Boost your sales: 7 proven referral sales strategies that drive results Image: Unsplash Getting referrals can be challenging and overwhelming for many, especially those in roles that rely heavily on them. It’s not uncommon to feel like the task is tedious, dreadful, or even the bane of your existence. Trust us, we know what that feels like! However, referrals remain one of the most reliable ways to grow your business – and what if we told you that we can make sourcing referrals easier? Here’s how. Stop calling them “Referrals” Most people don’t use the word “referral” in their everyday conversations. If you ask your customers for a referral, they might think you want contact information. But what you really want is an introduction. So instead, ask for help. People love to be of help, especially if they know and like you. Just say “Hey, could you help me out with something?” and start a conversation. Your customer might even give you more information about the referral. Take advantage of your entire network Your resources and network aren’t limited to only your existing clients. They’re great resources, but your past clients, friends, family members, industry connections, colleagues (both former and present), and acquaintances can be too! The more people you ask, the higher chance you stand of getting more introductions. Describe your ideal introduction Image: Unsplash Sales representatives often make a big mistake by not being clear about the type of people they want to be introduced to. They may ask vague questions like “Who do you know that might be interested in my product?” without giving any specific details. To avoid this, provide precise descriptions of the prospects you want to connect with. For instance, you could say “I’m looking for someone who works as a marketing manager in the travel industry.” The more information you give about the person you’re looking for, the more likely your contact will be able to think of someone who fits the bill. Start small Asking for 30 leads a month sounds daunting. But let’s break it down into smaller tasks. Think of just asking for 1 introduction a day. If it is a friend whom you haven’t spoken to in a long time, be sure to start the conversation around them first. Ask them how they are doing, and what they are up to. If you have been seeing them post on social media, reply under their post with compliments or comments related to their post! This can help get the ball rolling and start a conversation before bringing up your ask for an introduction. Keep track of your introductions Image: Freepik To succeed in getting referral business, it’s important to make a plan and stick to it. Many salespeople don’t get referrals because they don’t hold themselves accountable for reaching their goals. If you want to get five introductions every week, you need a system that helps you achieve that consistently. It can be hard to keep track of how many referrals you get when you’re talking to many people. To stay on top of things, make sure your goals are realistic and use a reliable online calendar or CRM system to keep track of your introductions. Consider this: if you can get one high-quality lead per day, five days a week, you’ll have 250 leads in a year! Host exclusive, invitation-only events Image: Pexels This approach is best to attract new prospects. To maximise its effectiveness, it is crucial to create an exclusive ambiance at your event. Invite high-ranking prospects and clients to a luxurious location. When both clients and prospects attend, your top clients might possibly even help market your business through word of mouth! Such events also benefit the attendees as they provide an excellent opportunity to network. The more value they can get from attending your event, the better. Use an industry expert Image: Pexels Someone who has experience getting referrals will most likely have a better knack for getting introductions than the average person. Now, let SalesWorks help you there! We can support referral sales strategies by leveraging our experience in building relationships, creating personalised interactions, and engaging with customers in a meaningful way! We can also provide a human touch to the referral process, ensuring that potential leads are more likely to convert into paying customers. Plus, our expertise in brand enhancement can help increase the likelihood of referrals by creating a positive and memorable impression on customers! With nearly 30 years of industry experience in over 8 different markets, SalesWorks understands what steps to take in order to find quality referrals, and how to get the job done! Partner with us and watch your sales soar! Contact us today to get started!