Referral marketing is a structured process that maximizes the concept of ‘word of mouth’. Referral marketing does this by informing, promoting, encouraging and rewarding contacts and customers to talk and think as much as possible about your company, products and services. These contacts and customers will tell your story and how much value and benefit your company brings to them and the people they know.

This takes ‘word of mouth’ from a spontaneous conversation to a proactive, productive situation where maximum referrals are generated.  The truth is that referral networking is becoming an accepted and important marketing strategy in local business. The reason for this is simple; it works.

How many of your business cards are sitting in your desk? Handing out three cards to every one of your happy clients with a referral incentive would be a better way to use them, right?

Need more accountability? BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. They offer members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals through a local chapter. BNI is structured and only allows one profession per group. Members commit to an annual membership and weekly meetings. The philosophy is “Givers Gain®”: By giving business to others, you will get business in return.” BNI is a brilliant model of actively marketing to other business professionals and building a relationship with them to generate qualified leads.

Make sure you visit the BNI exhibit at Local Marketing Expo. Explore the possibility of being a referral marketer.