The strategy and steps you gotta take still apply.

Plus, it’s somewhat of a universal subject related to referral marketing: There’s always gonna be cyclical times in business.

But how do you turn the current drag you’re seeing into a lot of new introductions for yourself?

Is it possible to even take the downturn and leverage it into new referrals??

Yes. And it’s easier than you think… with some slight focus.

Click the player to hear a 2 minute referral audio lesson I recorded -
“How to Get Referrals Even When Business Is Slow!”

Or check me out here:

http://www.maximumreferrals.com/6fm-audio

100% valuable content, no B.S. or fluff.

Warning: It does take some effort and focus like anything in life. There’s no magic “system.”

Anyone who tells you differently is yanking your chain.

You can absolutely jumpstart your referrals and referral marketing efforts now. In fact, it’s one of the questions I’m getting asked the most, right now.

There’s a 3-step referral marketing approach I want to suggest that you try using. When you do, it’s very powerful in opening up new doors and conversations about introductions and referrals with others.

Let’s start with the three steps.

You could begin with clients, customers, or perhaps a business colleague, for example.

My 3-Steps are as follows – A-L-D:

• Step 1: Ask For Feedback on Yourself.
• Step 2: Listen for Value Statements & Confirm Value-Found.
• Step 3: Discuss/Reframe So Others Can Benefit.

When formally creating your own referral system, notice how step 2 and 3 follow the preceeding step. Study this closely you’ll see it’s a natural progression of conversation.

I suggest you familiarize yourself with this referral marketing approach, especially now, when so many people seem to be looking to others for advice and direction.

Let’s start with Step # 1: Ask For Feedback on Yourself.

(Quick sidebar, click image to hear me explain something related:)

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It truly amazes me how many opportunities we have to ask others for feedback on our skillset in day to day business. But we fail to do it — at least consistently. One way of getting feedback on ourselves is simply to ask the other person (client, customer, colleague):

“John, On a scale of 1 to 10, what score would you give me these past few months? How do I rate? How do you rate my level of advice and service to you?”

Then shut up and listen!

What you will hear will give you crystal clear insight and feedback on yourself. It may also rattle your perception of your product or service-delivered also!

The best way of doing this is conversationally, of course — either in person, or by telephone. Don’t relegate the important grading of yourself and the services you provide to a mailer, or a survey, or an online form people complete (although they can be useful at times.)

You want genuine, honest feedback from people who can refer you currently… or who can be a future referral source to your business.

And you want them to speak this to you… using their MOUTH. No emails. No handwriting.

Sure, it takes cajones to ask that question; but it’s absolutely essential you do it before you ever think about asking the client, customer or collague to help introduce you to other people.

Go get feedback on yourself. And ask for it frequently!

Next time: Step 2: Listen for Value Statements & Confirm Value-Found.

Ran across Ivan Misner’s comments on lack of referrals, and who’s to blame (Answer: You!).

Doesn’t matter, either, what types of client referrals you want: from exisiting clients, strategic alliances, or anyone else. Here’s why you need to understand this concept when it comes to your referral marketing.

The article goes on to say that our job (referral seekers) is to encourage and foster relationships with others so that referrals and introductions blossom from that. Seems obvious, sure. But there’s something more at play with referral marketing.

“Not Getting The Referrals You Want – Then It’s Your Fault”

It comes down to us taking responsiblity for our network he rightfully says, and working towards cultivating it.

No more finger pointing when it comes to your referral efforts.

It takes work. But there’s no greater payoff of your time.

These reports are very valuable in that they can greatly help you with your referral marketing and client referral efforts. Worse case, they’ll jumpstart your thinking.

• Report #1:  “Stellar Year-End Client Appreciation Ideas”
• Report #2:  ”101 Unique Gift Ideas for Clients”

This time of the year, everyone starts thinking about Thanksgiving cards or Christmas cards or gifts for clients… or… doing something to send wishes and say thank you for business.

But there’s a problem if you do that.

The problem isn’t your gesture; the problem is there’s usually no uniqueness behind that action… the card or appreciation gift is just stale… or it plain ‘ol sucks. However, the people you are sending it to will never tell you that.

Most clients or business associates usually think to themselves when opening that holiday card over the trash can, “Geeze, that was nice. Ho-hum.”

I’ve written a number of times about being extremely memorable in order to encourage positive experiences and referral flow.

Both these reports are loaded with 100% valuable ideas that you can implement during this time of the year– and year-round, also.

And 100% certain they’ll make you memorable.

Decide for yourself. Check them out.

This time of the year, seems like everyone starts thinking about sending greeting cards, or gift baskets… or something.

Something else… something different than from “what we sent last year.”

Inside this guide, you’ll find 50 specific year-end event-oriented ideas for your clients. While the title says the ideas are for end-of-the-year, in reality they can be used any time. And I’ll guarantee that you’ve NEVER thought of these ideas before.

Here’s how to get your FREE copy, and why it’s so important for you to read this report…

Download the report here (including a second, additional bonus report on the page).

The fact remains most people don’t use events or seasons of the year as a means of influencing referrals.

I have my suspicions of why this is: It requires thinking and work.  And a person will rationalize not doing it, saying silently to themselves they’d rather just send a card… or a cheese basket… or (insert your gift here)… and be done with it.

They forget an important priniciple:

Being active in referral generating activity means planting ongoing referral seeds with others. It requires you to be ever mindful of opportunities that present themselves (holidays included) to: (a) sincerely thank a person for working with you, and (b) mentioning you value their introductions and referrals.

It’s all part of a referral-based attitude. But sadly though, it’s lacking.

Any of the 50 ideas inside my report can change your attitude — during holiday time, and yes even throughout the year.

Go for it!