Do you find it hard to ask for referrals?

I know I do! Your heart starts racing, you stumble for words, and sometimes you break out in a sweat just thinking of asking for a referral. But the secret to getting referrals without having to ask is to develop a system that does the asking for you.

8 Strategies to Get Referrals

Get referrals #1

Think in reverse. Instead of asking for one, earn one. If you're not getting referrals, maybe you're not providing the service your customers want and you are not as good as YOU think. Ask your customers what you can do to better to serve THEIR needs. When your customers are satisfied, it'll be easy to get referrals.

Get referrals #2

Give a referral. If you change your way of thinking from How do I get a referral to 'how can I give a referral', the rewards will be surprising. Think of someone you can refer to your clients. This is the giver's gain philosophy

Get referrals #3

Make a list of people or businesses that sell products that are complimentary to yours. If you sell health insurance, your list might include health clubs, running clubs, basketball teams or physicians. Now create a referral program that pays referral fees for people who are sent to you by your referral partners. Put a tracking mechanism in place to monitor this and make this process effective and rewarding.

Get referrals #4

Ask indirectly. One of the best ways to ask for a referral without being obvious is to ask indirectly. You might say something like: "Mrs. Smith, my product (or service) is everything I say it is and more, and I have the reputation and experience that proves it. Is there someone you know who would benefit from my product (or service)?"

Get referrals #5

Research Local churches in your area. Many are always looking for innovative ways to raise money to sustain the programs they offer to their members. Most churches would be enthusiastic about the opportunity to receive a donation from you or your business. Simply call up the person in charge and ask if you can meet with him or her to talk about a potential fundraising activity. As above with the charity example, propose that for every referral they send your way, you will donate a percentage of the sales to the church. In return, the church should agree to promote your business. This same referral process can be done with the booster clubs of local sports teams, Girl Scout troops and other organizations looking to raise money.

Get referrals #6

Contact your business associates. Most everyone has a barber or hairstylist they use on a frequent basis, especially if they have children (I don't know about you, but my beautician always engages me in conversation during my haircut!). Most beauticians and barbers are delighted when you give them a tip. Now you can visualize