The Right Way to Ask For, and Get, Referrals
Asking a client for a referral is no big deal. Provided the timing is right, there’s no reason to worry that you’ll look pushy, presumptuous, or out of place. To boost your chances of success, however, it’s important to know just how to ask.
For example, if you just blurt out “Do you know anyone who could use my services?” with all the sensitivity of a masochistic game show host, what answer are you likely to get?
“Ohhh… mmmmm… no.”
Asking the question in that manner puts your client on the spot. It makes her brain lock up. End of conversation.
Instead, ease into it. Use very casual, but courteous, language to make a very specific request. Something like this:
“Referrals are the primary way I grow my business. And since you’re happy with the way this project has turned out, I wonder if I can ask you for the names of three people who might have a need for my services, either now or sometime in the future. Would that be okay?”
Every happy client will say “Certainly.” And then you ask for the three names. You may only get two names, or one, but consider this: If you ask 15 people for three names, and you get an average of two names each time, that’s 30 potentially warm prospects placed right in your lap!
[Ed Note: This great tip comes from Pete Savage's new book, The Wealthy Freelancer: 12 Secrets to a Great Income and an Enviable Lifestyle, which Michael Masterson describes as "... chock full of useful, profitable ideas. Written by pros, this book is an excellent tool for anyone who wants better clients and a higher income."
Buy The Wealthy Freelancer this week and you can get up to $300 worth of FREE bonus videos, teleseminar recordings, and ebooks to help you take your freelance or consulting business to the next level. These handpicked instructional materials normally sell for up to $97 each. Pete's giving them away FREE -- but only if you buy The Wealthy Freelancer by Friday. Don't miss this special offer! Click here to grab the book and bonus materials today.]
“Your newsletter truly stands out.”
“This was long due. Just want to thank you for every issue you put together. Your articles are truly classy, informative, and a catalyst to my performance at work and home. No frills and fancies. Just plain thinking and clear speaking.
“I keep sharing your articles with my family and friends and suggest they subscribe too. Will keep doing that.
“In this age of fast information and faster dissipation, your newsletter truly stands out.”
Amritha Alapati
Hyderabad, India
—————————————Highly Recommended —————————-
Are You Truly Happy?
Life is short. And there is no time like RIGHT NOW to pursue your dreams. But is self-doubt stopping you? Negative thoughts holding you back? Dr. Srikumar Rao has taught thousands to break those barriers. Learn what his lifelong study of human potential can help you achieve…
Comments