Ep #019: How Promo Swag is Killing Your Referral Strategy

Episode #019 Show Notes:

In this episode we are diving in to understand how your beloved promotional items are killing your referral strategy. 

Now I know this can be a touchy subject...I mean who doesn't love the free stuff companies hand out with their logo on them? 

But using them as part of your referral strategy comes with a cost.     

Here are some highlights:

In this episode I discuss when to use promotional items (promo swag) and when not to use them. 

Promo swag can be used during your marketing and prospecting plans. For example, as a free item you give out at your booth at a trade show.  The point of the item is to lure someone to step into your booth or up to the table to take the free item and providing you with an opportunity to start a conversation.  You may also use promo items to entice someone to meet with you or send after they have met with you when they are in the buyer's journey.

Another opportunity as to when to use promo items is part of your new client experience and in the episode I give two examples. First example is a home builder who went through my Sticky Client Experience program and how he paired a nice "thank you gift" with promo items when the project was complete. 

The second example is one I used as a business and productivity coach...a koozie I gave out with a specific saying to all my new clients. 

Then we dive into when you cannot use promo swag which is specifically as part of your referral plan.  I talk about why promo swag actually has the opposite effect you want it to have and why promo swag is best left out of the referral generating plan.

Links to Show Resources:

Episode #002: Demystify Your Business Growth in Three Ways - I go into the three types of plans you need as part of your overall sales strategy.

Generating Business Referrals...Without Asking - buy your copy at any of your favorite online or brick and mortar book stores today.

Free Referrals Without Asking Facebook group  - Join the almost 1000 professionals committed to generating referrals without asking!

Take the Referral Ninja Quiz Now:

In 9 simple questions, you will test your ability to generate referrals in the Referral Ninja Quiz.  Find out which level you are and how far you may be from being a Referral Ninja Master!

Coming Up:

Coming up in the next episode - #020 - we are answering listener questions - maybe even yours - about referrals, client experience and business growth!