How can you stand out and get referrals?

1 Deliver value and delight

The first step to getting more referrals is to deliver value and delight to your current customers. This means not only meeting their expectations, but exceeding them. Go the extra mile to solve their problems, provide them with useful insights, and surprise them with personalized touches. By doing this, you'll create a positive impression and a memorable experience that will make them want to spread the word about you.

2 Ask for referrals at the right time

The next step is to ask for referrals at the right time. Don't wait until the end of the sales cycle or after the deal is closed. Instead, look for moments when your customers are happy, satisfied, or grateful for your service. For example, you can ask for referrals after you've delivered a successful outcome, received a positive feedback, or solved a major issue. When you ask for referrals at the right time, you'll increase your chances of getting a positive response and a warm introduction.

3 Make it easy and rewarding

The third step is to make it easy and rewarding for your customers to refer you. Don't expect them to do all the work or to know who to refer you to. Instead, provide them with some guidance and tools to make the process simple and convenient. For example, you can create a referral program that offers incentives, discounts, or rewards for each referral they make. You can also provide them with templates, scripts, or links to share your value proposition and testimonials with their network.

4 Follow up and appreciate

The final step is to follow up and appreciate your referrals. Don't take them for granted or ignore them. Instead, reach out to them as soon as possible, thank them for their interest, and offer them some value or benefit. You can also send a thank you note, gift, or recognition to your referrers, and let them know how their referrals are doing. By doing this, you'll show your appreciation and respect, and encourage them to keep referring you.

5 Nurture your relationships

Getting referrals is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. To keep getting more referrals, you need to nurture your relationships with your customers and contacts. This means staying in touch, providing value, and showing interest. You can use various channels and methods to do this, such as email, social media, phone calls, events, or newsletters. By nurturing your relationships, you'll build trust, loyalty, and advocacy, and create a referral culture.

6 Be a giver, not a taker

The last tip is to be a giver, not a taker. Don't focus only on getting referrals, but also on giving referrals. When you give referrals, you demonstrate your generosity, credibility, and value. You also create reciprocity and goodwill, and open up new opportunities. To give referrals, you need to know your customers' and contacts' needs, goals, and challenges, and connect them with relevant resources, solutions, or people. By being a giver, not a taker, you'll stand out and get more referrals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?