If you have watched the news lately you know that this whole “Bubble Boy” hoax is all over the news.  I mean you can’t turn on a channel without seeing or hearing about something related to this story.

Did the father plan this as an elaborate hoax to be on tv?   I don’t know but it sure has gotten a lot of media attention.

Well today I want to expose another hoax.  Most business owners think that by providing quality service that people will recommend their products or services.  This is a huge hoax I tell you and just NOT TRUE.

You see, consumers today expect quality service, that should go without saying.  Consumers today are more sophisticated than ever before and they expect quality service.  Consumers today are also very busy and are not just running around telling people about your business regardless if they are satisfied with what your company offers.

So does this mean that they won’t?  Of course not, but you are going to need to be more proactive.  If you want people promoting your business or sending referrals you need to create system that gets your customers, clients, or patients excited to tell people about what your business offers.

There are two great ways to get people talking about your business.

1.  Referral Rewards Programs- This type of program is one that gives the person referring to your business something in return for their referral or recommendation.  You can do this in a variety of ways.  It could be a gift for anyone that sends you business.  It could also be a discount or savings.  Personally, I always like a gift because a gift feels good to give.  A gift is something special or extra but it can be whatever you want it to be.  The point is you need to have some type of program in place to reward your customers and clients for promoting your business.  If you don’t do this on a regular and proactive basis, you are missing a huge opportunity to get people recommending your business.

2.  Referral Recognition Programs-  This is the second type of referral program you can offer, and it too is also a great  way to thank your customers for their referral. People like to be recognized and appreciated for what they do; it just makes them feel good.  You can have a special board with customers names on it for their referral or you could add their names on your monthly newsletter. There are other things you could also do, but just make it a point to recognize their efforts!

Another great Reward Recognition Program is a friendly office or store contest if you have that type of business. The winner of the contest for the most referrals could win a prize. You could hang up the announcement of the winner at the end. This is a fun way to get your customers involved.  It is like making someone that does business with you a local celebrity.  It is lots of fun for everyone involved and it is great for business too.

On a side note, if you use a recognition program make sure to ask the winner or winners if it is ok to post their name or photo.  Most people are fine with it but you never want to do something without asking permission first.  Also depending on your business or industry there might be privacy rules that have to be followed so always make sure to get permission first.

These are certainly not the only things you can do and you can see how you can tweak these two ideas a thousand different ways.  So how can you apply this in your business?  Can you see how this would benefit your business?  This is a very inexpensive and highly effective way to generate more business and sales.