1. Ask referrals from your existing client base

Capitalize on your existing customer base and ask them for referrals. Make sure that the first person that you ask is one of your best clients.

Satisfied clients are already raving fans and they’re boiling over with people that they believe can already benefit from your service.

However, don’t wait for them to tell you, but take the initiative to ask them to share 2-3 people that they think could benefit from your service.

They will be boiling over with excitement sharing the leads with you. They can refer you to potential customers that will be ideal for the business and fit your ideal client profile.

For example, say “I have taken so much pleasure working with you and having you as my client. I would really love to have the opportunity to return the favor and provide service to your family and friends.

Maybe you can set an appointment for us so we can meet? That would be truly appreciated.”

Or you can simply ask for the names and contact information and contact them yourself, but open the conversation with “(the name of your client) referred me and thought you would be able to benefit from our services”.

Don’t forget to send a thank you gift as a token of gratitude to your customer. This will make them happy and may even lead to more referrals in the future.

2. Establish alliances with small businesses that cater to the same audience

Build associations with other businesses in your community that accommodate the same market as yours. Relax; we’re not talking about befriending competition. What you’re going to do is approach businesses that provide different products or services than yours.

For example: If you’re selling health and wellness products, the businesses that you’re likely to build an alliance with are: the local gyms, sports associations, and alternative medical practitioners.

Introduce your products to these organizations and ask if they can refer you to their clients. Lay the benefits and advantages that the partnership can bring to them like telling them that you’ll also refer their businesses to your clients.

Doing so can easily gain their approval since it’s going to be a win-win situation for both parties.

3. Ask referrals from local churches and charities

How? These institutions have one thing in common—they are both non-profit organizations. They need to raise money to sustain their operations and the programs they offer. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain referrals.

Simply acquire a list of donors that already gave contributions to these institutions. Then look for the right people that you need to approach and propose that for every referral that is sent from their organization to your business, you will take a percentage of the sales and donate it to them.

In return, these institutions will agree to promote your business; another win-win situation for both parties.

Jennifer Asidao-Querubin
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