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Get Personal Referrals -- Low Pressure
Friends, family and trusted associates that share your
values can give you an extra set of wings by referring you to
others in their personal sphere.
If you are in a networking group (like BNI) where members
are conscientious about giving and receiving referrals, this
method can "count" toward that member's good
standing in the group.
- Find someone willing to help you locate qualified
referrals by sending a personal letter of referral.
- Set up a time when you can brainstorm possible
connections and the reason why there might be a
match.
- Prepare a personalized letter (see below) on behalf of
the referrer to the referral.
- Supply the letter and a blank envelope to the referrer
for review, signing and addressing. Ask them NOT to seal
the envelope.
- When you receive the completed letters, drop in your
business card, seal, affix postage and mail.
Form Letter to Personalize
Here's a form letter template you might use to accomplish
this:
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Month dd, yyyy
Dear [INSERT REFERRAL'S NAME],
I met someone [WHERE YOU MET], [YOUR FULL
NAME], who
I thought you should know about. [YOUR FIRST NAME] is in the business of
[SPECIFY].
[LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING &
SITUATION]
I
thought I'd send you [YOUR FIRST NAME]'s contact information in case
you'd like to try [HIS/HER] services in the future. I'm
enclosing [HIS/HER] [ENCLOSURES]. Let me know if you decide to use
[HIS/HER] services.
[CLOSING STATEMENT]
[REFERRER'S NAME & SIGNATURE]
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[LEVEL OF UNDERSTANDING]
Don't be presumptuous; be frank about how well you know
this person's situation.
Use one of the following:
- I know...
- I'm not sure whether...
- I don't know whether...
[SITUATION] = Reasons someone
might use your service
To develop SITUATIONS, think of all of the reasons why
someone might use your service and present these as ideas to
the referrer. Here are some example situations developed for
Lisa Sellman, pet caretaker:
- ...you take [NAMES OF PETS] on vacation with you
- ...you have considered pet sitting for [NAMES OF
PETS]
- ...you could use a new pet sitting option
- ...could use a new pet care option
- ...you have used [TYPE OF SERVICE] services before
- ...you could have used some extra help when you were:
- sick
- busy with [PROJECT NAME]
- on vacation
- caring for [PERSON NAME]
- ...you'd prefer another option to kenneling services
- ...[TYPE OF SERVICE OFFERED] might be helpful to
you
[ENCLOSURES]
What marketing materials will be most appropriate for the
connection. Consider one or more of these...
- business card (standard enclosure)
- fridge magnet
- brochure
- service list
- resume
[CLOSING STATEMENT]
Choose one of the following depending upon the referrer's
familiarity with the referral.
- Hope all is well!
- Hope this is helpful!
- Let me know if you decide to use her services.
- Sincerely
- Respectfully,
So a note might read to a dear cousin, for example:
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December 4, 2008
Dear Julie,
I met someone in my networking group, Lisa Sellman, who
I thought you should know about. She is in the business of
caring for pets. I'm not sure whether you plan to take
Stella and Sophie with you to Hawaii for your wedding or
if you have another care arrangement for them, but I
thought I'd send you Lisa's contact information in case
you'd like to try her services in the future. I'm
enclosing her card. Let me know if you decide to use her
services.
Love You!
Rebecca
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