How to Obtain Referrals for Your Business

The number of referrals a business receives within a year's time often determines its success. Some experts believe referrals are the key to closing sales; and that your company would soon be swirling down a black hole of disaster without them. With a little guidance, a new business owner can learn how to generate 'solid' leads.

Network with Others

Networking is vital to your business' success. You should always be networking, and not just with potential clients. Network with your local chamber of commerce, business groups, and even your competition. Opportunities for networking are all around you, take advantage of them. Is there any business related seminars or events in your area be sure to attend.

Go Out to Trade Shows

Trade shows can be a great source for referrals if you use the opportunity effectively. Invest in a nice banner that displays your company logo, website, and phone number. Try to lease a booth that is near a main entrance or walkway.High traffic areas carry the most potential prospects. Be creative and raffle off a product or service. One FREE giveaway can generate a list of 100 or more leads. The money you spend in material and freebies will be well worth it in the long run.

Share Your Business

Lacking customer service skills can hurt the number of referrals you receive. If you know your product or service well, and you love to talk, you can turn any conversation into a marketing tool. Family members and friends generate more referrals than you could imagine. Educating the right person about your business, who simply discusses your venture with people and passes out your business card, can also be a great way to generate referrals.

Craft Interesting Copy

Inexpensive ways to obtain referrals are everywhere. Look at online publications, ezines, and newsletters, which have a similar interest but not exactly like your own venture. Send out creative articles that interest the target market for publication. Make sure you include hidden links to your URL, products, or services within the content of your articles. Soon ... a large percent of the readers will come to your website.

Affiliate Programs

Affiliate programs are hailed by Internet geniuses as brilliant creations and some websites specializing only in these programs generate thousands of dollars in revenue each month and basically do nothing for that money. For you, however, the advantage of an affiliate program is that is affords you the chance to tell even more people about your company. When someone signs on for your affiliate program, they will see a banner or link appear on their site directing people to your website. It is both cheap marketing and a great way to boost traffic.

Use Marketing Material

Generating referrals takes someone who has some marketing knowledge. If you're a "people person," you should have no problem obtaining referrals from casual conversations. When you're fortunate enough to meet with business professionals, don't forget to ask for their business card. Your business card will leave a lasting impression.

Then, mail them a "Thank You" card in a week or so telling them how much you enjoyed talking with them. Be sure to enclose some marketing materials like flyers, brochures, or even some more business cards and ask them kindly if they would pass these out to some of their friends and family who might benefit from your business. The cycle just goes on and on.

Costly and otherwise, referrals are yours for the taking if you are clever and mingle with enough business professionals. People buried behind a computer screen all day who do not socialize have very poor odds of landing referrals but those with some ambition and not afraid to talk with people can get them all day long. Use the assets at your disposal and receive your just rewards.

About the Author:

David Kingston is the chief writer at FAT Marketing, it's one of the webs most up to date Business sites, while you're there sign up for the free newsletter. Read many more interesting articles on Business at: http://www.fatmarketing.com/articles There's also a free mini-course available that will teach you how to get loads of free targeted traffic.

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