Create The Perfect Business Referral Source
It's been said that we're deep into the "information" age. Instant information, the expectation of instant gratification and constant, non-stop communication are overloading us all. There's just too much information. But social marketing is changing that. We're moving away from infinite information to a period called the "recommendation" age. Consumers are looking to trusted resources, whether associates, coworkers or even websites, for a recommendation when buying what they want.
The traditional expectation of providing a good service and the referrals will come is no longer the case. So how do you, as a business owner, thrive in the recommendation age?
Introducing the Leveraged Marketing Method
Instead of waiting for your client or customer (*) to make referrals, set the expectation before you transact that your business was built on referrals. Statements such as "the product performs so well, most of our customers refer in friends, family and their associates to experience the same results" really set a mindset with your customer to do the same. Of course, this only works when you have existing customers, and is really limited to your customer's natural market.
The Leveraged Marketing Method is different. Like Archimedes lever (right), the program creates leverage by formally setting in place a target market of businesses and influential individuals who can be motivated to make referrals. It also builds upon your Total Marketing Assets, identifying your ideal prospect, uncovering the steps needed for conversion from prospect to buyer and maps out your strategy for follow-up.
The Life Cycle of A Referral
Whatever type of business you're in, a referral program:
- Delivers results that are easily tracked
- Helps control or even reduce your advertising expenses, in any economy
- Gives you a constant reminder each time you get one of the value you bring to your customers and clients
It's important that you communicate to your target referral market what your plan to do with each referral, how you'll follow up, and any action steps you'll take. Document your efforts, reach out to referred prospects and delight your buyers.
The Leveraged Marketing Method can work for your business. For a free, confidential business marketing consultation, and to determine if FIND the CLIENT is right for your business, contact us today.
(*) Customer vs. Client Although many business owners use the words customer and client interchangeably, consider the following: Customers lack loyalty. They may have bought from you, but if another business offers a better price or deal, the customer moves on. A client, on the other hand, looks to you for guidance. A client forms a relationship with you, and expects to do business again.