Networking and making the initial contact can be a breeze, but capitalizing on that new relationship can be tricky. Here are 11 ways to keep in touch with your new referral sources:
#1. Send a follow-up email immediately after each meeting with them.
Immediate should be same day. Express your thanks for meeting with you, revisit points you discussed during the meeting and close with action steps.
#2. Send them a handwritten thank you card
Send a handwritten card or letter two to three days after your initial meeting.
#3. After your initial meeting, set up a Task to set up another meeting for approximately 6 to 8 weeks later.
Have your staff contact them to set-up another time to get together. This follow up meeting should be more about the relationship than business. Perhaps meet over coffee, drinks or in another casual environment.
#4. Send them a copy of your published articles.
There are dozens of online article directories that will publish your articles for free. When one of your articles is published, print off several copies and send them out with a note.
#5. Send them a holiday card.
Send a holiday card but not on the majorholidays like Christmas. Instead, try a Thanksgiving card or a St. Patrick’s Day card so it will stand apart.
#6.Set-up a Google alert for topics of interest
Set up a google alert for topics that are of interest to your referral sources and let them know of updates.
#7.Invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn.com.
LinkedIn is a powerful social media tool and is a great way to stay connected to referral sources. Join groups of interest to your referral sources and your niche and make sure to update your status consistently.
#8.Invite them to connect with you on Facebook.com.
Facebook is one of the biggest marketing tools available to small business owners. Set up a profile that is more personalized than the one on LinkedIn. Connect to your referral sources whenever possible. Again, consistent updating is key.
#9.Send them a gift.
It doesn’t have to be something large, but once every six months or so (not necessarily around the holidays) send them a good book you just read, a bottle of wine or a gift basket.
#10.Ask them if they would like to receive your monthlynewsletter.
Use ConstantContact.com to manage and send out your monthly electronic newsletter. Ask your referral sources if they would like to subscribe and send a copy to them. Sharing quality content is key and builds credibility.
#11. Engage them online.
If they have a blog, Facebook page etc., go and comment on their posts. By doing so, you are helping them create conversation and buzz for their business. Every blogger always appreciates it!
What are some ways you keep in touch with your referral sources?
Marketing 2011: 11 Ways to Keep In Touch With Your Referral Sources
Networking and making the initial contact can be a breeze, but capitalizing on that new relationship can be tricky. Here are 11 ways to keep in touch with your new referral sources:
#1. Send a follow-up email immediately after each meeting with them.
Immediate should be same day. Express your thanks for meeting with you, revisit points you discussed during the meeting and close with action steps.
#2. Send them a handwritten thank you card
Send a handwritten card or letter two to three days after your initial meeting.
#3. After your initial meeting, set up a Task to set up another meeting for approximately 6 to 8 weeks later.
Have your staff contact them to set-up another time to get together. This follow up meeting should be more about the relationship than business. Perhaps meet over coffee, drinks or in another casual environment.
#4. Send them a copy of your published articles.
There are dozens of online article directories that will publish your articles for free. When one of your articles is published, print off several copies and send them out with a note.
#5. Send them a holiday card.
Send a holiday card but not on the majorholidays like Christmas. Instead, try a Thanksgiving card or a St. Patrick’s Day card so it will stand apart.
#6.Set-up a Google alert for topics of interest
Set up a google alert for topics that are of interest to your referral sources and let them know of updates.
#7.Invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn.com.
LinkedIn is a powerful social media tool and is a great way to stay connected to referral sources. Join groups of interest to your referral sources and your niche and make sure to update your status consistently.
#8.Invite them to connect with you on Facebook.com.
Facebook is one of the biggest marketing tools available to small business owners. Set up a profile that is more personalized than the one on LinkedIn. Connect to your referral sources whenever possible. Again, consistent updating is key.
#9.Send them a gift.
It doesn’t have to be something large, but once every six months or so (not necessarily around the holidays) send them a good book you just read, a bottle of wine or a gift basket.
#10.Ask them if they would like to receive your monthlynewsletter.
Use ConstantContact.com to manage and send out your monthly electronic newsletter. Ask your referral sources if they would like to subscribe and send a copy to them. Sharing quality content is key and builds credibility.
#11. Engage them online.
If they have a blog, Facebook page etc., go and comment on their posts. By doing so, you are helping them create conversation and buzz for their business. Every blogger always appreciates it!
What are some ways you keep in touch with your referral sources?