Referrals from past clients

[Penny BC Coastal Expert]

Do you have ideas or ways to approach past clients to make them comfortable in referring you to other clients.

[Dan Connolly]

Well you could always try calling them up and asking them if they know anyone who wants to buy or sell a home! I know it sounds flippant but the simplest and most direct approaches usually work the best!

[Susan Zanzonico]

You could also send an informational letter ...maybe with a line in it personal to them and near the end of the letter ask them to please keep you in mind if they know someone who might be interested in selling or buying.....using whatever words suit your personality best.

[Cleo]

Many referrrals I receive are because of word of mouth, but I am in a small community so professionalism and good customer service really go a long way since everyone seems to know each other or someone who wants to buy/sell. Since many of my customers are overseas I generally keep in touch by email thanking them for their time, business, hope they enjoy their new home, wishes for holidays..basically just keeping in touch so that we stay in their mind so that they can tell others, but without going over board! The letter Susan mentioned directly and nicely asking for referrals is good too.

[malamar]

You could also ask yourself what precipitates a referral to another business or professional from me?

It is important to realize people are generally not thinking about you and your business day to day and it is important to have consistent communication with them gently reminding them that you would appreciate their referrals.

[AnnAnderson1015]

If business ever gets slow for me or if I'm coming back from a long vacation. I take out my black book and start calling. I call people that I know have given me referrals before first and then work my way down the list.

During the phone call I would arrange lunches with them. Out of about 50 calls I normally able to get able 5 lunch appointments set-up. After these lunches I would normally get at least 1 or 2 deals with in days and a few more within the following weeks. This method has proven to work for me for many years.

[GregPDX]

having a reason to call, other than asking for a referral seems to work best. Perhaps call to let them know that interest rates have dropped and it might be a good time to refinance. People appreciate these little bits of info. Then ask who they know that may be buying/selling in the next few months.

[papaul1621]

I ask for referrals when we close Escrow, which is probably the best time to ask.

[REforME]

If business ever gets slow for me or if I'm coming back from a long vacation. I take out my black book and start calling. I call people that I know have given me referrals before first and then work my way down the list.

During the phone call I would arrange lunches with them. Out of about 50 calls I normally able to get able 5 lunch appointments set-up. After these lunches I would normally get at least 1 or 2 deals with in days and a few more within the following weeks. This method has proven to work for me for many years.

Thanks for this great idea. I never thought about taking past clients out to lunch and asking for a referral then.

[alohatony]

i send a letter to my past clients with a few biz cards that says, "will you do me a favor and put these in your wallet?" something like that.