There's a lot of stuff floating around out there like this. While some of these items are interesting, I think they miss the real answer. As with a lot of other things, it's not anywhere near as complex as it's made to seem.
The best way to get referrals is like the best way to get any other kind of business: ask for it.
It's that simple.
Most people I've seen really, really beat around the bush on this one. It reminds me of that scene from American Graffiti in which the teenager is trying to disguise the fact that he's buying liquor by buying a lot of other stuff at the same time.
Shopkeeper ... "Want something?"
CMS ... "Um, yeah. Lemme have, okay yeah, lemme have a Three
Musketeers, and a ballpoint pen, one of those combs there, a pint of
Old Harper, a couple of flashlight batteries, and some beef jerky."
The best way to get referrals, hands down, is to be absolutely straightforward about it. I had this pointed out to me in a book with the unsubtle title Get More Referrals Now!, by Bill Cates. In Chapter 14, "How to Ask for Referrals" he divides the asking process into three parts. Part One is the most important -- it's called "planting seeds."
He recommends delivering a little speech every time you start working with a new client: "Lynne, I'm building my business by referrals. Which means to you that I will give you the best service I can. I want to earn the right to talk to you about whom you know who might also benefit from our services. I know if you are pleased with the work we do you'll be willing to have such a conversation."
EVERYONE understands this. Everyone knows how valuable referrals are. When you say so -- when you just come right out and say that referrals and introductions are how you grow, they know exactly what you're talking about. So, really, don't get too clever about it. Just tell them you're going to ask, then ask.
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