Referral
A referral is a new client who came because an existing client recommended you. It is the cheapest new client you can get. It rarely happens until someone asks.
What it means
Word of mouth sounds passive, as if it just happens to businesses that do good work. In practice, most referrals come when someone asks a client directly. For example, you say “if you know anyone who could use this, I’d really appreciate the introduction”. Few come from a happy client who mentions you unprompted.
The best moment to ask is after a client has hired you more than once. By then the relationship has proved itself. Do not ask right after the very first job. Name something specific, such as “anyone on your street.” A vague “anyone you know” is weaker. The specific ask gives the client a concrete reason to think of someone. A vague request gets forgotten.
After a client’s second job with you, you ask if they know anyone nearby who could use similar work. They introduce you to a neighbour. That new client cost you nothing to win beyond the ask itself.
Waiting for referrals to happen on their own. Most satisfied clients would happily refer you, but the introduction usually needs a nudge.
See also
Where this shows up
Want this in one place?
BizBinder keeps quotes, jobs, invoices, and follow-ups in one binder.
You are on the list.
A person reads every request. You will hear from us within one business day.
- 01 A person reads your note — not a queue.
- 02 You get an invite as spots open.
- 03 Your admin starts filing itself.
The free library is open while you wait. Nothing in it needs an account.
- guide What to do after the job — the follow-up that wins the next one One routine covers the thank-you, the review ask, and the referral ask.
- tool Client follow-up planner Enter the date a job finished. You get six follow-ups as real dates: thank-you, review ask, nudge, referral, check-in, and win-back. Copy them or add them to your calendar.
- tool Job profit check Enter the price you charged, your direct costs, and the hours the job took. Hours include site, travel, quoting, and admin. The tool shows the real hourly rate against your target.