Recent Posts

Chair’s Message 2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR! On behalf of the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce, I hope that you were able to take a well-deserved break to share the joy of the holiday season with loved ones. As we head into 2024, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our valued...

Member Feature Cora Breakfast

Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce is proud to showcase our member feature this week Cora Breakfast! Cora Breakfast is a breakfast and brunch restaurant located at 3020 Preston Ave S #100. With a great selection of breakfast food and brunch items to chose from such as...

SAVE THE DATE March 24&25!

Martensville Business Expo will be taking place again this year on March 24&25th. This year, there will be a job fair taking place on the Friday evening. Business are able to join the job fair and expo if they so chose, or to donate their job fair booth to a non...

Onboarding and Employee Retention Workshop JAN 18 2023

Join us on January 18th, over the lunch hour (12-1pm) for a Lunch & Learn work shop on Onboarding & Retaining Staff. This workshop is presented by Homefield People & Strategy who provides a variety of solutions from one on one coaching, business strategy,...

The Power of Referrals

 

Referrals are a powerful selling tool! They are one of the most highly effective methods of getting new business but also the most underused forms of marketing.

We all know that people would rather do business with people they know or those that have been recommended to them from someone they know and trust rather than with strangers. When you’re introduced to a prospect through a personal recommendation, that prospect has a considerably higher comfort level with you than a stranger. So why is it that, while we all desire referrals, we don’t pursue them as much as we should?

Here are some ways to help you gain referrals:

• When you begin working with a new customer, make referrals part of your initial agreement. “If I do a great job would you agree to refer my business?.” Chances are your customer will be impressed by your dedication and drive.

• Whenever a customer compliments you, respond with a thank you, quickly followed by a referral request. For example, “I’m so pleased you’re happy with my work. Do you know anyone else who can benefit from my services?”

• Use every client meeting as an opportunity to collect referrals. To keep yourself on track, jot a reminder down in your meeting preparation notes. Make it one of your standard talking points.

• Set a weekly goal for yourself. Keep track of the number of referrals you ask for each day. You don’t need to limit your requests to clients; you can also ask business associates, acquaintances and prospects.

• Make the most of networking opportunities like the ones the Prairie Sky Chamber organizes for you.  Step out of your comfort zone and set a goal to talk to at least three new people. Plan in advance what you might say. We’re all drawn to interesting, enthusiastic people.

• Don’t forget to give referrals yourself! Whenever you have the opportunity to refer or connect two contacts together, do so! Most people will appreciate the referral, and it may inspire them to do the same.

• Don’t forget to say, “Thank You!”.  Send them a note, give them a call or maybe give them a discount on future purchases.

• Once you have the referral, make sure you capitalize on it. Most often, you have one chance to make an impression, and the way you treat the referral not only affects your potential relationship with that person but it can affect your future relationship with the client who gave you the referral. As referral is a precious commodity so treat it with care. Make sure you exceed the expectations the first time!

Referrals can be an excellence and profitable way to increase your sales and expand your customer base, but taking referrals is also a huge responsibility. Take it seriously and work hard at it, and your business will benefit!