If you ask a good business owner how he gets most of his customers, he will tell you that it’s through word-of-mouth. If you ask him to explain how his referral system works, you’ll probably just get a blank look.
I just asked the vice presidents of two big companies this week about their referral systems. Both said that referrals just happen! But that doesn’t mean you should wait around for it!
Referrals are what keep a good business going. There is no faster way to get more customers and make more money than to double or triple your referral rate, but you need an excellent system to make that happen!
Let’s start by looking at the psychology of referrals.
The first thing you should know is that most people like to give referrals, despite what many people think. This is because of three things:
The first reason is Ego: When someone buys something new, he wants to show it off to his friends and neighbors. He wants them to know how much he’s worth.
The second reason is that most people like to feel important and like to be the center of attention or information.
The third reason is that people like to share and experience the same things with their friends and neighbors.
Even though I can assure you that most people do like to give referrals, you can make the process even easier by changing how you ask for a referral.
How you phrase your request can make the process a lot easier. So too can your timing. The very best time to ask for a referral is right after you have completed a sale. This is the time when excitement and anticipation are always at the highest level.
Now, let’s talk about more advanced techniques!
#1 Ask ex-customers
Even if a customer has stopped buying from you, that doesn’t mean he or she can’t or won’t send you more business. Make it a point to keep in touch with your old clients. I often get referrals from former customers who have moved on to other things but still have friends or contacts that my industry can help.
#2 Ask business suppliers for referrals
Don’t forget that you buy things and services from other people. That someone should be glad to give you referrals. Make sure your suppliers know that you’re always looking for new leads.
#3 Ask for more referrals!
As a speaker, I actually ask my clients for referrals by putting a clause in my contract that says I will get them a certain discount if they can get me a couple of referrals. As a result, I have gotten a huge number of referrals.
#4 The Magic of Thank You
At the very least, you should send a “thank you” note to a customer who sends you a referral who buys from you. Every time you thank a customer for a referral, you have the chance to ask for another one.
At the end of every “thank you” message, always ask the customer if they know anyone else who could benefit from your business.
Takeaway…
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David and his wife, Ann have been significantly involved in direct marketing and direct sales for years, serving as a distributor (team member), speaker, trainer, Top Leader, and author in the industry on a worldwide basis. Working together, they coach, mentor, and train those seeking empowerment, greater self-esteem and branding image, and training people seeking financial success and personal life freedom.
David and Ann have grown their business that today spans over 40 countries with over 65,000 team members.
For more information go to: www.AnnandDavidFeinstein.com
Above all else, Ann & David are focused on mentoring and leadership. Their combined expertise in recruiting, coaching, training, and international development has made Ann & David much sought-after direct sales business experts.
The Feinstein’s approach marries both classic MLM and the technology advances of the Internet and social media.
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