This blog post was created in reference to item #16 in our post, “101 Graphic Design Tips for Business Success”

Hi, Can you refer me?

A casual conversation between two friends can easily turn into professional work for you. Provide your clients and friends with the information, motivation, and reason to refer you. People prefer doing business with people they know, a personal recommendation gives prospective clients a comfort level that cold calling and web marketing can’t achieve.

Referrals are one of the most effective ways to grow your business. They can drastically change your business and workload. You’ll know when someone is happy with the end result if they give you a referral. Ask your clients for referrals. This can increase your income significantly, and you will spend less time looking and more time creating.

Remember that referrals are based hugely on trust and merit. When someone refers you they are putting their reputation on the line. It’s a conscious effort for them to drop your name and information for you. Make sure you follow through with your best work possible on any referral you receive. This is not just for you but also for the client or friend who has referred you.

Quid pro quo – something for something

Make it beneficial to them. Give them something of value for their referral, like a discount on their next project or a free holiday card design. A little quid pro quo is an easy motivator for someone to pass your information along.

Make it easy for them. Provide your clients and friends with extra business cards and self-promotion pieces that they can easily pass along.

Don’t be shy about asking for referrals. It’s as simple as just letting people know you are available for work. This is a way to introduce yourself to someone you might not even know. It can be a little intimidating at first, the more you do it the more comfortable it will become.