Most businesses don’t actually need more referrals.
 They need better ones.

Especially if you have a small client base and sell high-trust, high-ticket services.

The mistake I see over and over?
 👉 Generic “know anyone who needs us?” asks.

That’s not a referral strategy. That’s wishful thinking.

What actually works:
• Segment past clients
 Not every client should be asked. Identify true advocates and protect the rest of the relationships.

• Re-engage before you ask
 Start with a check-in, not a favor request. Get them talking about outcomes, not invoices.

• Use a short, thoughtful survey
 5 questions max. Low effort. High signal. Ask for permission before asking for referrals.

• Make testimonials effortless
 Draft them for the client based on their feedback. Approval beats blank pages every time.

• Be specific in referral asks
 Tie the ask to situations they recognize—expansion, relocation, refresh, growth inflection points.
 Vague asks create awkward silence.

• Offer a “quiet referral” option
 Some people hate selling—but will happily forward a one-pager when asked.

Bottom line:
 With trust-based services, one strong referral beats 100 cold leads.

Right now is a good time to engage me if referrals should be working—but aren’t.