Asking for Referrals Never Hurt Anyone or Does it?

"The only thing that will hurt you is your resistance to change."

These are the wise words of my favourite inspirational speaker and mentor, Richard Wilkins.

Many people ask me how is it that they understand the power of asking for referrals yet cannot create the results they want. The answer is not in techniques and systems even though these are important factors. The real truth behind creating wealth through referrals is in your attitude towards asking for referrals.

There are millions of businesses who are involved in some form of networking to help create sales. Fact - only a tiny proportion ask their customers for referrals. Only 5% ask for multiple referrals from each and every customer every single year. The reason why people don't ask for referrals is either from the fear of rejection or they think that asking for referrals is like asking for a compliment.

"If you have to ask for a compliment, then it's not worth having."

These are words that resonate from my childhood. In fact, my father even believed that praising his children or complimenting will turn them into arrogant so and so's.

Asking for referrals is not a form of therapy to massage your ego.

Asking for referrals is another way of expressing how important your work is in making a difference to people's lives. Change is inevitable. Both in your life and that of your customers. As Richard says,

"The only thing that will hurt you is your resistance to change."

This week think about what changes you would like to make to help you boost your referral business. Then just how much resistance you're putting up.

Have an amazing day!

The Persuader

PS If you're getting value from being a subscriber to this blog, then why not forward this blog to three of your closest friends or associates who may also gain value from it. Who knows how much this will impact on their business?

The Wealth & Abundance Mentality

Earlier today I was at a men's clothing store called Limeys in Birmingham who's service include made-to-measure suits and shirts. I was greeted by Matthew Britton, the Head of Tailoring. (Please note, I was not sprung upon by a desperate salesperson.) I told him that I was looking to purchase a tailored shirt and suit and within a certain budget.

Instead of trying to sell me a suit or shirt, Matthew explained about the range of suits they have, including the prices. He also explained exactly why there is such a great price differential between suits and how I can make purchasing very affordable. By the time, he had finished, I was ready to buy there and then.

However, Matthew strongly recommended that, before I go ahead and make such an investment, I should research the other well-known shops with a similar service as well as the independent stores. Furthermore, he even gave me the name of his competitors. And there's more...he advised me on the kind of questions I should be asking the other suppliers. As much as he would like for me to give him the business, Patrick preferred me to go with the store I felt was right for me.

What do you say to such and outstanding human being? This guy was genuine to a fault. Am I going to do my research? Of course I am. It would be rude not to.

How many people do you know in businesses who are willing to praise the competition and encourage their customers to go to them first? I'm hazarding to guess, a precious few. There is plenty of wealth-creation opportunities out there to grab. But remember this, you have to let go in order to reach out.

By letting go of the desperate need to acquire new customers, you will command a lot more respect from your marketplace - both customers and competitors. Will every customer you help buy from you if you treated them like Matthew treated me? Possibly not. Will every customer remember you? YES!


So what about my suit? Who will I be using? That's a done deal. As far as I am concerned, if someone is so willing to give unconditionally as Matthew did, then I can do business with no one but him. Matthew is a true servant-leader - someone who shines by leading from the front by giving his customers what matters most to them.

Have an amazing week!

The Persuader

PS Do you fancy helping to spread this work of wealth and abundance to the rest of the world? How about exercising your abundance muscles by inviting five other people to subscribe for FREE to the Persuader's Referral Supercharge?

Here's a taste of what some of my trusted network have been saying about the Persuader.

The Million-Dollar Question: When Do You Ask for Referrals?

Here's a question that many struggle to get the answer. When is the right time to ask for referrals?

Should it be once the business transaction is over? Should it be during the sales process? Should it be after the customer has experienced your product or service?

Actually, the truth is all those and more. So here's a quick list of when you can ask for referrals.

1. When making the first appointment.
2. During the sales interview.
3. If the customer says 'yes', then ask for referrals.
4. If the customer says 'no', ask for referrals. What have you got to lose anyway? You've got everything to gain.
5. On delivery of your product or service.
6. A few days after your customer has purchased your product.
7. During a follow-up customer review.

The options are many. As you can imagine, there are no limits to when you can ask for referrals. The only limits that you will have are those that you impose on yourself. If you decide to create a referral-centred busines, then start by asking just one step at a time. At the very least, whenever a person says 'no', always ask for a referral. What's the worse they can do? Say 'no'?

Have an amazing day!

The Persuader