5 Steps to Gaining Referral Business
Carolyn Edlund for Artsyshark.com

When you really think about it, you may realize that many of your current collectors and customers would be happy to recommend you and your work. And if you sell to a niche market, your customers are likely to know others who have the same interests, and could be potential clients as well.

How do you get referrals from your customer base? Ask for them. You may be pleasantly surprised at the very positive reaction you receive. After all, the worst they can say is "no."


Make a regular practice of requesting referrals from your customers, using these 5 steps:

1. In your brochure, and on your website, make a point to state that referrals are an important part of your business.

2. In your email newsletters, mention that referrals are a mainstay of your business. You may want to start a "referral program" and include a coupon offering a discount to anyone who refers a new customer. Some business people offer gift cards or other merchandise to existing clients who refer others who become customers.

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