Referrals are Great, but Advocates Monetize for You!

We all love it when we get the referral. I know my personal business of motivational speaking, coaching and training is based on my ability to get referrals. The challenge with referrals is you have to ask for them. The good news is you can ask a complete stranger for a referral. First, your introduction must be compelling, concise and clear. The most important factor to your introduction is how what you do benefits others. The next step is to explore if there are any opportunities that you might be able to assist them, event
beyond your services. You must show sincere interest in how you can
participate in their growth before, asking how they might be able to
participate in yours. Finally, don’t forget to ask everyone. If you already work with them let them know that you are focused in growing your business with great clients like they have been. Keep them in the loop of the progress you are having with their referral and if appropriate send them a thank you gift. Nothing to extravagant, but gift cards are always welcomed.

Advocates are Partners in Your Success

When a client becomes an advocate they are now a partner in your success. You have achieved a level of trust, reliability and friendship that leads to an enthusiastic and motivational support of your s success. To gain that level of trust you have to get to know your client and get involved with what they may be passionate about. The power of building advocates is based on the ability to become a valuable resource for your client and their contacts.
People typically spend time with others of like mind, thus their friends will have similar interest. The key building advocates is sincerity. Your support must be real and of substance. You volunteer to do things because it is something of interest to you. The simplest way for initiate the process of building advocates is to support the activities your client enjoys. You should begin to add to your database client activities. For example if you know their favorite music group, get them tickets to the concert with back stage passes when the band is in their city. The bottom-line is to help them experience the things they love. If your clients are involved in a charity, offer to buy a seat at their table or offer to sponsor their table for them. Who do you think will be sitting with you? If you are sincere, your sincerity will shine through and lead to new opportunity.

Special Offer from Robert Van Arlen, motivational keynote speaker.

I would like to extend an opportunity to anyone that needs help. If you know of someone that needs help with developing referrals and advocates. Forward this newsletter to them and I will contact them personally.