unique ways to ask for referrals

[The Blonde Bird]

i've been going over old threads for the past couple of days to get some refreshers on boosting business a little. of course, secretly i'm delighted that i have time for lunch, but the bank account isn't!

anyway, i was also reading over some marketing tips newsletters and such that i've saved in my email. one of the things that stuck out is that i haven't asked for referrals in awhile, and i have such a difficult time doing so. i know that's goofy but i just don't feel confident about my wording.

i'm wondering if we can share some ideas here. there was an idea about asking for names that your clients might want to share, and then sending that person a card that 'someone they know' thought they might be interested and information or a discount to come in. maybe a comp 1/2 with their first session. i think that might be from galen, and it's a terrific idea. like i said, i just can't get the beginning right without it sounding like i'm kissing tail.

all ideas are appreciated. and hey, thanks for the time too - i know this is a long post

the rambler
amanda

 

[Pompal 09.]

maybe one way is to start by sending a thank you card to the clients who have referred to me in the past, thanking them for helping me grow my business and then enclosing cards for anyone else they might know who would be interested.

another idea i came across was contacting the professional referrals. there's a chiro that i refer to quite a bit, but i've never gone to see him. my back has been killing me lately and so this would be a good time to go and reestablish that connection.

my mom suggested printing up simple, yet tasteful fliers to add as inserts in the bags at the health food store.

 

[Lizzie]

I, too am a bit uncomfy asking for referrals. There is a chiro next door to me, and we send each other clients/patients all the time. I get new clients, and free adjustments out of the deal! I suppose when I send out my Christmas postcards, I could add something about referrals on them?
the flyers in the healt food bags is a good idea!

 

[HeavyNinja92]

I do once in a while ask my clients if they know anyone who might like to come to see me. I have referral cards they can give to people they know in which the referred people get $ off my hour or hour&half and I put about 8 weeks offer ends on it.

I ahve also told clients that I am particular about my marketing and I would love to have more clients like them (and point out things I like about that client) and if they know of anyone please send them my way.

Most of my clients are very initerested in sending people to me, helping me stay in business, be successful, etc.

No matter how much they appreciate me, I always try to let them know I appreciate them equally or more so...I try to give them specifics about what I like about them. For instance, they are on time for their appointments or they never forget or need reminding....they are very involved with their wellness and wellbeing.....they are interested in new forms of bodywork.....they are interested in letting me try innovative techniques, they trust my ability to help them get to a state of relaxation/healing they are looking for. All these things are true, and without these clients I would not be in business, without these clients I would not have as much fun, I would not be growing as fast in my ability, etc.

I now send a thank you card to all new clients and a thank you card to clients who refer me.

 

[L3G3ND T1M3]

A former chiropractor of ours had a neat little office-made sign (with a neat clip-art cartoon on it, printed out on the bubble jet and then inserted into one of those clear plastic stands) that said "Feel better? Tell others!" I thought that was a neat way to ask for referrals. It was short, sweet, and it rang true for people. I simply say something to clients like "referrals are how we build our business and are always appreciated." Or whatever. We even tell all new clients about our referral-rewards-type bonus, where ppl receive extra time for each paying client they refer. Or you might say something like "if you know of anyone who has headaches or back pain, please send them our way" or something. Just ideas

Hugs,
~Jyiot

 

[dkomarovska]

hey - i found this great book at the hallmark store yesterday:

'on a personal note/ a guide to writing notes with style'

it has super ideas and speciifc words that you can add to your own phrasing in the event you get stuck (like i often do). and i bought some beautiful cards and have just written out about ten. my hand hurts! :roll:

i like the sign idea, maybe when i move into the bigger office in a few months i'll have space for that. i've seen them in restrooms and client lounges before too, i'd forgotten.

AKB - did you write the book i mentioned? everything in your post sounds like it could have come out of the book! i agree with making letters and conversation specifically about what they bring to the table. it's so easy to feel like you're just a number, but when someone takes the time to point out specific points, you feel special.

bodymovers, when i thank people like the chiro for the referrals they send i make it a point to let that person know that i know their business thrives on referrals too, and ask if there is anything i can do to help them for them to please let me know. holiday cards - i missed the boat on that one last year. i need to go ahead and get mine. i read somewhere to set aside time in october to buy the cards and make your list, set aside time in november to write out personal msgs on the cards, and set aside time in your schedule at the first of dec to actually go buy poseforum.xxxe and mail them. i've set aside the time in my schedule, so hopefully i won't go ADD-wall and forget this year!

have a good day!
amanda

 

[Kenzie]

AKB - did you write the book i mentioned?

No, but writing a book is on my list of things to do! Maybe not about marketing so much...but definitely about being emotionally open and available without feeling vulnerable!