Did You Know That Referrals Are A Great Way To Get More Customers?

So why should a customer refer your business when you aren't incentivizing them?

How many times do you refer friends, family, and co-workers to a business? I am sure if you are like me you enjoy helping other business owners be successful. I have referred numerous friends and small business owners to existing businesses and yet never received a thank you. I know that my daughter who is a business owner always sends a gift card to a referral thanking them for introducing her to someone new. Thanking a customer for a referral is not only respectful but it shows that you appreciate it. It also encourages them to continue sending you more referrals.

It can be as simple as picking up the phone, sending a thank you email, or a gift card to a customer who refers your business.?In business, it's important to have customers send you referrals. It's what we call free marketing.

A thank you goes a long way in any business. When a customer walks in or calls your business and says I was referred by someone what should you do:

• Contact the referring customer by phone and say "Thank you"
• Send an email if the phone number is unknown
• Send a token of your appreciation ie: a Starbucks gift card, a floral arrangement, a bottle of wine, or a restaurant gift card
• Offer them a discount on one of your services
• Offer them a complimentary service
• Upgrade their visit or service the next time they visit

These are just a few ideas. I am sure there are many more ways to say thank you I appreciate you.

I recently referred a cousin to a spa that I go to regularly. She spent a good sum of money there. I never heard a word from the spa owner whom I have come to know well. I am still stunned that a small business owner doesn't know how to treat good customers. I have also sent business to my financial advisor, CPA, hotel sales managers, and others who are small business owners and most of the time have never even gotten a thank you.

Remember how years ago when business owners would have customer appreciation events? it doesn't happen much anymore. I do have a friend who owns a financial business and every summer they have a Picnic In The Pines for all their customers. I understand it might cost too much for you to have an event but it costs nothing to say thank you.

We as small business owners tell our teams they should be saying thank you and asking customers to return but we don't practice what we preach.

We at The Hart Experience work with many types of businesses and understand that a thank you is one of the most important ways to show your customers you appreciate them. We would love to educate you and your team on how to increase revenue and customers. Contact Debbie at 602.717.3271 or [email protected] for your complimentary business evaluation.