How to Get More Referrals from Your Network

November 20, 2014 by Christine

So you’ve put together a network of people that know about and maybe even have worked with/shopped with your business. Great! But how can you start getting more referrals out of people who are already in your network so that you can expand the size of that network and reach out to new potential clients or customers?

Here are a few tips to help you maximize the referrals that you get:

• Show you’re worth it. People aren’t going to refer your business to their friends or colleagues if you don’t display a certain amount of value. The last thing that they want is for you to make them look bad if someone takes them up on their referral. This means that you need to consistently deliver a high level of quality in all areas of your business. Additionally, you should make sure that people are aware of your accomplishments or skills as an organization, as this will give you some more legitimacy.

• Ask. Why not simply ask your customers or clients to refer you to their friends? You likely ask for feedback on your products or services, so asking for referrals could lead to a big increase in the amount you actually get. Sometimes people just need that little extra push before giving a referral. In addition, when you ask for referrals, it's a great way to check the pulse of your customers belief in you.

• Continue to network. Just because you’ve already established a solid network doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be trying to meet more people. The larger your network grows, the more likely you’ll be able to find people who are willing to refer you to others. Keep going to trade shows, conventions and networking sessions, and keep reaching out to other people in your industry online through social media and email.

• Put effort into your relationships. Make sure that you’re constantly staying on the radar of all the people in your network. Try to have some form of communication with them about once a month or so. That way, people won’t feel like you’re only reaching out to them because you need them to refer you.

Referrals could be one of the missing ingredients to help give your business the growth spurt it needs. Contact us today at Viral Solutions for more tips on how you can get these referrals through your door.

by Christine Kelly

CEO and Queen Bee | Viral Solutions LLC

Prior to joining Viral Solutions, Christine held executive leadership roles at some of the largest small business consulting firms in the USA. Her experience includes leading direct reports of over 130 remote sales agents who generated $38mm in annual revenue. She obtained her Marketing degree from British Columbia Institute of Technology. Bring her C-Suite experience to your small business. Although our company is virtual, and we can work with you wherever you are located, she is located in Denver, Colorado and owns a second home in Vancouver, BC Canada.

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