17 Ways to Encourage Others to Refer Your Business

The following excerpt is from Ivan Misner, Ph.D. and Brian Hilliard’s book Networking Like a Pro. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | IndieBound
Most people would agree that one of the best ways to consistently generate referrals is to have mutual trust and some form of rewards and incentives system. There are many ways you can build credibility with a new connection or referral source, but it's best to get creative with your options in order to reach them in the most effective way. Take a look at 17 of the most impactful ways you can build goodwill with members of your network in order to earn more referrals.
Send a thank-you card.

Nominate a referral source for recognition

Send a thank-you gift.

Call a referral source.

Arrange a one-to-one meeting.

Attend a networking event.

Bring someone with you to an event.

Set up an activity with multiple referral sources.

Give a referral.

Arrange a group activity for clients.

Share or send an article of interest.

One of the great things about the information economy and today’s internet world is that you always have access to good information. So why not share different articles, blogs, or websites of interest to others in your network? It doesn’t cost you anything and if you’re on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter, it’s super easy to hit that “share” button and let people know.
Or, you can do it individually with a personalized email. You can also go “old school” and set up a file for holding newspaper and magazine clippings that may be of interest to people you would like to be your referral sources. Regardless, sending an article, especially one that is pertinent to your source’s current business or personal circumstances, says you are thinking about your source’s needs.
Display another's brochure in your office.

Include others in your newsletter.

Arrange a speaking engagement.

Post to social media.

Share something from someone else on social media.

Invite a source to join your advisory board.

Set up an informal board of advisors with whom you can meet regularly. Ask a referral source, who you feel could contribute valuable insights, to sit on your board. You can communicate with your board members via phone, email, newsletter, or occasional group meetings. Having an advisory board is important because people generally work best when they are accountable to someone other than themselves for accomplishing certain tasks. It’s too easy to procrastinate when we have no one to answer to but ourselves.
Whether you’re starting a diet, beginning an exercise routine, or growing and developing your referral network, involving another person or group of people in the process will greatly enhance your chances for success.