Hey Guys!

I'm trying to come up with some creative ways to attract new clients and keep my current ones happy.

So far I have coupons for monthly discounts for referrals or for signing up for monthly packages. I really like the holiday cards and present ideas. What else can I do?

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Alisa A. Beatty ~Assistance You Can Count On~ www.virtual-jane.com

The first three years in business I received 99% of my referrals from existing clients, more recently I've received quite a few referrals from other VAs, up to 25% of new business comes from that direction now each month. Those referrals came after networking here, helping other VAs by answering questions, sharing my expertise, etc. - really investing myself in the community - so that's one angle to think about as you settle into the VAF community.

I've also always offered a 10% 'thank you' to anyone who refers a new client (I send them 10% of the new client's first invoice, via PayPal).

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I like the idea of offering some incentive like '$20 gift card to the first person who refers me a client who signs on.' I've seen a few people post similar things on their facebook pages. The more creative your offering, the more people will want to give it a try. I agree that most new business comes from your warm market and your client referrals. Keep pluggin away at it and soon you'll have a 'waiting list'!

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www.thebrainygal.com

I have a suggestion though. If you are going to offer clients that refer you other clients a discount on their fees, I wouldn't use the term "coupon" as it cheapens your business. The name reminds me of people cutting out coupons from newspapers, I would use a different term perhaps.

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Sabrina L. Williams
For a bird's eye view of your business

I too pay $ as thank you for referrals as above.

Another idea - especially this time of year - is a gift certificate. i.e. Bosses can "give" their workers a day off and use your services instead. Workers can give their bosses a helping hand by "giving" a few hours of your services. Also I had one parent gift my services to assist with correcting papers to a teacher.

Be creative -- and good luck! - Deb

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Deb's Professional Services
http://www.debsprofessionalservices.com

Originally Posted by debw241

I too pay $ as thank you for referrals as above. Another idea - especially this time of year - is a gift certificate. i.e. Bosses can "give" their workers a day off and use your services instead. Workers can give their bosses a helping hand by "giving" a few hours of your services. Also I had one parent gift my services to assist with correcting papers to a teacher. Be creative -- and good luck! - Deb

Deb,
I really like your idea of gift certificates, especially for teachers! I've also donated a package to school silent auction fundraisers. It's a great way to get your name out into the local community, give people a taste of your services, and help out a worthy cause!

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Alise Jewell
A Virtual Jewell

I was on a webinar a few weeks ago where the host suggested offering 1 hour of free services to client who successfully refers someone to you. So let's say John referred Jane to you and you sign Jane as a client, then John gets a free hour of your services as a thank you. The host also mentioned that there were a couple of occasions where someone who wasnt a client of hers at all referred someone to her just so that they could get a free hour of her services and they ended up hiring her anyway because they were very happy with her service in the one free hour.

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Paulette R.
Rhythm Virtual Solutions | Alpha & Beta Translations

I had never thought about donating my services as part of an auction, but it really is an awesome way to put your business in front of a lot of potential customers. Your idea is great as well Paulette. Currently I offer a referral bonus to encourage referrals.

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Stacy White, Spectrum Office Solutions
www.ask4sos.com

Originally Posted by Paulette

I was on a webinar a few weeks ago where the host suggested offering 1 hour of free services to client who successfully refers someone to you. So let's say John referred Jane to you and you sign Jane as a client, then John gets a free hour of your services as a thank you. The host also mentioned that there were a couple of occasions where someone who wasnt a client of hers at all referred someone to her just so that they could get a free hour of her services and they ended up hiring her anyway because they were very happy with her service in the one free hour.

I'm surprised at this advice, most marketing people will tell you to never ever give away your services for free as you it cheapens your service. I guess each to their own but personally I think a free hour is too much. I give clients a 10% discount if they refer me BUT to be honest I don't make a big deal of it, it's more a "thank you" than an incentive. I prefer that people refer because of the quality of my work rather than the fact they may get a discount - and actually, that's exactly what happens.

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
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