How to Obtain Referrals for Your Business by Vlad Ehrsam

Referrals are a great way to increase traffic for your business. Referrals are free and can get you an extra edge over your competition. Generating leads and referrals for your business is one of the key ingredients to success. Learning how to take advantage of this free marketing tool is easier than you think.

Networking

Referrals can come from a number of sources with some costing some serious money and others being essentially free. There are networking groups such as eNetwork Business Partners or the Chamber of Commerce that are great places to meet other business owners who are happy to help you market your goods or services so long as you are willing to do the same for them. A business conversation can easily morph into a marketing opportunity. Some of these networking groups can be quite expensive but they require little of your time and a large potential for referrals.

Go Out to Trade Shows

Setting up a professional and eye catching booth at a trade show is a great way to drum up new business and referrals. A booth near the entrance is much more desirable than one at the back of the room since it will generate more foot traffic. You should also have a professional banner that clearly displays your company name, logo, website, and phone number. Another way to get people interested in your booth is to offer a raffle. This will give you a chance to explain your product or services and get people interested.

Share Your Business

If you have lousy people skills, then you probably won't get many referrals. But, if you are knowledgeable about your products and services and have been blessed with the gift of gab, then you can turn any conversation into a potential referral. People in your family and circle of friends can help you land more referrals than you could dream of. By simply telling the right person about your company and handing out some business cards may help you cultivate a lot of referrals to, and the best part is, they are doing your work for you!

Craft Interesting Copy

Inexpensive ways to obtain referrals are everywhere. Look at online publications, ezines, and newsletters, which have a similar interest but not exactly like your own venture. Send out creative articles that interest the target market for publication. Make sure you include hidden links to your URL, products, or services within the content of your articles. Soon ... a large percent of the readers will come to your website.

Join Affiliate Programs

Affiliate programs are hailed by Internet geniuses as brilliant creations and some websites specializing only in these programs generate thousands of dollars in revenue each month and basically do nothing for that money. For you, however, the advantage of an affiliate program is that is affords you the chance to tell even more people about your company. When someone signs on for your affiliate program, they will see a banner or link appear on their site directing people to your website. It is both cheap marketing and a great way to boost traffic.

Employ Marketing Materials

Marketing material is key in not only getting your name out there but helping to ensure people remember it. You can turn any casual conversation into a potential referral. When meeting with business professionals always ask for their business cards and offer yours. Your business card should be simple and professional, try and avoid too much clutter.

Then, mail them a "Thank You" card in a week or so telling them how much you enjoyed talking with them. Be sure to enclose some marketing materials like flyers, brochures, or even some more business cards and ask them kindly if they would pass these out to some of their friends and family who might benefit from your business. The cycle just goes on and on.

Expensive or not, referrals can be obtained by being a little creative and knowing other business professionals. A hermit, who sits behind a computer all day and does nothing to socialize, has less of a chance to succeed at receiving referrals; while energetic professionals can have flocks eating out of their palm. In the end, use the tools available to you and reap the benefits.
About the Author

Vlad Ehrsam is the chief writer for, and editor of Full Info on Business, there's a wealth of knowledge on the website, plus while you're there sign up for the free newsletter. Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the business Articles Submissions Service



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