In our previous six articles, we’ve detailed how to get the most out of your sales process. Now is the time to take advantage of this by concentrating on how to get more referrals. Referrals will go a long way in helping you grow your business and expand your customer base.
But how do you actually go about getting referrals?
How to get referrals and skyrocket your business
Referrals are basically word of mouth recommendations that people make about your business! And they are the easiest way to grow your business. After all, people want to do business with those they know have a good reputation. A word of mouth referral gives people that peace of mind.
To get referrals, you’ll need to get to work, and here are our recommendations on how you can build your business through referrals.
How to get more business through referrals
Here are our top tips to help you get more referrals and grow your business through them:
- Start networking and do it daily: High performing salespeople and small business owners are the ones who network! They don’t just network from time to time. They network constantly and continuously. There are many networking associations for both online and offline businesses. Get involved with them! Commit to spending an hour each day solely networking. You can do it in the comfort of your own home thanks to online networking websites, so you have no excuse not to connect. In fact, you can’t afford not to network.
- Ask for references: Take pride in what you do and don’t be afraid to ask people for referrals during your networking activities. The best time to do this is to ask at the end of a really positive conversation you have with a new business contact. It’s also essential to ask for references when you’ve finished a great job with a client, who is emotionally thrilled by the experience. Ask for references whenever you can! Do not be afraid.
- Referral tracking: When you get a referral, act on it with 24 hours. Strike while the iron is hot!
- Be enthusiastic and exude positive energy: If you’re not excited about what you do, what hope does anyone else have of being excited about what you offer? People can feel the emotion of those around them. It is highly contagious. Be enthusiastic and positive about what you do and how you can help people.
- Build trust and relationships: This is critical for effective networking and referrals. Take time to get to know those you meet through networking. Listen carefully to your contacts, to know where they are and better understand their needs. Be genuine. Take the time and you will build trust and relationships. This leads to more referrals!
- Approach from a help perspective: Forget selling! You need to address networking and building referral businesses by giving, rather than receiving. How can you help the person you are talking to today? Offer to refer the person you are talking to, because you want to help them.
- Always be genuine: People can see through the fake, so be honest at all times. You must really want to help the people you meet through your network.
By following these simple and straightforward tips, you’ll be building a great referral network in no time!
After reading all seven parts of The Seven Steps to Increased Profits, you have tools at your disposal that you can start using today to increase your sales conversions and build a strong referral network.
If you have any questions about any of the material you’ve read, or if you’d like to talk to us about how we can help you do more business, simply visit our website.
