Our new gardener is doing a great job. He shows up on time, does a thorough job–our yard has never looked better–and is very easy to work with.
Having gone through so many gardeners over the years, we’re happy campers.
My wife found him by posting a notice on a digital community bulletin board. Several neighbors chimed in and provided recommendations, and we hit pay dirt.
On that same board, my wife saw another neighbor asking for recommendations. My wife gave her our gardener’s name and number and told her how happy we were with him. She told the gardener to expect a call from Nancy; he was very appreciative.
Referrals rule.
The gardener got the referral by doing a great job for us. Is there anything else he could do to stimulate more referrals?
He could give his customers business cards or brochures to hand out to neighbors.
He could provide a few talking points about his services, explaining all the things he does, the neighborhoods he services, mentioning that he’s licensed and insured, etc.
And he could offer an incentive for protectively passing out his cards and talking about his services. Perhaps, “Refer a neighbor and get one month of service free”.
So, can you do these things?
Give your clients cards and brochures to hand out? Yes.
Give your clients talking points about you and your services. Yes again.
Offer incentives for referrals? Probably not, but you can do the next best thing by “rewarding” them after the fact.
If your clients own or manage a business or practice, you can reciprocate. Send them referrals. Feature their business in your newsletter or blog.
If your clients are consumers, you can send them a small gift (a plant, a book, a Starbucks coupon) to express your thanks.
And you can always show your appreciation by sending clients a thank you note or card.
When your clients know you appreciate their referrals, they’re more likely to send more of them.
My referral marketing course shows you how to create handouts and talking points that bring in more referrals. Details here.
