DISQUS

Duct Tape Marketing: The Highly Engaged Referral

  • Joseph T. Dager · 10 months ago
    Survey says shutdown?

    When I look at referral processes, I study the medical industry. Is that not the best referral system ever created?
  • Paul Simister · 10 months ago
    I agree with you.

    Wherever possible I like the person who is referring me to contact the person and at least explain why they have passed their name on. Even better if they can convince the person to call me.

    I have just blogged and Twittered about your referral survey John as I am also very interested in referral techniques.

    It was possibly my favourite chapter of your book.
  • Donny Gamble · 10 months ago
    I feel that I good referral depends on whether or not the leader is a great leader or not. If you are a good leader, than you will create many more good referrals.
  • Janice Cartier · 10 months ago
    "you’ve got to believe in you heart that you are actually doing them a favor by allowing them to introduce your valuable products and services to others who will benefit."

    That's a very interesting shift. Going to have to spend some time with it because it has the feel of an important piece of the puzzle.
  • Jack Zufelt · 10 months ago
    You make good points on the importance of referrals, especially, when you point about truly believing in your business, product/service and that you are doing a favor to potential clients. This mind set is the key to developing strong referrals. Demonstrated strong belief and support generates the same in others who will feel confident to buy from you.
  • Click and Inc · 10 months ago
    Nice post. Referrals are important and hopefully the company leader is willing to distribute good ones. I also agree that it reflects a lot on a company leader. Thanks.
  • John Gillett · 10 months ago
    Referrals may be the most underused of all marketing tactics...although they aren't new and shiny, they have a proven track record....and can be easily applied to the Web 2.0 world.
  • SEO Software · 10 months ago
    Great points John. I have definitely seen the difference in conversion across the spectrum of referrals. I still need to do a better job of "build[ing] engagement into [my] referral process".
  • JoyfulC · 10 months ago
    You might rethink one of your questions, how much business comes from referrals. That should be how much NEW business comes from referrals. Repeat business is another very valuable vector to cultivate.
  • SEO Tips South Africa · 10 months ago
    We had a successful car audio and security installation centre in the mid 1990's, and loads of our business came from referrals. The youngsters were getting commission on bringing their friends in to have sound systems fitted, so that truly motivated them to drag their friends into the shop, which wasn't a difficult task as they already had really nice goods to show off and impress their friends with.
  • businessesforsale · 10 months ago
    Good post. An illustration of how important it is to engage your partners, is by looking at the 'cheap' end of the referral scale - affiliates. On the whole, affiliates cannot be bothered to get to know your business and its associated services and products. The number of converted affiliate sales compared to conversions from true referrals bears this out.
  • Serviced Offices · 10 months ago
    Our business relies heavily on referrals - they are our lifeblood!
  • Serviced Offices · 10 months ago
    We rely heavily on referrals, they are our lifeblood!
  • web content · 10 months ago
    Trusted referrals are always going to be the best.. but it's not always that easy to earn such referrals other than through providing a great business..
  • Kate · 10 months ago
    They are an under used tool, but you really need to keep them engaged for the long term. Brands like Apple are really good at this. I personally have converted 3 people to Mac, but they do a good job of keeping your engaged. I get well written and relevant communications every month. For those of us without large PR budgets there are other options. I use IM's to contact some of the people who tend to spread the word and give them real time updates. Its a great way to get feedback as well.
  • Classifieds · 10 months ago
    Referrals are very important for any business and if they think you are good you will get referrals
  • Business Protection · 10 months ago
    I have one referrer who not only does such a great job but he will actually bring the new customer/friend of his to my offices and introduce us.
  • Sweaty palms · 10 months ago
    Another great post.

    The effective referal process usually comes down to a simple catalyst. Value.

    If your business really brings value to the table you'll have it spread like wild fire. People want to share good products/services they used.

    Andy