How to Get Over Your Fear of Asking for Referrals

  • Remember that most people like to help other people (if there is no negative cost to them).
  • Remind yourself that the worst that can happen is that the client says, “No”. That’s not too terrible, is it?
  • Make asking for a referral part of your project routine. With most projects, there’s a last meeting with the client, a perfect time to ask for a referral.

Tips for Asking for Referrals

  • Referrals should always be asked for face-to-face. It’s not only more respectful of your clients but more successful. People will always be more likely to do something for someone else if the person is standing right in front of them. (It is acceptable to ask for referrals by email or phone if you work under conditions where face-to-face are not usual or very difficult. For instance, a website designer may create a website for a client on the other side of the country.)
  • If at all possible, never ask for a referral when presenting a bill.
  • The time that you’re asking for referrals is also an excellent time to ask a client for a testimonial, a short written endorsement of your company and/or your work that you can use on your website if you have one and in your other marketing materials such as brochures. (Don’t expect anyone to write a testimonial for you on the spot; either leave them a printed card or form that they can use or ask them to email it to you.)

Tips for Asking for Referrals

  • Referrals should always be asked for face-to-face. It’s not only more respectful of your clients but more successful. People will always be more likely to do something for someone else if the person is standing right in front of them. (It is acceptable to ask for referrals by email or phone if you work under conditions where face-to-face are not usual or very difficult. For instance, a website designer may create a website for a client on the other side of the country.)
  • If at all possible, never ask for a referral when presenting a bill.
  • The time that you’re asking for referrals is also an excellent time to ask a client for a testimonial, a short written endorsement of your company and/or your work that you can use on your website if you have one and in your other marketing materials such as brochures. (Don’t expect anyone to write a testimonial for you on the spot; either leave them a printed card or form that they can use or ask them to email it to you.)

The More You Ask The More You’ll Get

Don’t let your own shyness or fear get in the way of building your business. Referrals will get you more clients. And the more referrals you ask for, the more referrals you’ll get – just because the customer knows that you want some. It’s a small effort for a great reward.