Referrals and Leads

At a recent Business Connections meeting (a women entrepreneurs network) we held a brainstorming session to discover new, easy and fun ways to expand our businesses. Since this is an ongoing process for all of us, we are providing some of the best ideas for you to review. Be creative and use a variety of ways to increase your success with your business.

Some practical and easy ways to expand your business are:

• Get referrals and leads through your customers and clients after you make a sale or finish providing a service;
  
  
• Ask directly for referrals from people you know;
  
  
• Contact satisfied customers and clients you have worked with in the past;
  
  
• Always provide high quality work;
  
  
• Always acknowledge referrals and leads you have been given;
  
  
• Write articles for publications to get your name out there;
  
  
• Provide discounts and coupons, which draws in new customers and clients;
  
  
• Stay in contact with your customers and clients on a regular basis so they are reminded of your service;
  
  
• Have a visible presence at Conferences and Fairs;
  
  
• Build loyalty with your customers and clients;
  
  
• Volunteer in the community to increase your visibility;
  
  
• Give presentations to community groups for exposure;
  
  
• Be actively involved in networking organizations--Business Connections-type networks, Chambers of Commerce, Main Street Programs, etc.
  
  
• Offer flexible hours so you can easily receive referrals;
  
  
• Advertise and market consistently so people remember you are there;
  
  
• Always have a friendly smile and positive attitude with everyone you meet.
  
  
• Take advantage of regional and national networking opportunities where you can expand the base of your referrals and leads.