In my experience one of the best ways to get new customers quickly is through referrals. Having a system to keep your pipeline full of prospective customers can be as simple as knowing who to ask and being clear on what actions you would like them to take once you do.
Use this checklist to grow your referral list quickly:
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Make a list of people who know, like and trust you.
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Schedule coffee or lunch dates to uncover the needs of people you’re wanting to work with, share news about your business and let potential referrals know what you’re looking for with at least 3 people on your list, continue to do this every week until your calendar fills.
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Reach out to key contacts in social media that fit your ideal target market and invite them to have a telephone conversation with you where you can inquire about their needs.
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Let them tell you what they need most right now, if you believe you can help them ask for a follow up appointment to share what you can do. Don’t pitch them in the moment unless they ask about a immediate solution.
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Design a referral card that you can hand out to potential referral partners. Print services like MOO.com offer a creative selection of options to design very innovative cards.
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Decide how you will compensate your top producing referral partners.
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Draft a “warm letter” that you can send to supportive friends, family members or colleagues telling them about your business and that you appreciate referrals.
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A warm letter is basically a personal letter you write to a friend telling what you’re up to in your business and what you’re looking for. The only difference is that you send this letter by snail mail or email to many people at once.
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Send your letter to a couple of friends to proof read make suggestions.
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Select or have designed personalized stationary that you could print your warm letter –or– you use email if you don’t have physical addresses.
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You can also use the stationary to send thank you notes to those who send you referrals.
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