|
Proven Methods for Getting Referrals 
by David Frey - Edited by Cecile Bendavid
Develop a referral system that will give you the referrals you want without asking.
Referral System # 1
Make a list of people / businesses that sell complimentary products and services to your own product or service. Now create a referral program that pays referral fees for people that are sent to you by your referral partners.
To make this system more effective, give your referral partners customized coupons, tickets, or cards that the referral brings with them to your business so that you can correctly track each referral source.
Referral System # 2
Approach charities in your local area to get a list of donors that already give to the charity.
Now approach the executive sponsor of the charity and make a proposal. Propose that for every referral that is sent from their organization to your business, you will take a percentage of your sale and donate it to the charity in their name.
Referral System # 3
Local religious organizations are always looking for innovative ways to raise money to sustain the programs they offer to their members. These organizations would be enthusiastic about the opportunity to receive a donation from you or your business.
Simply call up the ecclesiastical leader and ask if you can meet with him/her to talk about a potential fundraising activity. Propose that for every referral they send your way, you will donate a percentage of the sales to the religious organization. In return, the organization should agree to promote your business. This same referral tactic can be done with the booster clubs of local sports teams, Boy Scout troops and other organizations looking to raise money.
Referral System # 4
Most everyone has a barber or hairstylist they use on a frequent basis. Why not approach the local barbers and hairstylists and offer them a percentage of each sale that results from their referral.
Referral System # 5
Every time you meet with someone, write a short thank you note to them. You might even keep a box of thank you notes in your car and write the note as soon as you finish the meeting.
People need to know that you want and appreciate their referrals. Don't forget to send a thank-you note for the referral. | 
