Book 15 with TomReferrals are the nicest kind of new business. The customer arrives already trusting you, and nobody had to sit through a cold call. Yet most businesses leave them entirely to chance.
Here is how to get more referrals for your business, on purpose, without being pushy.
Be worth referring
It sounds obvious, but referrals start with the experience. Turn up when you say you will, communicate clearly and fix problems quickly. People refer businesses that make them look good for recommending.
Make it easy
Most happy customers would refer you; they just do not know how. Be clear about who you help and what problem you solve, in a sentence they can repeat. Give them something easy to pass on, like a link or a short message.
Ask at the right moment
The best time to ask is right after a customer says something nice. Thank them, then ask: do you know anyone else who might find this useful? Keep it light. No is a perfectly fine answer.
Build referral partners
Other businesses that serve the same customers, without competing with you, can be the best source of steady referrals. An accountant, a bookkeeper or a complementary trade, for example. Get to know them properly, refer to them first and keep them updated. For care sector providers, our piece on relationships with support coordinators goes deeper.
Look after your referrers
Always thank the person who referred someone, whether or not the work goes ahead. Let them know how it went where appropriate. A thank you note does more than people expect. Check any rules in your industry before offering incentives.
Track it
Ask every new customer how they heard about you and keep a simple record. After a few months you will know which customers and partners refer most, and where to spend your time.
A simple weekly referral habit
Referrals grow fastest with a small, regular habit rather than an occasional burst. Each week, thank one person who has referred you in the past, catch up with one referral partner, and ask one happy customer whether they know someone who could use your help. That is three short conversations. Over a year it adds up to a lot of goodwill, and a steady stream of warm introductions.
Bring one business wobble
Fifteen honest minutes with Dr Tom Hitchcock. Bring the problem you cannot quite name. No surprise proposal ambush and no hard sell. If coaching is not the right move, Tom will tell you, and usually point you somewhere useful.
How to Get More Referrals for Your Business: questions people ask
- How do I ask for a referral without sounding desperate?
- Ask when a customer is already happy, keep it short and make it easy to say no. Something like: glad that worked well. If you know anyone else who could use this, I would be grateful for an introduction.
- Should I pay for referrals?
- Some industries allow referral fees and some restrict them. Check your industry rules first. A genuine thank you and good service are often enough.
- How many referrals should I expect?
- It varies widely by business. The useful thing is to track where new customers come from, then improve the sources that work.
- Can a business coach help me get more referrals?
- Yes. Building a steady, human way of winning work, including referrals and partnerships, is a common focus in coaching.
We also offer business coaching for particular sectors where Tom has deep experience: business coaching for NDIS providers, business coaching for aged care leaders and business coaching for allied health practice owners.