Referrals and Reviews?

John Galt, who are you? ;-)

That's interesting that people aren't giving reviews or testimonials, even in with the offer of sports tickets. I hate to be harsh, but maybe you should really look into if they are happy with your service.

I have found that with my clients, a simple e-mail asking them for a testimonial does the trick. Mainly this is for my website-- I just say, "Hi Client, we are currently adding testimonials to our website and would love to have one for you. We'll provide a link to your website with the testimonial. I really appreciate your help!"

Not everybody responds, but most do. Granted, this doesn't require them to go to Yelp or Google Places to write the review, but you could probably provide them with a link in your e-mail to have them write a review and it would help.

As for referrals, I have had the same issue-- clients love to talk about sending business my way, but getting them to do so is a completely different story! I've found that being consistent in asking them gets some names of referrals.

What about

1)creating a form letter stating that you provide excellent service and are top notch...

2) Ask them if they agree with the letter

3) ask them to sign it

4) tell them if they write a personalized version, with their own words for you, you'll give them a $25, $50, $100 gift certificate to outback. (something, whatever is hot in your area)

5) Put a time limit on it. ie 2 weeks, next 10 customers only.

I've done this before as testimonials are hard to get EVEN doing it for them. But it's a start.

Also, send them some business and make sure that they know that you sent them the business. IE. call them with the referral and don't let the referral be responsible for telling the business that YOU referred them.

Just a few ideas

Try appealing personally, one on one using this tact, (adjusted to your
own tone and style. It works very well:

"John, I'm focusing this year on growing my business. I know you
have found value in the work I've done for you. So I'm wondering if
you and I can spend 15-20 minutes together -- sometime in the coming
weeks -- to brainstorm about others you might know who might also benefit
from my work.

Would that be okay... for us to schedule 15-20 minutes together when it's good
for you, to discuss this?"

Some cool tips here. I'm curious if anybody finds requested testimonials a bit phony sounding. Of course you'd rather that than no testimonial at all, but I find that when I ask someone for one it sounds a bit over the top as opposed to unsolicited praise.

Try a 'reverse' technique.

Send a note, or call and tell them you are putting a list together of Preferred suppliers/vendors and you will provide the list to your customers during the year.

You'd like to include them on your list of Preferred Vendors and hopefully bring them a few more customers. ....ask if that's OK. Then, just remind them you'd appreciate any referrals they might have for your business as well.

It's a bit subtle, but is really just a form of RECIPROCITY.
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Bruce NewMedia