Are you asking for referrals?
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Mar 18, 2008 Posted by Layla Masri
How much of your marketing and sales strategy relies on getting client testimonials and referrals? Does the thought of asking a happy customer to refer a friend make you uncomfortable? It shouldn’t. Let me share you a story of why it’s worth asking.
My husband owns a very small massage therapy practice, which he opened last June. He decided that becoming a finalist in the Best of Fairfax would boost his visibility and sales. But, he had to compete in the Spa category—he thought there was no way he’d make it in the top five.
However, he knows he has loyal customers. So when the voting opened, we drafted an e-mail message to all of his clients asking for a vote. We told them why he wanted them to vote, how long it would take, and provided a link to the web site. His message was direct and sincere. Mostly, he offered his clients a way for them to help him grow his business. And guess what? Happy clients want to help you.
He received dozens of e-mails from clients telling him how thrilled they were to vote for him. It made them happy! And he won. He didn’t just place, he won it. He won because he asked his clients for the recommendation.
His success with Best of Fairfax reminded me that people really want to help, they just often don’t know how. So tell them how they can help, and chances are, they’ll be more than happy to do it.
What are some creative ways that you’ve gotten your clients to help you grow your business?