I just discovered the easiest, most comfortable, and most effective way to ask for referrals. Fasten your seatbelt… this could be a game changer for you!
You’ve heard me talk about sharing your Why with prospects so that they connect with you on a more personal level. I’ve demonstrated how this type of connection not only converts prospects into clients, it also makes you more referable.
While conducting a training session for a client, I stumbled upon another place to use your Client-Focused Why in your request for referrals and introductions.
If you’re familiar with my V.I.P.S. Method™, you know that the ‘I’ stands for “Importance.” You want to treat your request for referrals with importance because:
- You believe that everyone deserves to make an educated decision related to the work that you do, and…
- You want your request to project confidence; not look needy or wishy-washy.
One way to do this is to say, “I have an important question to ask you.” It’s a simple sentence that frames your request in a confident manner. HOWEVER… I’ve found that many people just don’t find this to be a comfortable or natural thing to say.
Never fear! There’s another way…
How to Ask for Referrals Using Your Client-Focused Why
The ‘V’ in the V.I.P.S. Method™ stands for “Value Discussion.” This is a conversation you have with your client to make sure that expectations are being met in your communication and overall working relationship.
For a more complete explanation of the Value Discussion, grab my report by going to www.ValueDiscussion.com.
Once it’s clear that your prospect or client is seeing the value in the meeting, process, or overall business relationship, you then want to treat the request for referrals with importance. This is where you remind them of why you believe in the value of your process, product, and/or service.
Sample Word Track
Donna, I’m glad you’re seeing the value in our process and working relationship. You’ve been great to work with. You’ve been willing to look at some new perspectives and take action to improve your situation.
As I mentioned when we first met, I’m a big believer in the work that I do. In my experience, even the smartest and most successful people, such as yourself, can have a gap in their plan. Often, this is because they have been given incomplete advice.
So with that in mind, I was hoping we could brainstorm just a little; to see if we can identify a few folks whom you think should at least know about the work I do.
You mentioned a couple of people in our last meeting. May I run them by you to see if we might craft a comfortable way for you introduce them to me?
In this example, my “treating the request with importance” involved me reminding them of my Client-Focused Why. It’s simple and effective.
Related: Leveraging the Growing Client Base of Gen X and Gen Y