Today I sent out a twit that reminded others to ask for the referral.  I, like a lot of us forget to do this time and time again.  I have been trying to remember the simple things that build our business and things that are low cost.  You can not get much lower cost than asking a buyer for a referral!  They are already hooked on you, they know you, they trust you and they are EXCITED!

So, after posting this reminder - @JakePlanton asked how I ask for referrals.  I love it when people ask me how to do something and love it even more when someone helps me with a method, question or just good old assistance... so this one is for you Jake.

It really does not matter what part of the Real Estate business you are involved with you have opportunities to ask for a referral without being pushy or feeling awkward.

• When you start working with a client - and you connect - simply give them a small stack of business cards and say, "Working with you is going to be a lot of fun, here is a couple extra cards, because as we go through this process you are going to be excited and talking to friends and family.  As you do, you may find they have been thinking about buying (or selling) also, give them my card so I can help them."
• As the transaction winds down, and you send your thank you card, closing gift or what ever you do again send them extra cards and say "Working with you has been great, I will be in touch from time to time to see how things are going, remember I am here for you and YOUR family and friends feel free to give them my card."
• I call a couple days after the closing to see how the move went and say.  "It is so exciting setting up your new home.  I was just updating your contact information in my data base, changing your address to your new one... while I am completing your information I thought I would double check with you, is there anyone YOU would like me to contact to help them buy or sell in our area?"

Now I know these are pretty soft sells but they work for me. 

I then add my buyers to a recipe club where every other month they receive a card with a great recipe on it asking for a referral - I pay once and it is good for a 2 or 3 year program.  Some of my clients have called to tell me how great the recipe was, and just yesterday one buyer posted on FaceBook how much she loved a cheesecake recipe and it because a fairly long thread where she was making it for friends... and then she sent me a private email inviting me to meet her friends that are looking to buy on "Cheese Cake Night."

Asking for the referral is as easy or hard as you make it... but asking when you are working with someone is simple you already have the connection... so just jump in with both feet and do it!