15 Ways to Boost Referrals Sales Even if You Forgot to Plan
by Rita Zamora
Last month I explained the significance of planning and the use of a marketing calendar to ensure a steady stream of referrals. Remember, if your clients don’t hear from you, they are not thinking of you- and most importantly they are less apt to buy or refer. Here are 15 terrific tactics to boost your referrals and sales.
1. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS - What is new and relevant in your business? Have you made any changes or improvements worth announcing?
2. SURVEYS - All referral based businesses should regularly survey their clients to learn how they are perceived and how they can improve.
3. NEWSLETTERS - Less is more these days. Don’t put off sending out a newsletter because you think it has to be four pages long.
4. ARTICLES OF INTEREST - This can be either related to your business or related to your client’s particular hobbies or interests.
5. REFERRAL PROGRAMS - Reward your referring clients with gifts, incentives or special offers.
6. CHASES CALENDAR OF EVENTS - Reference this book and find ideas to celebrate any day of the year.
7. NOTECARDS - Handwritten Thank You, Follow Up, Haven’t Heard from You in a While, Just to Say Hello, etc.
8. PROMOTIONAL ITEMS - For maximum and lasting impressions use personalized calendars, notepads, magnets or pens.
9. LUNCH, DINNER OR COFFEE - Show your client you appreciate them and use the opportunity to get feedback.
10. EMAILS - Send out e-news, a greeting card, special offer, promotion, announcement or invitation.
11. CONTESTS - This can be something clients actively enter to win, or are automatically entered into.
12. FLOWERS - Send a batch with lasting potential that will keep you on your clients mind for at least one week.
13. MARKETING VISITS - Personally deliver food treats like fresh cookies, jelly beans, fruit baskets, chocolate or popcorn.
14. POSTCARDS - Get creative and try a custom full color postcard. Even smaller quantities can be reasonably priced with today’s print technologies.
15. SPECIAL EVENTS - Picnics, barbecues, wine tastings, or appreciation parties.
Finding effective marketing activities doesn’t mean you have to re-invent the wheel. So, if you forgot to plan, choose a few tactics for your marketing calendar and one you can implement today!