FROM THE DESK OF PAMELA BRUNER
5 Tips
For Getting Referrals
FROM THE DESK OF PAMELA BRUNER
5 Tips
For Getting Referrals

A client shared with me ?I?ve been reaching out, asking people for referrals, but no one seems very excited to help me. I think these people like me – what am I doing wrong??

A client shared with me ?I?ve been reaching out, asking people for referrals, but no one seems very excited to help me. I think these people like me – what am I doing wrong??
I asked her to share HOW she was asking for the referrals. Turns out, it was the way she was asking that was confusing people, and making it harder for them to help her.?
Getting referrals is one of the easiest ways to get new business, and referrals are 4 times more likely to become clients than someone who isn?t referred. That?s a great reason to ask!
Make sure you?re asking the right way – check out these 5 tips for getting referrals!
Tip #1: Have a juicy offer
When you have a Perfect Freebie, or a Branded Strategy Session to offer, it makes asking for referrals so much easier. Here?s why: instead of asking someone ?do you know anyone you might refer to me?? you ask a different question:
?Do you know anyone who might benefit from my (Perfect Freebie)??
?Is there someone who might benefit from a (Branded Strategy Session name)? They?ll discover the 5 things that might be holding them back in (your area of expertise) and the #1 thing they need to do to move forward.?
Tip #2: Make a specific ask
Most people ask for referrals in a vague way, like ?if you happen to run into someone you think might like this, remember me???
Of course, we all have 103 things we?re trying to remember every day already. There are several things you need to make a specific ask.
1. You need to have a short, powerful, easily understood description of any ideal client. No one will refer all their friends to you, so saying ?everyone? isn?t helpful or accurate. It?s easier if you can give your referral partner a clear picture to look for.
2. Don?t ask for everything, ask for one thing. Make an ask like ?can you think of 1 person who fits this description, who might enjoy my (juicy offer)? Would you introduce us via email?
Tip #3: Ask how you can help them
Having a referral team of people out there sending you names is wonderful. To do that, you?ll want to be helpful to them as well. So don?t forget to ask how you can help them, and follow through.
Tip #4: Stay top of mind
Find ways to be helpful to your referral partners at times other than the times you reach out for names. Can you send them a helpful article or resource, even if it?s not in your area of expertise? You cultivate referral partners very much like you would cultivate friends.
Tip #5: ASK!
The biggest reason people don?t get referrals is that they don?t ask. They feel pushy, or like they?re intruding.?
When your services are good (and I?m assuming they are, or you wouldn?t be reading this) then other people will want to refer you. You?re giving them an opportunity to be a hero to the person that they?re referring to you.?
If you?re afraid of feeling pushy, imagine your referral partner getting a call from a friend saying how much she LOVED working with you, and being grateful for the referral.
While you?ll want other avenues of attracting clients in addition to referrals, referrals can be some of your best clients, quickest revenue, and more rewarding experiences.
Want to know how to create the Perfect Freebie? Check out ?3 Freebie Templates that Work for Coaches & Healers?!