, you secure future business through their testimony and referrals to friends and family. Ask them to leave reviews on your social media sites. Ask if you can print and share their testimony.

#2 STAY IN CONTACT

Stay in contact with your clients after the transaction is complete using a good contact management system. Create a drip/multiple-touch campaign specifically for your former clients. Reach out via email, social media and/or personally on a quarterly basis. Stay “Top of Mind” so that when your services are needed, YOU are the first they call.

#3 RELATIONSHIPS WITH SERVICE PARTNERS

Establish relationships with service partners who provide a service to you. Ask them to refer the business. This would include professionals like accountants, attorneys, lenders, vendors, suppliers, REALTORS®, or anyone who may have an audience outside of your community or expertise. Meet with them to discuss collaborative relationships to help grow both businesses.

#4 GIVE REFERRALS

Referrals are the gift that keeps on giving. I think referrals are a form of GRATITUDE. There is something about the law of nature that says, “when you give, you receive.” Refer a business that you patronize regularly. Share your story and your business with them so that they too can refer your services. Even send a referral to a business that may be looked at as competition. You will be amazed at how the universe rewards you two-fold.

#5 ASK FOR THE REFERRAL

Every time you make a sale, you should ask your client/customer the following: “Do you know anyone who may be interested in my services?” There is a 50% chance they will say, “YES”.