Let Referrals Take the Reins!

Powerful and effective marketing, absolutely free!

The benefits of referrals for your business are endless! Not only are they genuine and an opinion coming first hand from dealing with your company but those who refer tend to become some of your most loyal customers.

Although great and efficient customer service is an important factor in the power of your referral base- without careful consideration and planning, customer service may not bring you any referrals at all- word of mouth is not the same as a referral system! Referrals have more meaning, in a sense, they are recommendations and endorsements too. Especially if they come from a client that's a respected organisation.

Attitude is the main and strongest factor in creating that desirable referral base. Asking and asking the right way is the only way to get the ball rolling!

· There are two types of referral systems:
- current customers
- influential people

Both these systems need to know the WHAT, WHY, HOW and WHERE about your services or products. So ensure your advertising, communications and service is strong and efficient!

The customer referral base will have had personal contact with your company and employees, yet the influential organisations and individuals will not have had this contact.
These influential individuals and organisations fall under either of 2 banners:
1. Those directly related to you industry/ profession
2. Those people you come in contact with in your personal life or on a regular basis

It is vital for the future and success of your referral base to plan for these two types of referral givers. So here are some useful tips to influence the influential:

1. Those directly related to you industry/ profession
- Be their number one referrer: you only get what you give!
- Sponsor networking events or social gatherings, hold these events a number of times a year and invite potential referrers across your industry.

2. Those people you come in contact with in your personal life or on a regular basis
- Neighbours
- Friends
- Small business owners
- Accountants/lawyers
- It is so important you explain to these people exactly what it is that your business does, you could also invite them to social events so they have a chance to interact with your customer base!

Referrals are about combining networking, good relationships, customer service and marketing - all you need to do is to be proactive about asking for them!

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.