While we all agree, your delightful personality, expertise and superior services/products should be enough to get your clients calling everyone they know, like it or not...a little extra incentive (what's in it for me) goes a long way. Of course, it depends on what you do, what is appropriate and what is reflective of you and your clients.
Referral "bonuses" are not realistic for everyone, but sending a happy client even a little thank you or thinking of you gift (a sweet afternoon treat?) or interesting article with a handwritten note, is a small gesture that becomes it's own motivator and your client will certainly talk about you! And, if you're comfortable and it's appropriate, include a referral request in your note.
Can you offer an informational seminar or mini event to a current client(s) who agrees to bring xx number of potential clients? Partner with a complimentary or "fun" service to make it more enjoyable and have them do the same with their clients, doubling your possibilities.
If you are a coach, consultant, dentist, masseuse, etc., and offer series of sessions, are you willing to offer a discount? Your current client gets a break on their continuing services, and you getting new clients, paying full price. Bring in one new client and receive 10% off your next session/service. You could give 20% for two new clients, 30% for three etc. or stop at 30%. Or, request three referrals and offer a complimentary session or service. Similar to the buy 9 cups of coffee and the 10th is free.
If you don't have services or products you can provide, or don't want to extend a discount, what about offering a "free lunch"? Make it as simple or creative as you like. One new client referral receives a "free lunch", three receive a "free dinner". While there are endless types of gift certificates you can provide, Restaurant.com offers inexpensive dining certificates to great local restaurants nationwide valued at $25., $50., $75., $100. and up. A $25. gift certificate is $10. Depending on the discounts offered when you sign up, you can get them for $4. each. An impressive "free $100 dinner" would only cost $16! They also have merchant partners so you can send cookies as that afternoon treat, wine, flowers, etc. Think about what other gift cards are reflective of you and your clients? It's not even how much you spend, include a clever note... it's about making a lasting impression.
To really motivate your clients, in addition to keeping referral bonuses in your business arsenal, create a contest, promotion or limited time offer. This month, we are offering......., or For a limited time.... etc. If you find this works with your current clients, you might want to consider coming up with different incentives to keep them motivated and providing you, with new business!
I hope you found this Resourceful. Inspired. Affordable. Personal.
Referral "bonuses" are not realistic for everyone, but sending a happy client even a little thank you or thinking of you gift (a sweet afternoon treat?) or interesting article with a handwritten note, is a small gesture that becomes it's own motivator and your client will certainly talk about you! And, if you're comfortable and it's appropriate, include a referral request in your note.
Can you offer an informational seminar or mini event to a current client(s) who agrees to bring xx number of potential clients? Partner with a complimentary or "fun" service to make it more enjoyable and have them do the same with their clients, doubling your possibilities.
If you are a coach, consultant, dentist, masseuse, etc., and offer series of sessions, are you willing to offer a discount? Your current client gets a break on their continuing services, and you getting new clients, paying full price. Bring in one new client and receive 10% off your next session/service. You could give 20% for two new clients, 30% for three etc. or stop at 30%. Or, request three referrals and offer a complimentary session or service. Similar to the buy 9 cups of coffee and the 10th is free.
If you don't have services or products you can provide, or don't want to extend a discount, what about offering a "free lunch"? Make it as simple or creative as you like. One new client referral receives a "free lunch", three receive a "free dinner". While there are endless types of gift certificates you can provide, Restaurant.com offers inexpensive dining certificates to great local restaurants nationwide valued at $25., $50., $75., $100. and up. A $25. gift certificate is $10. Depending on the discounts offered when you sign up, you can get them for $4. each. An impressive "free $100 dinner" would only cost $16! They also have merchant partners so you can send cookies as that afternoon treat, wine, flowers, etc. Think about what other gift cards are reflective of you and your clients? It's not even how much you spend, include a clever note... it's about making a lasting impression.
To really motivate your clients, in addition to keeping referral bonuses in your business arsenal, create a contest, promotion or limited time offer. This month, we are offering......., or For a limited time.... etc. If you find this works with your current clients, you might want to consider coming up with different incentives to keep them motivated and providing you, with new business!
I hope you found this Resourceful. Inspired. Affordable. Personal.
Warmly,
Andi
Andi
http://www.ThePerfectPresent.net
Branding Merchandise & Marketing Concepts...with a twist!
Personalized Consulting Packages and Merchandise Quotes
http://ResourcefulInspiredAffordable.blogspot.com
Branding Merchandise & Marketing Concepts...with a twist!
Personalized Consulting Packages and Merchandise Quotes
http://ResourcefulInspiredAffordable.blogspot.com
