Thanking clients for referrals

Thanking clients for referrals

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I like to think that my isp is the friendly and personal service that I provide. With this in mind I want to find a way to thank my clients for referrals they give, without seeming cheesy or insincere. I was thinking a box of chocolates or flowers for a female client who recently referred me to a large new client.

Can anyone advise how they deal with thank yous? I don't want to do money off fees as that seems a bit cold andimpersonal and my fees are low anyway.

Thanks in advance.

Sir digby

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By User deleted
20th May 2011 10:51

Either would work

I think either flowers or chocs would work, just make sure there's a written thank you in there somewhere - a card / email or something, not just a note with the flowers (that for some reason would seem less personal?). Nothing too OTT or they'll think you're charging them too much :) Maybe just a handwritten thank you card to be honest. Shows you've made the effort, its sincere and its personal. It's a difficult balance to get right....

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By Ding Dong
20th May 2011 16:34

Wine

That's what I give, a bottle of wine and a sincere thankyou. (But nothing too expensive - looks too flash - I don't drink red so the clients who give me Red get theirs passed on to others !!

One client did angle for money off his bill, I said £50 for each referral that tuned out to become a client, he has given me three so far so last year his bill was £150 instead of £300 but the referrals have been £k+in fees between them :-)

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By cheeeetah
22nd May 2011 12:39

Related ideas

Taking this a step further, it is good to promote this kind of referral network to get more leads coming in.

eg. I know of a financial advisor that networks with several solicitors and estate agents.  They feed the financial advisor leads/contacts of people who are seeking to buy a property or starting in on the activity...great leads for the financial advosor, who gives back commissions on successful agreements.

For an accountant, you'd need to latch onto companies that sell ready-registered companies, and the like.  Ones that are in at the start and can pass on names of those who will be needing an accountant soon. 

Adult Education Centers, where they teach about running a business.  Get a line into the teacher - maybe you could help him/her by going along to give a briefing to his students, and leaving some contact details.

For customers, word of mouth is excellent sales, of course.  In your correspondence, it is worth a trailing paragraph asking if any of their business aquaintences need accountant services.

Network meets themselves should be helpful, too, mentioning that you would give them a drink/offer a commission on successful leads.

 

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