How to Obtain Referrals for Your Business - By: Vlad Ehrsam, Posted on: 2006-12-21

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.

Networking

Referrals can come from many sources: some rather costly ones, and some costing almost nothing at all. Network groups like your local Chamber of Commerce - or eNetwork Business Partners - offer business owners the opportunity to meet people from all types of businesses; and recruit the same businesses to help market their products and services. Business conversations transform into a marketing plateau instantly. Although this can be expensive, it is a social event, and requires very little of your time.

Attend Trade Shows

If used properly, a trade show is a great place to pick up referrals. Buying a banner that prominently displays your company name, phone number, and web address is a good attention grabber. If possible, get a booth near the entrance as it is a high traffic area and more likely to lure more prospects your way. Also, budget permitting, giving away freebies can help you build a list of hundreds of potential customers. Trade shows are well worth the effort and expense.

Share Business Ideas With Friends and Family

If you have lousy people skills, then you probably won't get many referrals. But, if you are knowledgeable about your products and services and have been blessed with the gift of gab, then you can turn any conversation into a potential referral. People in your family and circle of friends can help you land more referrals than you could dream of. By simply telling the right person about your company and handing out some business cards may help you cultivate a lot of referrals to, and the best part is, they are doing your work for you!

Write Interesting Material

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.

Join Internet 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

Marketing material is key in not only getting your name out there but helping to ensure people remember it. You can turn any casual conversation into a potential referral. When meeting with business professionals always ask for their business cards and offer yours. Your business card should be simple and professional, try and avoid too much clutter.

Several weeks after your meeting be sure to send a thank you card and brochure or discount card. This will let people know you've enjoyed meeting them and look for to doing business with them in the future. Also let them know that family, friends, and colleagues are invited to take advantage of any savings you have passed on to them. Done correctly you can end up with hundreds of referrals from just one conversation.

Expensive or not, referrals can be obtained by being a little creative and knowing other business professionals. A hermit, who sits behind a computer all day and does nothing to socialize, has less of a chance to succeed at receiving referrals; while energetic professionals can have flocks eating out of their palm. In the end, use the tools available to you and reap the benefits.

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About the author: Vlad Ehrsam writes exclusively for Full Info on Business, visit there today for the latest Business advice, and their free newsletter is well worth signing up for too.
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