Get Greedy for Testimonials
Posted on 28 June 2010
Testimonials are the most important free resource when it comes to marketing your business!
Okay, maybe your own ability to speak about yourself and your business is the most important free resource, but I wanted to start with a really dramatic first sentence to drive home the point, so play along, okay?
It’s time to get greedy and start collecting testimonials intentionally. Always have them in the front of your mind. If a client pays you a compliment, be very gracious and incredibly appreciative, and then ask them very politely if you can quote them. If they complimented you in writing, then get their permission to use their quote. If it was verbal, somehow you need to get it in writing. Make it as easy as possible for somebody to give you their written quote. Maybe you shoot them a quick email while the quote is still fresh in your mind and say something like, “Michael, I really appreciated your kind words when you were in the office earlier today and I’d love to be able to use your testimonial if that’s okay with you. I think the way you said it was, [fill in the quote as you remember it here].’ If I remembered it wrong or if you want to change it, feel free. Thanks again. This really means a lot to me.”
The goal is to make sure they know that you appreciate the testimonial and that you somehow get in writing that it’s okay to quote them.
Once you start collecting testimonials, you’ll be surprised how easy it is. And these quotes are gold! When people praise your work or business, that says so much more than even the most clever advertising headline.
Oh, and if people don’t spontaneously compliment your work and business, maybe you need to work on your own customer service or work product a little more first.
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1 Response to Get Greedy for Testimonials
Larry, smart business for sure!!