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Wanda, Melody, and Laura talk about the differences between referrals and recommendations, as well as their best tips for giving, receiving, and tracking them. They also share how relationship-building fits into their businesses and more.
Tips for Writing Recommendations
- Laura: Focus on something specific when you ask for or give recommendations
- Wanda: The best recommendations are result-oriented. Ask for 2-3 lines; make it as easy as possible for someone to recommend you
- Melody: Consider the different buyers/audiences when writing a rec, and speak to them
Systems for Referrals
- Melody: Uses ThriveCart and also manual follow-ups (emails and calls); she also uses customized links, like Bitly or UTM Parameters, to track where referrals come from
- Wanda: Think of referring people as it’s spending time with your relationships; CRMs make it easier to keep on top of relationships and follow-ups; Wanda uses Less Annoying as her CRM
- Laura: Sets aside time for following up and referring people; also recommends leaving LinkedIn testimonials, so your name lives on other people’s profiles.
Referrals & Recommendations #GoalChatLive
Also, check out this week’s #GoalChat conversation in the Twitter Moments Recap.
Goals from our Guests
- Melody: See where your top referrals come from and ask how you can help those people; review your referral process – and successes – and create new goals
- Wanda: For the next week, give or ask for one referral a day
- Laura: Give a LinkedIn testimonial of a random act of kindness
Final Thought on Referrals
- Laura: Your referrals are your reputation
- Melody: Handle referrals with care
- Wanda: They are another way to invest in your relationships
Links
- Learn more about Laura Leach and Meredith Consulting, Melody Johnson, and Wanda Allen
- Connect with Wanda Allen, Melody Johnson, and Laura Leach on LinkedIn
- Watch Deb’s TEDx on The Magic of Your Motto
- Learn more about Goals with DEB and Deb’s Goal Strategy for Event Attendees
- Get your copy of my latest book, Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals. Then join the Your Goal Guide Facebook group.
What’s your system for making referrals and recommendations? Please share in the comments.
Next Week
Next week, we are talking about Engaging Virtual Meetings. Join the Twitter chat on Sunday, October 23, at 7pm PT on Twitter. Then, on Monday, October 24, at 4pm PT, Bobbie Carlton, John Chen, and Robbie Samuels join me for #GoalChatLive.
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For more inspiration, motivation, and tips, follow @TheDEBMethod on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And connect on LinkedIn.
