I see it on websites, in email signatures, business cards, refrigerator magnets, calendars…and lots of other places: “I appreciate referrals”, or a variation thereof.

To be quite honest, I don’t know too many businesses that don’t appreciate referrals, I’m one of them. But why should people refer me anyone? What’s so special about me that I deserve it?

If you’ve provided value, service or other benefits to you clients, you would hope that word would get around. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes people need a gentle prod to remind them.

So where am I going with this?

Tell them! If you’re so great, let them know. Why should people do business with you? Do you offer great service, dedication, commitment to your client? Do you do something that no one else does (legally I would hope)? If so, tell people what they can expect. Don’t just ask for referrals, give them a reason.

For existing clients, a little reminder…”hey, I did this for you and you were really happy”… For potential clients “hey, if you work with me you’ll get this and this and even this”….

It’s okay to “show off”, “toot your horn”, “shamelessly self-promote”. It’s not rude and it’s certainly not cliché. Your competitors are doing it, why shouldn’t you?

Next time you’re updating your email signature or card or other marketing materials, consider adding a couple of bullet points highlighting the benefits of doing business with you. You don’t just sell a product or service, you’re good at it, and for a reason.

Stand out from the crowd. You’re unique. Show them how unique. Just don’t lie or embellish too much

1. Resolve to start a blog on an aspect of your business that interests you.
2. Resolve to posting on your business blog (at least) once every two weeks.
3. Resolve to reading similar blogs and posting a comment or feedback (at least) once a week.
4. Resolve to start a blog on a non-business subject that interests you.
5. Resolve to posting on your non-business blog (at least) once every two weeks.
6. Resolve to reading similar blogs and posting a comment or feedback (at least) once a week.
7. Resolve to not using your computer (at least) one day a week.
8. Resolve to have coffee with someone you’ve not seen in a while (at least) once a month.
9. Resolve to make a new business contact (at least) once a month.
10. Resolve to spend (no more than) an hour a day on social media sites, blogging etc.
11. Resolve to double the size of your holiday card distribution list.
12. Resolve to add your blog and/or social media information to your (JDE designed) business card.
13. Resolve to ending 2009 knowing more than you did about (Internet) marketing at the end of 2008.
    

I know that I’ve really pushed the blogging and social media issues this year. I think that in 2009 they’re going to get bigger and more relevant. If you’d be interested in getting together to discuss some online marketing ideas, blogs and social media, give me a call or send me an email. There are some excellent resources, both online and in print and, of course, in person.

Whatever your 2009 New Year’s Resolutions are, I wish you the very best of luck in your endeavor!