Want a Reference, but for what?
Any business or professional service can look forward to references for multiple reasons. A business may wants its employee to refer their friends for an open job position or may want their existing customer to refer friends for more business. The strategy for referral programs will be different for each type of references. It becomes critical to understand and define for what the reference is being asked. Clear definition products, services helps in getting more referrals.
Following are difference types of references any business would typically ask for.
References for a professional service
Professional service providers are either individual contributors, consultants or small to medium business firms. Law and accounting firms, clinics and small hospitals, management consultants, financial planners and technology firms would typically come under this category.
These type of professional services typically do not publish offers or coupons and they do not run referral programs to acquire new customers but they maintain a network of well wishers, friends and fellow business that drive references to these professionals.
References for Store Fronts and Shops
“Word of Mouth” is the primary weapon for the typical store fronts and shops. Their customer carry the message and spread it to their friends and families. These brick and mortar business occasionally runs discount programs and coupons to attract customers.
Online Businesses
Affiliate programs are favorite for online businesses. They also often run discounts and flash sales on their websites. Referral programs another favorite for online business. Following are the example of companies who has success fully run the referral programs –
Dropbox
Uber
Invite based reference – online businesses have many opportunities to ask the customers to invite friends and families to join them for buying the same business. Customers can refer their friends for incentive or without it.
Local Services
Plumbers, Electricians, Carpenters, Construction contractors etc. comes under this category.
