Asking for Referrals: Does It Make You Uncomfortable?

By Daryl Logullo | May 30, 2009 | Popularity: 43% | 3,114 views

Don't Feel Uncomfortable Asking for Referrals

Why do you believe that asking for referrals is so hard to do?

After all, word of mouth is the most effective form of advertising, so why do we often jeopardize our own efforts by hesitating to talk about referrals? The answer?
Answer: Because we often feel like if we ask, we’ll be perceived as an aggressive salesperson rather than the trusted professional that we are.
But the action of asking, or discussing referrals, exudes a certain level of confidence. And there’s nothing wrong with that, just as long as the other party (the referral source) is treated with tact and consideration.

Sure, it’s true, that some people will be impressed with your skills and they’ll certainly tell others about you. But as I’ve explained many times before, that doesn’t happen consistently, at least not when it comes to referral marketing.

Study this referral marketing diagram I recently posted.

Now look at this diagram of all of the daily interactions that create referrals.

Both will change your thinking about generating referrals in your business.

We know that people would rather do business with those they know, or at least have heard about, from recommendations of their friends or family rather than from a complete stranger.

So the key here is to make conversations about referrals and introductions to others a part of your business… a habit, in other words.

Teaching Tip: Look for ways when others compliment your work, advice or skills as active confirmation… a sign they find confidence in you. They’re valuing you and your skills. And when you hear comments like this, make a permanent mental note: This person is a wonderful opportunity for me to discuss introductions and growing my business by referrals.

Start keying-in to compliments you receive. They present referral opportunities.

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