How to Obtain Referrals for Your
Business
By: David Kingston
How to Obtain Referrals for Your Business
The number of referrals a business receives within
a year's time often determines its success. Some experts
believe referrals are the key to closing sales; and
that your company would soon be swirling down a black
hole of disaster without them. With a little guidance,
a new business owner can learn how to generate 'solid'
leads.
Network with Others
Networking is vital to your business' success. You
should always be networking, and not just with
potential clients. Network with your local chamber
of commerce, business groups, and even your
competition. Opportunities for networking are all
around you, take advantage of them. Is there any
business related seminars or events in your area be
sure to attend.
Go Out to Trade Shows
Trade shows can be a great source for referrals if
you use the opportunity effectively. Invest in a nice
banner that displays your company logo, website, and
phone number. Try to lease a booth that is near a
main entrance or walkway. High traffic areas carry
the most potential prospects. Be
creative and raffle off a product or service. One
FREE giveaway can generate a list of 100 or more leads.
The money you spend in material and freebies will
be well worth it in the long run.
Share Your Business
Lacking customer service skills can hurt the number
of referrals you receive. If you know your product
or service well, and you love to talk, you can turn
any conversation into a marketing tool. Family members
and friends generate more referrals than you could
imagine. Educating the right
person about your business, who simply discusses your
venture with people and passes out your business card,
can also be a great way to generate referrals.
Craft Interesting Copy
Inexpensive ways to obtain referrals are everywhere.
Look at online publications, ezines, and newsletters,
which have a similar interest but not exactly like
your own venture. Send out creative articles that
interest the target market for publication. Make sure
you include hidden links to your
URL, products, or services within the content of your
articles. Soon ... a large percent of the readers
will come to your website.
Affiliate Programs
Affiliate programs are hailed by Internet geniuses
as brilliant creations and some websites specializing
only in these programs generate thousands of dollars
in revenue each month and basically do nothing for
that money. For you, however, the advantage of an
affiliate program is that
is affords you the chance to tell even more people
about your company. When someone signs on for your
affiliate program, they will see a banner or link
appear on their site directing people to your website.
It is both cheap marketing and a great way to boost
traffic.
Use Marketing Material
Generating referrals takes someone who has some marketing
knowledge. If you're a "people person,"
you should have no problem obtaining referrals from
casual conversations. When
you're fortunate enough to meet with business professionals,
don't forget to ask for their business card. Your
business card will leave a lasting impression.
Then, mail them a "Thank You" card in a
week or so telling them how much you enjoyed talking
with them. Be sure to enclose some marketing materials
like flyers, brochures, or even some more business
cards and ask them kindly if they would pass these
out to some of their friends and family
who might benefit from your business. The cycle just
goes on and on.
Costly and otherwise, referrals are yours for the
taking if you are clever and mingle with enough business
professionals. People buried behind a computer screen
all day who do not socialize have very poor odds of
landing referrals but those with some ambition and
not afraid to talk with people can get them all day
long. Use the assets at your disposal and receive
your just rewards.
About the Author:
David Kingston is the chief writer at FAT
Marketing, it's one of the webs most up to date
Business sites, while you're there sign up for the
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on Business at: http://www.fatmarketing.com/articles
There's also a free mini-course available that will
teach you how to get loads of free targeted traffic.
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