Referral programs are often used to attract new clients with the help of the existing ones. Though you would not want to have just any sort of client, you'd like to have only ideal ones, right? For this reason, it is worth creating a referral program that would attract only those clients who you would be comfortable to work with. To start off, you need to define what a high-quality referral is while taking into account the peculiarities of your business. Then, you need to have a clear understanding of what kind of clients you are the most comfortable with. Having done that, you will have a clearer understanding of what you want in the long run, and thus create a viable strategy of getting referrals from customers. Here is some advice on the matter.
Build relationships with your clients
One of the most essential preconditions to a successful referral program is good relationships with your current clients. Nobody would ask you for your services if they felt you could not be trusted. Make sure that your customers' satisfaction rate is high before you initiate a referral program. Also, make sure that you have a model of an ideal client before you start looking for one. Then, you will know how to gain their trust and make them satisfied with with your accounting or bookkeeping services.
Know when to ask
Timing is of utmost importance, too. The best moment to ask for a referral would be after you’ve successfully closed a deal for your client and they are super satisfied with the outcomes. Keep in mind, however, that you should be specific about who you are looking for. If you provide some narrow-field services, then let your customers know that. The more specific you are, the more likely you will get the clients you are interested in the most.
Know whom to ask
You need to be strategic about this point. Of course, a grateful customer can bring you a hundred new clients, but that will not be as great for your business as one ideal one. You should understand who is the most profitable for your company and focus on them. Moreover, you need to keep in mind the connections that your clients make. If your customer is both valuable and has other potentially great clients, then you should go on and ask for that referral.
Have the right attitude
First of all, do not shy away from asking your clients for help. It is no big deal, as everyone strives to develop their businesses. Good customers will understand that and won’t disapprove of your request. Though, it is totally fine if they cannot assist you. Just make sure they are satisfied and come back to you later, and look for other ways of getting referrals in the meantime. Sooner or later, you will find additional clients, if the quality of your services is high.
Ensure good follow-up
Once a successful referral has happened, make sure you express your gratitude. Apart from your client getting a referral bonus, it would be a great idea to send them a hand-written card with your appreciation. Moreover, you could send them a bottle of affordable but decent wine as a gift. These are likely to surprise your clients and make them feel appreciated. Also, this will serve as an excellent sign to build sustainable relationships that are profitable both for you and your customers.
Conclusion
Getting referrals that are really valuable is not an easy process. For them to have a good impact on your business, you need to treat them with caution. First of all, decide on the image of an ideal client. That person should be both comfortable to work with and beneficial in terms of income and in terms of potential referrals. To launch the process, you should build relationships based on trust and mutual satisfaction. Once your client is grateful for what you have done for them, then you may consider the option of asking them to refer a couple of other people. Keep in mind that the best time to do so is after you've successfully closed the deal. Take it easy if your customers cannot help you and be grateful to them if they do.
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Nicole Cowart
Author Bio: Nicole Cowart is a prolific writer at https://samedaypapers.com/buy-research-papers with 3 years of writing experience that cuts across many fields. She likes sharing her experience and interesting occasions with her readers as she hopes that her advice might prevent someone from making the same mistakes she once made. During her free time, Nicole likes playing tennis or taking a walk with her dog.