We all want referrals and we want them now! But just how do you generate mass amounts of business referrals and literally put your business networking on Viagra?

There are literally two different types of referral campaigns;

1. Business colleagues referring you business

2. Clients referring you to their friends and colleagues

With the two different types of referrals strategies, there needs to be two desired outcomes clear in mind. Estimate how many referrals you would like to generate from each source and over what period of time. This will literally dictate the amount of time you spend on each one and the strategies that you utilise to gain momentum on the campaigns.

Generating referrals is a fantastic way to generate new business but just how do you speed the process along other than setting clear targets?

1. Constant Contact With Your Referrers

Ensure you are touching base with the individuals that refer you a consistent stream of new clients regularly. Touch base with them every few weeks over the phone to say thank you and always ask if you can do anything for them.

2. Follow Up Procedures

If you don't follow up, you won't make the sale! Do I really need to elaborate people?

3. Ease Of Implementation

There is no use in handing over a great handful of brochures to a colleague and expect them to carry them around with them in their handbag or manbag. Forward them emails instead that they can simply select who they want to send it to and forward it on themselves. This way you will be able to directly track who it comes through and it only takes 30 seconds of their time!

4. Reward Referrers

With your regular referrers, on top of touching base with them regularly, send them a thank you gift or my favourite thing, take them out to a nice lunch. This way you get to further build the relationship and encourage a greater flow of referrals to come through.

Have you got any other ideas on how to generate business referrals?

Hit "Comment" and share them with us today!

Ben Angel

P.S. Make sure you check out the online business forum and introduce your business colleagues to our website visitors...