Referral Marketing Strategy: No One Talks About a Boring Business

“If the marketplace isn’t talking about you . . . there’s a reason. The reason is that you’re boring. And you’re probably boring on purpose. You have boring pricing because that’s safer. You have a boring location because to do otherwise would be nuts. You have boring products because that’s what the market wants.” 

– Seth Godin, from The Referral Engine, by John Jantsch

In his book, Jantsch says, “To build a business, territory, or practice based primarily on referrals, you must first discover or create the remarkable thing about you or your products, the thing that gets people talking—that almost forces them to tell others about you. Boring people, products, and companies are hard to refer!”

Everyone Wants Referrals

Everyone wants referrals. Why would your customers refer someone to your company?

Do you offer a noticeable level of customer service that makes you stand out from your competitors? Do you really? I hear many people talking about their “outstanding service,” but often I have a hard time seeing how they are any different. If your difference in service is not noticeable, it’s not remarkable. And if it’s not remarkable, it’s boring. A referral marketing strategy can’t work with a boring business!

How Does Your Business Stand Out?

Here are some questions to ask:

  • Does your product or service do something that makes you stand out? Do you really provide a remarkable product, process, service, or outcome? Or are you pretty much just like everyone else—boring?
  • Do your people treat prospects and customers in a way that the customer walks away saying, “Wow! I really like the way I was treated. I don’t get treated like that very often.” If not, you’re just like everyone else—boring.
  • Do you deliver so much value that the people you serve don’t really question the price and they aren’t always looking for a “cheaper” solution? I know, everyone wants the best price. But are your customers not inclined to “price shop” because they feel so good about the additional value that they receive from you? Or are they bored with what they are getting?

A Referral Marketing Strategy

If we want to build a strong referral marketing strategy, we must give people a reason to refer us! We must do something that stands out. And whatever that “something” is, it must be remarkable to the point that it is noticeable—that people will enjoy talking about it.

As a business coach serving Sugar Land, Katy, and the Houston area, I find that many business owners would benefit greatly by giving some thought to their unique difference. Engage your team. Make it fun! Raise the bar and challenge them! By doing so, you just might create a culture of “remarkable” within your company—and people will surely talk!

Glenn Smith is a sought-after Executive Coach with over two decades of experience. Recognized for his strategic insights and leadership training, Glenn has been a guiding force for more than a hundred successful small to mid-sized businesses. Merging data-driven strategies with profound insights into human behavior, he aids business owners and executives in realizing their fullest potential. A respected thought leader, Glenn has contributed to numerous business publications and is a popular keynote speaker. Outside his professional realm, Glenn cherishes family time and outdoor activities. He is a pilot with over 30 years of flight experience. He is also a professionally trained gunsmith and a firearms instructor. His dedication to fostering leadership and driving transformative change marks him as a premier figure in executive coaching.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/houstonbusinesscoach/

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