The most coveted prize in selling, other than a sale, is an endorsement.
The most coveted prize in selling, other than a sale, is an endorsement.
Everyone tells you to get referrals, and most people tell you to ‘ask’ for them.
Asking for a referral is a horrible strategy, totally offensive for the most part. Borderline rude. And asking the same customer twice is a death wish.
My definition of a referral is a name and contact information provided proactively by someone you have a relationship with (most likely a customer) who believes a third party would be willing to, or would benefit from doing business with you – and they are willing to introduce you and provide a testimonial.
‘I know a guy looking for…’ or ‘don’t use my name …’ or ‘here’s someone to call …’ those are not referrals – they’re leads.
So, let’s assume you’ve managed to get yourself a referral. What comes next?
No one tells you that part. What do you do next to ensure the sale? How do you approach this person? How do you maximise the selling power of a referral? And what do you risk with the wrong approach?
Here’s a strategy that will work – caution. It’s significantly slower than you would like, but it will work. The key is not just patience, it’s a combination of your preparedness, the strength of your relationship with the person giving you the referral, and execution of strategy to build confidence and rapport before the sales process begins.
Here are 8.5 rules and guidelines to ensure your success.
1. Approach with care.
Be prepared, don’t move too quickly. Timing is everything. Don’t appear to be too anxious to get the sale (money). Proper set-up will develop a long-term relationship (more money) instead of just a sale.
2. Arrange a three-way call, then a three-way meeting (you, your customer, your referrer).
Setting the stage for the first meeting/communication can make it or break it. All three people together will set the perfect stage. Your customer will sing your praises and help make the sale in front of the referrer.
3. Connect socially.
Use LinkedIn, and the entire suite of social media. Subscribe to whatever – their blog or ezine – and keep in mind when they see you connect, they will do the same. Be at least one notch higher in social profile than your customers and prospects. Not having solid social presence is a fatal mistake.
4. Get personal information about the referral before you make the first contact.
Start with Google, and advance to LinkedIn and all other members of the online social family. Don’t just look for information, look for similar interests, similar people, and similar situations. Common ground will establish immediate positive rapport.
Link starters include business information, personal information, recent successes, likes, last vacation, children’s schools, home town. Having their personal information is an advantage. Having web presence is an advantage. Not having personal information is a fatal mistake.
5. You don’t have to sell at the first meeting if your customer is with you.
In fact, the less selling you do, the more credible you will appear. You only have to establish rapport, gain confidence, and arrange a second, private meeting where you can get down to business.
6. Try to get the prospect to prepare information for your private meeting.
If you can get the prospect to gather and/or compile information, you have an interested prospect who will be willing to talk and listen.
7. Don’t send too much information in the mail or email.
The mail and the email, like the phone, is not where a sale is made. It’s just a sales tool. Send just enough to inform, create interest, and make a meeting.
8. Write a personal note to the referral within 24 hours.
Be brief, but positive. Don’t slobber all over the note with thanks, and thanks again. Just tell him or her it was nice to get acquainted and you’re looking forward to the next meeting.
8.5 Deliver.
Failure to follow up and deliver as promised makes you and your customer look bad to the prospect. Failure to deliver also eliminates any chance of another referral. This rule is the most important of all. It’s a breeding ground for your relationship and your reputation. What kind of reputation have you got?
How valuable are real referrals? One third-party introduction and endorsement is worth 100 presentations, if you know what you’re doing.
Jeffrey Gitomer is an American author, professional speaker and business trainer, who writes and lectures internationally on sales, customer loyalty and personal development. © 2016 All rights reserved. Don’t reproduce this document without written permission from Jeffrey H. Gitomer and Buy Gitomer.
