Last week I talked about Word of Mouth Marketing and getting others to talk about you and your company. One of the end results of word of mouth promotion should be an increase in referrals. Systematic referral marketing requires that you determine the types of help you want and need. There are many ways to promote yourself, your business and generate leads and referrals — these are just a few.
Some are simple, cheap and quick, others are complex and time-consuming:
1. Display Your Literature
Your sources can exhibit your marketing or informational materials in their offices. If displayed well and the material is compelling, not just a sales pitch, they will take the material, read the material or inquire for more information
2. Distribute Information
Your sources can distribute your marketing information and materials. They can include a flyer in their mailings or hand out flyers at meeting they attend. They can forward a health article to others.
3. Make an Announcement
When attending meetings or speaking to groups, your sources can increase your visibility by announcing an event you are involved in or a promotion your business is conducting, or set up exhibits of your services. They can also invite you to make an announcement yourself
4. Invite You to Attend Events
Workshops and seminars are opportunities to increase your skills, knowledge, visibility and contacts. Members of business groups that you don’t belong to can invite you to their events and programs. This gives you an opportunity to meet prospective sources and clients
5. Endorse Your Products and Services (testimonials)
By telling others what they’ve gained from using your services or by endorsing you in presentations or informal conversations, your network sources can encourage others to use you. If they sing your praises on audio or videotape, so much the better.
6. Nominate You for Recognition and Awards
Business professionals and community members often are recognized for outstanding service. If you donated time or materials to a worthy cause, your sources can nominate you for service awards.
7. Provide You with Leads
A source can help you by passing along information they hear about someone who needs the service your provide.
8. Provide You with Referrals
Names and contact information for specific individuals who need your help.
9. Arrange a Meeting on Your Behalf
10. Publish Information for You
Network members may be able to get information about you and your business printed in publications they subscribe to and in which they have some input or influence. For example, a source who belongs to an association that publishes a newsletter might help you get an article published or persuade the editor to run a story about you.
11. Serve as a Sponsor
Some of your sources may be willing to fund or sponsor a program or event you are hosting, they might let you use a meeting room; authorize you to use their organizations name.
Shawn Stewart is the Operations Manager at Gainesville Health and Fitness Center. Contact him at shawns@ghfc.com
