Asking for referrals

Paging Blue Boy aka The Manipulator Kid!

I don't typically ask for referrals.

In the course of a presentation or after a sale I say, "Think about the people you know who may be looking for what we have to offer. We'd love to talk with them if it's something they want to know more about."

When people call me as one did a week ago asking if someone had called me I told him NO and, "If you really want to help your friends ask them if I can call them and let me know if I can." He never called back and I didn't expect him to call back.

A guy selling financial services once put a sheet of paper in front of me asking me to list referrals - it had room for twenty-five. It was an affront and I didn't like it so I said, "Tom, I'll give you twenty-five referrals on the spot if you give me five first, right now."

He wouldn't do it - he had this and that reason of course.

Originally Posted by MitchM Paging Blue Boy aka The Manipulator Kid! A guy selling financial services once put a sheet of paper in front of me asking me to list referrals - it had room for twenty-five. It was an affront and I didn't like it.....

Okay--that jars loose something in my noggin. Nobody owes us referrals because we have given them the privilege of buying from us.

Originally Posted by Gary Boye Okay--that jars loose something in my noggin. Nobody owes us referrals because we have given them the privilege of buying from us.

That was a challenge for me to accept once upon a time, Gary. BUT no, no one owes me a referral.

Originally Posted by Gary Boye Okay--that jars loose something in my noggin. Nobody owes us referrals because we have given them the privilege of buying from us.

I would definately agree and say that if this is the impulse behind asking for a referral then the salesperson is way off base.

Originally Posted by Jackie I would definately agree and say that if this is the impulse behind asking for a referral then the salesperson is way off base.

I've seen it, Jackie. I've seen it.

Originally Posted by Gary Boye I've seen it, Jackie. I've seen it.

I believe you. Oh well, I guess some people have to learn the hard way.

I feel quite awkward when asking for referrals from my friends if they do not appreciate the products I am selling. I know that they would feel uncomfortable and feel that I am forcing them for referrals. So, I prefer that they give me willingly.

Originally Posted by khunvi I feel quite awkward when asking for referrals from my friends if they do not appreciate the products I am selling. I know that they would feel uncomfortable and feel that I am forcing them for referrals. So, I prefer that they give me willingly.

Friends will refer you to others when the opportunity arises if they are confident that they won't get burned by giving the referral.

No one owes me a referral - not a satisfied customer or friend. BUT some satisfied customers or friends [not customers] will give me referrals if I'm trusted and they meet someone with a need and want-to.

There's no burden to simply giving the best service you can and then letting life run its course.

Mike

Originally Posted by MitchM I don't typically ask for referrals. In the course of a presentation or after a sale I say, "Think about the people you know who may be looking for what we have to offer. We'd love to talk with them if it's something they want to know more about."

That would qualify as asking for a referral in my book.