January 16, 2008
Generating Referrals
Many small business owners wrongly think happy, satisfied customers will provide them with referrals. Sadly, this is not the case for most businesses. More important, a service business like house cleaning does not necessarily generate the best referrals. Why?
I have found the answer to be “not every house cleaning business is for everyone.” You see, what’s important to one person may not be important to another. Let’s say your client loves the fact that you work in teams and you work fast. That client appreciates that you can get in and out quickly.
But their friend appreciates a house cleaner that works slowly and will always stay for an extra cup of coffee. (I hope you see the time and money lost in staying to have coffee!)
Unless your referrals agree with the type of cleaning service you offer, you could be in for a client pain in the a**. This type of client will complain about everything you do and insist you do things their way. Have you promised this type of work? Are you ready to change in order to keep the referral?
A better way to get referrals is to network with businesses and homeowners in your target area. Let them get to know you and the type of service you offer. What better way to get a referral than from someone that is impressed with YOU?
brenda said,
April 17, 2008 @ 6:34 pm
Exelent article!!
TONYA said,
July 13, 2008 @ 7:29 am
I always stay for coffee!! Just kidding!
I have had to actually get rid of a few referrals that customers gave me and all the while I was praying their friend didn’t give me the boot also. They did not after all but it was still scary till I felt safe again.