How To Receive Referrals: Seven Tips To A Great Contractor Business
- Date: 2009-05-03 - Word Count: 483
Share This!
Many businesses become successful through word of mouth. A woman who hires a caterer for her daughter's birthday party, for example, will tell all her friends about the great food and exemplary service she got and advice them to get that particular caterer for their parties in the future. In the business world, this word-of-mouth "advocating" of a particular company or brand is called referrals. And especially in the contractor business, referrals are a company's lifeblood. How does one get good referrals to gain a good name?
1. Create a networking strategy.
Building relationships with clients and other people in the business world is called "networking." However, before you can set out into the business network, you must first create a strategy to follow. What are your business goals? What kind of people are you looking to do business with? What kind of person do you want to be known as? Knowing the answer to these questions will lead you to the right networking events.
2. Reputation
Your name or reputation is of primary importance. It is essential that people know you as someone who is efficient, hard-working and can deliver on time and within budget. Take care of your reputation.
3. Refer others.
People appreciate it when you refer them to others who need their services. If, for example, you meet someone who needs graphic designers and one of your clients runs a design company, link them to each other. They'll be thankful for the connection and will probably refer you to their contacts to return the favor.
4. Stand out.
In an industry where there is a lot of competition, it is crucial to stand out. Be someone people will remember. Hone your people skills and try to talk to everyone you meet in networking events. Don't keep to yourself. Make an impression. This will help people remember you so they can refer you and do business with you in the future.
5. Build relationships.
Though you network mainly to benefit your company, you must also keep in mind that you are dealing with people and not machines. Build friendships with the people you meet. Hold the "sales talk" at times and chat about your other interests. More than being good and efficient, people need to know they can trust you. And hey, being likable never hurt anyone.
6. Be present online.
Many companies today do business online. It would be good to be present in these networking communities as well; as it would give you a wider coverage of people working in different towns or states you wouldn't ordinarily meet. Online networks can also serve as training ground where you can practice your relationship skills.
In the end, getting referrals is really all about people skills. If you're a genuinely kind and helpful person, then people will be naturally attracted to you. And if you always deliver, if you do an exemplary job, then referrals will be pouring in no time.
1. Create a networking strategy.
Building relationships with clients and other people in the business world is called "networking." However, before you can set out into the business network, you must first create a strategy to follow. What are your business goals? What kind of people are you looking to do business with? What kind of person do you want to be known as? Knowing the answer to these questions will lead you to the right networking events.
2. Reputation
Your name or reputation is of primary importance. It is essential that people know you as someone who is efficient, hard-working and can deliver on time and within budget. Take care of your reputation.
3. Refer others.
People appreciate it when you refer them to others who need their services. If, for example, you meet someone who needs graphic designers and one of your clients runs a design company, link them to each other. They'll be thankful for the connection and will probably refer you to their contacts to return the favor.
4. Stand out.
In an industry where there is a lot of competition, it is crucial to stand out. Be someone people will remember. Hone your people skills and try to talk to everyone you meet in networking events. Don't keep to yourself. Make an impression. This will help people remember you so they can refer you and do business with you in the future.
5. Build relationships.
Though you network mainly to benefit your company, you must also keep in mind that you are dealing with people and not machines. Build friendships with the people you meet. Hold the "sales talk" at times and chat about your other interests. More than being good and efficient, people need to know they can trust you. And hey, being likable never hurt anyone.
6. Be present online.
Many companies today do business online. It would be good to be present in these networking communities as well; as it would give you a wider coverage of people working in different towns or states you wouldn't ordinarily meet. Online networks can also serve as training ground where you can practice your relationship skills.
In the end, getting referrals is really all about people skills. If you're a genuinely kind and helpful person, then people will be naturally attracted to you. And if you always deliver, if you do an exemplary job, then referrals will be pouring in no time.
Related Tags: contract, contractor, independent contractor, general contractor, contractors michigan, conractors
Contractors! Ready to learn how to run your business better to bring in more business and PROFITS? Go to 74.200.200.184/public/main.cfm to learn everything you need to know today! Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The No. 1 Rule For Projecting Confidence - Speak With Authority
One of the most important characteristics a person can project in a business setting - or any situat - After the Autumn Checkout European Debt Crisis and U.S. Brewing Rebound
In the commotion caused by the Fed on interest rates come to an end, the "disastrous" for the euro a - Advantages Of Arcade Game Rentals
There are many different advantages to arcade game rentals. Most people need something to release th - A General Primer on Truck Cargo Nets
In modern highways it is quite rare to see truck cargo nets in action, this is because they are usua - The United States Will Burst More Severe Financial Crisis
Not long ago, suddenly announced that the central bank to raise interest rates, the interest rate hi - Niche Marketing Profits - 3 Easy Steps to Finding a Profitable Niche Market Income in 10 Minutes
Like most beginners I was having a very difficult time trying to find a niche market to earn extra m - The Importance of Hospitality Management Consulting Firms Toronto
Businesses and the managers that help guide any business are in a constant state of improvement and - New Keynesian Theory Label
2010 winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics three theories have been labeled as "New Keynesian" labe - Federal Reserve Pouring Money QE2 Unpredictable Fortune
U.S. economist Milton Friedman proposed a "throw the cash from a helicopter" view, while the practic - Fiscal Consolidation Should no Longer Delay
British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne today announced fiscal consolidation policy, shoc
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Common Financial Problems to Avoid
One must first change their habits and not procrastinate. American Consultants Inc at offers key fi - How a Bad Hire Can Hurt Your Business
What's worse - hiring the wrong person or not hiring anyone at all? Companies can become almost des - Joel Comm Is Dr. Adsense
What is Adsense? If you are new to making money online and net marketing, you may not know what Ads - 5 Steps For A Dynamic Wealth System Online
Recipe: Opportunity + knowledge + Dynamic Wealth System + Your Action = Massive Success!!! Step 1 - How To Stop Foreclosure
Losing your house to a foreclosure can be very scary. There are times when circumstances are ou - How to Always Pitch A Strike
As business owners, we are always working on new ways to convince people to become customers, client - Membrane Diffuser Solutions for Wastewater Treatment Systems
In the aeration basin of a typical wastewater treatment plant there are both organic and inorganic m - Another Year Hating Your Job or Loving Life?
Copyright © 2007 Mary Foley I've come to the conclusion that to be successful - really successf - Dyestuff Industry In India And China
World demand for dyes and organic pigments to touch $10.6 billion in 2008According to a study on dye - Cma-cgm Case : the Series of Lawsuits Continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England and the United States
Damietta company case : The series of lawsuits continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England a