7 Secrets To Creating Client Referrals

1. Maintain visibility - Invest time in attending events such as local networking meetings, networking breakfasts, small business forums, wealth creation seminars - anywhere your potential clients go. You have to be seen to be heard. People like doing business with people they like and trust.
   
   Go easy on the sales pitch, just be there offering friendly advice, brokering connections with people you know and letting them know you are still the "area specialist" or whatever your unique angle is.
   
   
2. Keep in touch - The relationship is just beginning. It is essential that you keep a record of details. You may want to gain their consent when recording their details regarding future marketing contact.
   
   Electronic newsletters or e-zines are an inexpensive and easy way to keep in touch with your prospective customers. Invest the time and energy in compiling newsworthy articles and visually appealing graphics. People love people stories and photos.
   
   
3. Ask for referrals - The easiest way to get referrals is to ask for them! You may want to pre-position your client by asking upfront, "When I deliver the outcomes we have agreed upon, I would very much like for you to refer me to your friends and associates. How does that sound?".
   
   Or even just ask, "Who else do you know that might be interested in my services?". Describe your ideal client to them. Make sure they know how to refer clients to you. Say, "If you know someone that might be interested, call me first to discuss and then I'll call them."
   
   
4. A simple "thank you" - An easy and inexpensive way to leave an indelible mark on your referrer, is to simply and sincerely thank them. No song, no dance - just a sincere and heartfelt "thank you".
   
   There is one word in the English language that is the most powerful of all. A person's name. Use it when saying, "Thank you, David".  People love to help. Clue them in as to how they can help you, make it easy for them and sincerely thank them. Miracles will occur.
   
   
5. Deliver on your promises - There is no substitute for delivering the goods. Without it you are pushing the proverbial uphill. Make sure you set clear performance expectations, maintain open communications and listen attentively. If you hit a hurdle, be open and upfront - you will gain respect in the long term.
   
   
6. Form partnerships - Think from the customer's perspective. Partner with complimentary service providers to help make the passage as easy as possible.
   
   
7. Provide incentives - It is perfectly acceptable to offer rewards to regular referrers. Make it worth their while - especially where they go out of their way to help.
   
   It is the sentiment of the thing rather than the face value of the reward. Find out what they indulge in. For example, chocolate, theatre or sporting tickets.
   
   

As you can see, these strategies are not expensive or time consuming. They are simple in design but extremely powerful in effect. Give them a try. Your clients will love you for them.

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