Wouldn’t it be great if most of your new business came from word of mouth? The following 4 steps will help you get to that point and help you build trust with your customers too! Win.
1. Ask
Ask for a referral. There is nothing wrong with asking. The worst answer you can get is a no. Which is unlikely if you ask for a referral face to face. Actually, the worst that can happen is someone forget’s to refer you. You can however, give them incentive to motivate them to do it. Or put in place a follow up campaign to insure they don’t forget to refer your business.
Ask for a testimonial. Feedback is great. Not only do you see what you need to improve as a business, it also allows you to gauge a better understanding of why your customers love you. And do more of that. Tip: Use those testimonials to sell your business. You’ll find your testimonials will explain your business better than you can in some cases.
2. Give.
Start the ball rolling by actually referring another businesses to a customer or friend. You may not benefit from it immediately but be sure that something good will come of it in the long run.
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. – Lao Tzu
2. Wow them.
Yes, wow your new customers. Make it an absolute pleasure to work with you. Think about it, you’re more likely to talk to your friends about a new exciting experience then you are about your average everyday experiences. Your customers are exactly the same.
4. Thank them.
Thank your loyal customers. They’ve stuck by you through thick and thin. Why shouldn’t you treat them like your business elite. Give them privileges like discounts, let them try out your new products first. Make them feel exclusive. They’ll brag about their privileges, enticing others to be part of your elite too.
Thank the people that refer you. Your non customers. Publicly if you can. Do a little ego stroking. Through twitter, a blog or LinkedIn. It works wonders. Or for the not so keen on public displays of affection, be subtle about it. A thoughtful gift will go a long way.
What do you think guys? Have I missed anything that works well for you? Don’t forget to leave a comment.
(Images Courtesy of Virtual Eyesee, nottsexminer and Spencer341B)