Social Influencers are out there promoting products and services everyday on social media feeds. "Whiten your teeth with this" or "curl your hair with that". And they do just that, influence consumers to purchase products at a low cost to companies. In the business world, referrals are the social influencers. Referrals typically generate more revenue at a lower cost.
You want your customers to have the best client experience possible so they will think of you first as their go-to guys and gals in whatever your expertise may be. Our VAs love working for a company that is a tight knit family of strong individuals. We pride ourselves on offering a balanced work environment with supportive management and top notch clients. Because of this, we receive most of our clients and VAs from referrals. How can you up your referral game?
Here's 5 tips that are sure to bring in loyal clients:
Foster a working relationship: Aim for that personal connection with your clients so it becomes a more profitable working relationship. Ask about their kids, their vacation home or even give them a shout out on their birthday! Clients like to feel a personal connection especially in a majority online business world. And be sure to thank and recognize them for their referrals.
Demand excellent customer service: So the customer may not always be right, but successful online retailers like Amazon and Zappos are known for their legendary customer service. Help a customer out and they'll return for business, offer them above and beyond customer service and they'll be a lifetime referral!
Communicate consistent outreach: Do you offer a weekly newsletter? A monthly blog post? Keeping your brand and tagline in front of your clients will ensure you are at the top of their list when someone asks for a recommendation. You can help teach them how to refer you by keeping an infographic at the bottom of your emails and newsletters reminding them of your business' key areas of expertise.
Network with the best of them: Executive Officer organization meetings, Chamber of Commerce meet and greets and local community events are a great way to meet potential clients and possible partners to take your company to new heights. Meeting like minded people at events specifically designed for networking will give you a stage to share your company's mission, vision and gain referrals.
Client check ins (our personal fav): Have your Virtual Assistant perform client check ins at the 30 or 60 day, 90 or 120 day, 6 month and 1 year mark. This gives the client a chance to voice any issues or opinions they may not have felt comfortable sharing on their own. The clients will feel reassured in their choice of your business and by clearing up outstanding issues, your client can feel satisfied with their service and working relationship. If all is well, don't forget to ask for referrals.
The key to referrals is doing what you do well and fostering a thriving client relationship. If you take care of your people, they'll take care of you. Upping your referral game will push you to the top of the leaderboard in your arena and gain clients at a low overall cost. Which tip will you try?
Source: Harvard Business Review