Struggling with how to get referrals for your home business? Referral marketing is one of the top ways to gain new business.
Why? When you get a new customer or business partner via a referral, there is some trust already built-in. This is because of the person who did the referring.
The first key to how to get referrals is to be referable.
Sounds obvious, right? Make sure you provide the best customer service and always deliver value to customers, business partners and even prospects.
Not everyone will be interested in your products or business, but they may like and trust you, and be willing to make referrals.
Be that person that others will naturally feel good about referring to their circle of influence.
4 Ways to Get Referrals
Many people in a home business are fearful about asking for referrals. Don’t go there! You should ask for referrals! Relying on accidental referrals is not the way to do business. Do they happen? Of course. But are you just going to sit around, hoping for that referral to be made? No, you should have a solid referral marketing plan.
- Create a referral system. Establish a referral system for your business. Be very specific about what it is and make sure it’s easy to explain. It can be as easy as you giving the referrer a $25 gift card or small gift. Whatever you decide, if you are clear to others about it, they will also be more likely to refer you to their friends.
- Use cross-promotion. This is one of my favorite ways of how to get referrals. I know so many wonderful network marketers in a variety of businesses. For those that I know and trust, I have no problem referring prospects to them. Remember, not everyone you meet will like your specific products. You can create referral systems with other network marketers!
- Be thankful. Of course you are thankful, but go above and beyond with being grateful for getting referrals. Hardly anyone goes the extra mile these days but you can and should! Send a card or small gift. It’s easy and convenient when you have a system in place where you can conveniently send real cards without ever leaving your home or office! Contact me to learn more.
- Educate your referral sources. Always let your sources know what value you can bring to others. So if you are in a health related business, you don’t just sell products. You help people transform their lives and increase their quality of living. Let people know exactly how you will follow up with the person they referred.
Don’t wait until you have no prospects to talk to. You should start asking for referrals now!
What are some of your best strategies on how to get referrals? Leave a comment!
Hi Lisa,
Great post.
I like the point about going the extra mile. In fact, here’s what you said, “Be thankful. Of course you are thankful, but go above and beyond with being grateful for getting referrals. Hardly anyone goes the extra mile these days but you can and should!
You’re 100% right. Not too many people are willing to go that extra mile. They’re just lazy. But that extra mile really does go a long way.
Great points on a great post.
– Andrew
Hey Andrew! Thanks so much for finding time to visit my blog and leaving your thoughts on this article!
Have an awesome day,
Lisa