Creating a Professional Referral Network
It takes a lot of time and energy to build a business from the ground up, especially if you do it on your own, this is why it helps to have a good referral network. Rather than thinking of yourself as out there on your own why not think of some ways to create a network of people that you are happy to refer business to and who, in return, will be happy to refer business to you.
Building a good referral network should start with the group of people that you already know, if you can get them to understand your product and the services that you offer and who can then refer others to you who are looking for what you have to offer. Once you have a solid network in place, you won’t have to generate new clients via cold calls any longer, your leads will come through your network. Once you have educated individuals close by, like clients, colleagues and professional friends. When people are instructed on your product, then they will be able to direct others towards you accordingly.
When you start building your referral network you should decide what incentive you will offer to people who refer you new clients. To begin, you should offer new individuals to the network a small referral fee for bringing in new people to your business. What motivates many sales people is the commission check that they receive at the end of the month, offering a referral fee will motivate people to refer more business onto you. A powerful referral network will do almost all of your marketing for you.
Don’t be scared to ask. If a client is satisfied with your product and the service they have received from you then they are far more likely to be pleased that they can do something for you. If there is a discount or a referral fee at the end of it, then they will be even more delighted to help you out. If you want to grow your business and develop a powerful network then you have to be proactive. Try to not waste time by waiting for people to send business your way, just ask directly for referrals, most people will happy to help out, especially when that help is reciprocated.
If you are not comfortable in asking for referrals, try something that I do, write out what you want to say and then practice saying it into a mirror until you are comfortable with it. When people see that you are comfortable in asking for their help then they are often more than willing to give it and this is a good way of building up a powerful referral network.
If a client compliments you on your product or service then this is the time to ask them if there is anyone else they know who would benefit from what you have to offer. They will more easily refer you to people they know if they understand your product or service offering well. If you continue in this way then you will soon have a powerful referral network that will help you to grow your business.
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