Word of mouth referrals is still the number
one business promotion strategy.
Everyone knows that
marketing is essential for long-term success. What surprises most people
is that even with all the forms of marketing available such as
advertising, PR, and internet promotion -- word of mouth referrals is
still recognized by the most successful entrepreneurs and marketing gurus
as the number one business promotion strategy.
But there's one
thing that almost all of these marketing gurus either don't know or don't
share. And it's the number one key to massively successful word of mouth
advertising.
So, I've decided it's time for me to spill the beans,
and let you in on this insider's secret!
You see; most people are
a little scared or nervous about asking for referrals.
But
fortunately, you don't need to ask for referrals face to face, you can use
a letter instead. This makes it very easy and comfortable to ask for, and
get, referrals.
But there is an attitude that underlies the fear
many people have about asking for referrals. This attitude blocks true
success in using word of mouth advertising. This attitude is that asking
for referrals is about being pushy or that it means you're begging or
pleading for clients.
I don't look at asking for referrals that
way. In fact I look at it very differently!
So, let me walk you
through the way I think about referrals. I call this the "Word Of Mouth
Magic" attitude!
If you believe that your product or service is
the best available, then you are doing the highest and most noble service
for your clients when you ask them for referrals.
Let me
illustrate this by asking you a question ...
Do you care about the
people who are closest to your best friends?
I presume your answer
is yes! So...
Would you want these people to settle for less than they
could get out of life?
And would you sit by and let them make a
poor decision - a decision that would reduce the quality of their life -
even if you could easily point them in a better direction? My guess is
that there's *no way* you would sit by and do nothing!
Listen, I
look at my clients as dear and valued friends. I care for them very much.
After all, they are people just like me. They have hopes, dreams, fears
and aspirations. I know that each one of them is uniquely special.
You see, if you don't encourage your clients to refer their family
and friends to you, then your clients may unintentionally let them choose
another business - a business that offers less benefit, protection, and
advantage than you do.
In other words, as long as you care for
your clients to a higher level than any of your competitors, then you are
doing your clients a disservice when you don't ask them for referrals.
And realise that your clients are probably too busy to continually
think about helping people in their network to the highest level. By
asking your clients for referrals, you are giving them a very easy way to
look after the most important people in their lives!
What could be
nobler?
Now go and ask your clients for referrals with this
attitude, and your success with word of mouth advertising will skyrocket!
