15 Ways to Get Referrals

15 Ways to Get Referrals

Referrals are among the top ways sellers get leads and new business, but many struggle with generating them consistently all year round.

We know our clients rely on colleagues, associates, and friends to recommend providers. So when a prospect comes to us via this route, some of the work is already done for us. Referrals build a seller's trustworthiness and credibility—two cornerstones of effective selling.

While most professionals recognize this, they don't know how to tap into their networks to proactively generate sales referrals.

This happens for a number of reasons. Many sellers are uncomfortable asking for referrals. They either don't want to appear "salesy" or desperate for the work. Or it might be insecurity—they're not sure if they actually deliver value and benefit to their clients.

Let’s discuss 15 tactical tips for generating more referrals.;

• Be referable. To make referral marketing a proactive part of your lead generation activities, you need to actually be referable. Ensure that you deliver what you promise, when you promise. Your clients need to be able to speak to the value you provide. Don't rely on accidental referrals. It's important to get clear on who you want to attract as clients and how your network can help you get referrals to those clients.

• Don't wait for the pipeline to dry up. Put a sales referral process into place now to drive high quality referrals consistently so that you're not left scrambling when the pipeline stops flowing Here are 15 ways to get more sales referrals in no particular order: Create a referral program with complementary providers to exchange referrals. Be sure you only include providers in this network that you'd be comfortable recommending to your best client or best friend.

• Recognize and thank your referral sources. This could be with a simple phone call, email, or even better, a handwritten note. The important thing is to express your appreciation. You'll also encourage additional referrals this way.

• If you have clients who don't refer, create another way for them to recommend you (e.g., case study, testimonial).

• Make sure your current clients know about all the products and services you offer and how you help so they can either refer within their company or to others they know. Too often sellers assume their clients know more about them than they do. Add a link to a form on your website for referral submissions.

• Be remarkable; remind clients why your company is special. Give them something (good) to talk about.

• Inspire confidence. It's risky referring someone—what if it's not successful? You can inspire confidence in your referral sources by letting them know that 80% (or whatever) of your business comes from repeat customers.

• Offer a referral commission.

• Provide valuable content your referral sources can share with their network—an invitation to a breakfast or lunch seminar or webinar on an industry topic, research briefs, an article about a regulatory change or industry trend, etc. Make it something special for them to share.

• Treat the vendors and suppliers with which you do business as partners. Make sure they're aware of who and how you help.

• Update your LinkedIn profile and stay engaged with your contacts regularly.

• Create a list of buyers you want to work with. Check out their LinkedIn profiles to see whether you're connected in any way. If so, reach out to them via your network—whether it's an individual, a company, or a group.

• Treat your clients as partners, too. Let them know you view them as a strategic partner, and tell them you hope they'll do the same with you. Create formal channels to share referrals.

• Give a referral. It's one of the best ways to get one in return.

• Ask for referrals. You’ll get a lot more referrals if you ask for them. As you’re completing a project with a client, simply ask if they know anyone who would benefit from something similar.

This is just a start. Let these suggestions jump-start your own idea generation. Create a sales referral process that works for your ideal clients and your networks.

Be referable. Focus on your ideal clients. Tap into your networks in a proactive way. By putting a referral system into place now, you are more likely to receive lead-boosting referrals throughout the year.