Category: Get More Referrals

When I teach people how to ask for referrals, this is the resistance I usually get:

“I don’t want to make my client feel uncomfortable by putting them on the spot.”

“I don’t want to look needy or unsuccessful.”

These are two of the many reasons why people aren’t confident asking for referrals and introductions. I get it! I totally understand.

Two important points:

1. Having the right approach will alleviate all the concerns, fears, and awkwardness.
2. Are you willing to get comfortable and confident? If not, then you can stop reading now.

It’s been awhile since I’ve run through our popular V.I.P.S. Method™ for asking for referrals. So here goes…

Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, is quoted as saying, “Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend. A trusted referral influences people more than the best broadcast message.”

So would Mr. Zuckerberg tell you stop using Facebook and other Social Media? Probably not. But here’s what he might tell you to do…

This 2-Minute Article Could Change Your Business Forever

An action trigger is something your prospect or client does or says that can trigger a referral-generating action on your part. This issue of the Referral Minute will highlight 5 things that can prompt you to promote referrals and introductions AND some very specific word tracks to help you produce results.

Of course, you have to be careful to not be obnoxious about this. You may get 4-5 action triggers in one appointment. Clearly, you don’t act on every single one.

When I deliver my live presentations (like my April Referral Champions Training Camp) I like to demonstrate the 5 places you should always consider creating a conversation about referrals and personal introductions.

While these areas are SO obvious (hence “no brainer” in the title), most professionals, advisors, and business owners miss these opportunities. What about you?

“Getting referrals is a notorious challenge for many entrepreneurs. Even those who do generate word-of-mouth business often don’t really understand why those referrals come their way — or how to go about getting more of them in a systematic, strategic manner.

“Cates has spent two decades building, honing and perfecting a system for generating new business from existing clients — a system that has led to amazing results for thousands of businesses both large and small.

“Here are three key moves that you can make right now that will boost your referrals — and could even ensure that you never have to market yourself again.”

You may be great at the work you do and you may have great relationships with most of your clients. And you may be making two critical mistakes that are keeping your clients from introducing you to others.

Mistake #1 – See how busy I am.

Mistake #2 – See how successful I am.

The Principle: When you can have fun with the referral/introductions process, everything gets easier. You feel more comfortable AND your clients feel more comfortable! More importantly – you produce significant results.

The Action: I just spoke to a group of 100 Group Benefit Advisors. After my presentation, Eric Silverman told me about a best practice that is working for his firm. This simple idea puts a smile on the face of his clients and generates referrals and introductions.

Here’s a great piece from Julie Littlechild (President of Absolute Engagement) about why clients don’t refer you as much as you’d like. I think you might be surprised by this.

How you give referrals to trusted partners, clients, and others is important. Do it right and it triggers the law of reciprocity.

Writes Fred Diamond, co-founder of the Institute for Excellence in Sales…

“Helping trusted associates get new business feels great. When I heard from the first two of my business associates, I was pleased. It felt nice to help out friends I respect.

“But when the third one called, I thought, okay, something interesting is happening here. I did some investigating and learned why the referrals were so successful. I always thought I was a good referral agent but now I could finally see some tangible results.”

I just read this blog post from JULIE LITTLECHILD. Definitely worth reading AND acting on what she says…

If you’re like most successful advisors, you’ve already segmented your clients based on the value they bring to the business. And, if like most of those same advisors, this took place more than a few years ago, there is a good chance that both you and your business have changed to the point of making your model meaningless or, at least, outdated. Is Your Segmentation Still Relevant?