How to Ask For (and Get) the Right Referrals

Do you want to work with more of your ideal clients?

Would you like to save time on marketing and get better results?

Do you desire to become a recognized expert in your field?

You can do all this and more when you build your business by referral. If you ask for and encourage referrals, you'll be able to fill your practice with ideal clients who need the exact solutions that you offer.

By taking the time to figure out exactly what type of clients you're looking for and how to ask for it, you'll have a much better success rate with attracting referrals and you'll see your business grow by leaps and bounds. Follow these three simple steps to ask for and encourage referrals from your current clients and contacts:

1. Decide what you're looking for. If you don't have an ideal client profile in mind, it's time to create one. Your ideal client profile should detail the qualities, attributes and needs of the exact type of person that you want to work with. Take some time to get clear on EXACTLY who you want to work with and what problems they are experiencing that you can help with. Getting clear on this before you start asking for referrals will make it easy for you to explain to your referral partners what kind of leads you are looking for. It will also help your clients and contacts to prequalify the referrals for you.

2. Time your referral requests just right. The best time to ask for a referral is when a client has commented on the quality of your work. Graciously thank them for their feedback and then ask "Who else do you know who is look for [SOLUTIONS CLIENT HAS ENJOYED]?" As they brainstorm who they can introduce to you, listen carefully to the contacts they have in mind. Be sure to explain simply how they can best introduce their contact, both so the individual is comfortable and so you can effectively follow-up on the lead.

3. Don't be afraid to ask! Many service providers stop themselves from asking for referrals because they are intimidated. But honestly, you have nothing to be afraid of. If you've been doing a stellar job for the client, it's completely acceptable for you to ask for a referral. And what's the worst they could say? "Probably, I'll keep that in mind." That is a good thing! The only thing you have to lose is the opportunity to be of service to a new client and increase your income.

In addition to asking your existing clients, let your contacts, family and friends know that you're open to referrals as well. Use the same steps outlined above to educate them about what solutions you offer. They may know someone who is struggling with the exact problems you solve. By arming them with information about your business, they'll be able to recognize people who need your services.

Many seasoned entrepreneurs have grown their business strictly by referral. If you like, you can be one of them. As with all effective marketing, creating the desired result, it simply takes focused, consistent effort on your part. By making it clear who you serve and what you do for them, you empower your clients and contacts to make referrals that will be beneficial to you and the people that they refer as well.