Ask for referrals

Referrals are one of the best ways to generate new business. After all, sales that open with a referral tend to move through your sales process more quickly because they start with built-in trust. You’ve been recommended by someone they respect, which means they’re predisposed to working with you.

They’re also more likely to be reaching out to you when they need you, as opposed to when they’re simply gathering information, which pushes them even further along the sales process.

Referrals are warm leads that require very little financial investment. All you need to do is know how to ask your clients for referrals.

Use this template to ask clients you’ve built a relationship with to refer clients to you. Send this email individually and make it personal–include the recipient’s name and the project you’ve worked on.

Before sending this email to your contacts, please make sure to do the following:

  1. Replace all text in highlighted font with your firm’s information
  2. Replace the bullet list of characteristics with details about your ideal clients
  3. Make sure your logo and signature appear in the email
  4. Revise any content to ensure it reflects your firm

A tip: if you’ve just had a big win with a client, that’s a perfect time to ask them for a referral. They’re likely excited about your services and happy to share your name with others.

Remember, people sometimes read an email and forget about it. Don’t be afraid to follow up by sending this email a few times a year (no more than 3, though).

Subject line: We love working with people like you

Preview Line: We’d appreciate your recommendation

— body of email—

Hi (Their name)

We’ve really enjoyed working with you on (project/service) and we’d love to have more clients like you.

As you know, we love helping clients like you take control of their finances and build thriving businesses.

With that in mind, can you think of any other business owners in your network that:

(Replace with your own characteristics)

  • Are in the construction or trades industry
  • Have at least 5 employees
  • Want to grow their business)

and would benefit from a consultation with us?

We offer all new referrals a free (length of meeting) consultation where we discuss their business and how we can help them.

Please feel free to introduce us to anyone who could benefit from a consultation with us. We can be reached by email (email address) or my direct line at (phone number).

Many thanks,

(Your name)