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How to Ask for Referrals

One of the best ways to get new clients and customers is through referrals from your existing customers, friends or colleagues. If you are referred, half of the pre-selling work is done — the potential customer is already familiar with you and the recommendation by which you came is from someone they trust.

But how do you start to ask for referrals? A new book “No More Cold Calling” by Joanne S. Black gives some suggestions on how to request someone for a referral:

• “It would mean the world to me if you could introduce me to one or two people you know.”
• “It would be terrific if you could put me in touch with one or two people you know.”
• “I’d really appreciate it if you could introduce me to one or two movers and shakers.”
• “It’s your relationship, and I know you’ll want to make the call to introduce me.”
• “It really works best if the person making the referral makes the introduction.”
• “An introduction from you would be terrific. If I just get a name, it’s like a cold call (and you know I don’t make cold calls).”

You can read more from the book in this summary written by my colleague Lyve