Key facts
- Say who you help and what you do.
- Describe the role or business you want to meet.
- If you offer one, keep it simple and say so up front.
- Search the Buzzlist database for people with the same role, industry and location as the customers who refer you.
When is the best time to ask?
Right after something good happens: a project wraps up, a problem gets solved, or they say thank you. Their good feeling is fresh and the ask feels natural.
Why be specific?
"Know anyone who needs help?" makes people think hard and come up blank. "Do you know another clinic owner who is short on staff?" brings a name to mind fast.
How do I make it easy for them?
Write a two or three line intro they can forward as is. Say who you help and what you do. Then thank them whether a referral comes or not.
How to ask for a referral
- Wait for a win
Ask after a result or a thank you.
- Name the type of person
Describe the role or business you want to meet.
- Send a forwardable note
Give them a short intro they can pass along.
- Thank them either way
Follow up with thanks, and tell them how it went.
When does Buzzlist fit, and when does it not?
It fits when
- You want to find more people like the customers who refer you.
- You want to save referral names next to the rest of your list.
It does not fit when
- You want a referral rewards program. Buzzlist does not run one for your customers.
Questions people ask next
Should I offer a reward for referrals?
It can help, but a sincere ask often works on its own. If you offer one, keep it simple and say so up front.
What if they say they do not know anyone?
Thank them and move on. Something like "if anyone comes to mind, I would love an intro" keeps the door open.
Can I find people like my referrals myself?
Yes. Search the Buzzlist database for people with the same role, industry and location as the customers who refer you.