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Dear ,
Call me crazy, but this works.
Why don't more business owners do this?
It amazes me when a business has built a nice customer base over two, five, ten years or more... but they don't go back to them for additional businesses.
Or referrals.
Do you know how valuable your customer list is?
The absolute BEST source of new clients is your list of previous clients. The problem is, most business owners don't want to "go back to the well" because they feel like it will annoy people if they ask them for referrals.
You know what I say to that?
That's nonsense!
If you did a good job for your customer initially, they'll be happy to send you referrals because they know you'll treat their people right. So, don't worry about upsetting anyone -- they actually want to help you!
It's easy to ask for referrals
It really is easy. And there are plenty of ways to do it. Here are 6 very simple ways:
1. Send your previous customers a handwritten note. Tell them you're checking to see if there's anything you can help them with... and... also ask them if there's anyone they can think of that would need your product or service.
2. Or do the above using email.
3. Write an article related to your business topic and... at the end... mention that your business depends on referrals from good customers. Post it or mail it.
4. Upload a photo or video on social media and tell people about a great referral that you received (with their permission). Tell them they, too, can be the subject of your next post with a referral!
5. If someone sent you a testimonial or said some nice words about your product or service, share it on social media, or through an email or written note (again, with your customer's permission). Then remind the audience that you LOVE referrals!
6. Tell your previous customers that you'll send them a gift card -- can be Visa, Starbucks, Macy's, Amazon, etc. -- if they send you a referral.
There are many, many other ways of getting referrals, but the key is to start. Just start, alright?
Until next time...
If you have any comments, ideas or suggestions, please email me at: nader@copticchamber.com.