- Call professionals you would like to have a referral arrangement with and ask to set up a short appointment.
- When you receive a referral from a client, ask the client to introduce you to the person.
- The story a client tells about an advisor is the make-or-break facet of an introduction. Coach the client to make sure the story he tells is compelling.
- Recap how you have helped a client's situation since he started working with you to prime them to tell a good story.
- To get quality referrals, define for your client exactly what a quality referral is for you.
- Ask a direct, referral-seeking question to your client instead of making a half-hearted request or suggestion.
- Prepare your client during the sales process to give referrals by informing him up front that you are a referral-based advisor and expect referrals as long as you do a good job.
- Educate your client on why it is in his best interest to provide referrals.
- A lack of training in generating quality referrals is the main reason most advisors fail to obtain quality referrals.
- Believe you deserve referrals by coming up with reasons why.