Las Vegas Real Estate Blog

"business know-how" section: Advertising, Sales and Marketing.

Considering that we learn every day, from whom ever extends their wisdom and experience for the benefit of all of us, I summarized the article presented by David Frey... Couldn't be said better and more convincing

Proven Methods for Getting a Flood of Referrals Without Asking

• Make a list of people / businesses that offer complimentary services to your own service. Now create a referral program that pays referral fees for people that are sent to you by your referral partners.

Keep track of the number of referrals you ask for each day. You don't need to limit your requests to clients; you can also ask business associates, acquaintances and prospects.
To make this system more effective, give your referral partners customized coupons, tickets, or cards that the referral brings with them to your business so that you can correctly track each referral source. Don't be afraid to ask for multiple referrals. After someone gives you the name and phone number of one person, simply ask, "Do you know anyone else you could refer me to?" Don't push it, of course, but often you can get two or three names from a person.

• Approach charities in your local area to get a list of donors that already give to the charity. The United Way is a good place to start. Most United Way donors make advanced pledges or set goals to give a specified amount to the United Way.

Now approach the executive sponsor of the United Way donation drive and make a proposal. Propose that for every referral that is sent from their organization to your business, you will take a percentage of your sale and donate it to the United Way (or whatever charity they are affiliated with) in their name.

• Local churches are always looking for innovative ways to raise money to sustain the programs they offer to their members. Most churches would be enthusiastic about the opportunity to receive a donation from you or your business.

Simply call up the ecclesiastical leader and ask if you can meet with him/her to talk about a potential fundraising activity. Propose that for every referral they send your way, you will donate a percentage of the sales to the church. In return, the church should agree to promote your business. This same referral tactic can be done with the booster clubs of local sports teams, Boy Scout troops and other organizations looking to raise money.

• Most everyone has a barber or hairstylist they use on a frequent basis, especially if you have children. I don't know about you, but my barber always engages me in conversation during my haircut. And most barbers and hairstylists are very happy when you give them a $2 - $3 tip.

Why not approach the local barbers and hairstylists and offer them $1 for every referral card they pass out to their customers. You might even motivate them to talk up your business by promising them a percentage of each sale that results from their referral.

• The last referral system will not only bring you referrals, but will also create a lot of goodwill...Send "thank you notes".

Always thank someone who has given you a referral. Send them a note, keep them informed of your progress and maybe even treat them to lunch. Every time we met with someone we should remember their names and as soon as we can write a short thank you note to them.

• But here's what really will make this referral tactic take off. Use this phrase under your signature on email, business communications, articles, news letters... By Referral Only

By Referral Only...means: We invest 100% of our time and energy to delivering first-class service to our clients. As a result, our valued clients, suppliers, and friends refer their family, friends and work associates to us for advice on buying or selling real estate. We're interested in building strong life long relationships one person at a time.