So I have just been reflecting on my business and how I acquired customers over the years, and one thing that stood out is that most of my customers come through word-of-mouth referrals. Case in point early this year, I designed a simple flyer for a ZBIN member and later got more than 10 referrals from that individual, all within a space of 3 months! Kudos to everyone who makes it a priority to refer clients to other ZBINites. We salute you.
You have probably heard about Will Smith and the slap that echoed around the world. Most people are already prophesying that his career is over. Just as one wrong move can bring down a person’s career, the same applies to businesses, one bad review can also ruin your brand image. When a customer is referred to you, simply deliver. Period.
A referral is someone else doing your marketing for you at no cost and because they want to. Referrals are the single fastest and easiest way for any business owner to build deep relationships, earn more money, and grow the business. Potential customers who are referred are easier to close, make their buying decision faster, are more profitable because there’s no cost in acquiring them and spend more, and they’re more loyal, they tend to stay with you longer.
One marketing researcher found out that referrals have a higher conversion, close faster, and have a higher lifetime value, and 85% of small businesses say word-of-mouth referrals are the number one way that new customers find out about their businesses.
How to ask for referrals
The art of getting lots of referrals lies in the way you ask for them. If you say, “Do you know anyone else who might enjoy my service? ” naturally people will say they’ll think of someone and let you know. End of story. The chances are they will forget the question once they’ve left your business premises. So be specific and be direct. Ask, ‘Who do you think will benefit from my service?’ When they tell you, ask them specifically where you can find those people.
Use public speaking to reach a bigger audience
One of the best ways to create a lasting impression on potential clients is to deliver your service directly to them. The best way to demonstrate your expertise is to deliver content in a non-aggressive fashion such as at, business seminars, ZBIN Meetings, Premium Chats groups, or any other business gathering. By listening to your presentation, the prospect is highly likely to form an impression about whether they want to work with you or not.
Things to Avoid
- Avoid descending from the terraces to drop adverts and then perform a vanishing act.
- Don’t interrupt an ongoing discussion by dumping adverts on platforms.
- Participate in the lively discussions on Social Media forums, show up at meetings and share your knowledge.
Let’s normalize referring customers to one another, especially ZBINites.
