What To Say To Get Referrals: Say What It Means

Clichés make a speaker sound like their competition.

“We give good customer service” is a meaningless platitude.

Referrals require specifics that highlight distinction.

Share a single system you have for addressing a single need your customers have.

Explain the benefit your clients receive because of this particular aspect of your customer service.

David Citrin

Response from David Citrin

from the Peachtree Team

I respond as quickly as possible each and every time that my clients reach out to me.  This means that I answer every e-mail and text and if I'm available I answer every phone call personally (but if I'm not available when the call I return every voicemail message).  This sounds like it should be basic, but it is not a common practice among Personal Injury attorneys.  This keeps my clients updated on their case, allows them to feel confident that I'm taking care of them and builds trust between us. 

Dr. Michael Tumminello

Response from Dr. Michael Tumminello

from the Peachtree Team

As a NeuroChiro, one procedure that stands out for patient success, is that on the first visit I perform a health history, neuro physical exam and x-rays... that's not unusual for a NeuroChrio office.... But before their 2nd visit, I take a fresh look at both findings as well as my treatment notes because x-rays are cold and hard, but the patient is alive... and fluid... and complexed so as I take the 2nd review the films start to tell a new story.  The 3rd review is usually about a week later... same idea but the further insight usually completes the picture to best serve that patient. 

Love and blessings,

Dr Mike Tumminello, DC

Linda Loud

Response from Linda Loud

from the North Point Team

I ask specific, in-depth questions to determine exactly what my prospective clients want and need.  The system I use is called “Pre-profiling”. I contact each person prior to their initial appointment to complete a Mary Kay Beauty Profile. Besides recording basic contact info and preferences, the questions give multiple choice options to identify their particular skin care concerns, like does your skin tend to be normal to dry or combination/oily? However, I ask additional questions to go deeper: What do you currently use to cleanse and condition your skin?Are you a minimalist or do you want every available weapon in the Battle on Aging?  Do you have any allergies or sensitivities I need to know about?  What one or two things would you like to change about your skin? Additionally,  if they are coming to my house for their free facial, I ask if they have any allergies or fears around dogs and cats! Based on their answers I can prepare what products to offer. For instance, if a client has rosacea, I’ll have them try Barrier Restore but NOT Microdermabrasion. If they are a minimalist, I’ll be sure to not overwhelm them with too many supplements. Asking questions allows me to customize and personalize their appointment, because I’m a consultant not a sales clerk. 

Darrell Rodgers

Response from Darrell Rodgers

from the Peachtree Team

We are the customer service experts in the IT industry. ( I bet you've never heard anyone say that before! )

All of our staff receives training every year in both customer service and technical support to ensure our clients get the best solutions and the best experience possible. 

This allows our clients to speak to someone in plain english about technical issues so they can feel confident that their business needs will be met.

We want our clients to be informed and comfortable with the IT decisions they make to drive their business results.  Win-Win!

Kelly Vandever

Response from Kelly Vandever

from the North Point Team

88% of home buyers use a real estate agent so when I have a new listing, I feel good customer service is reaching out to other real estate agents active in the area of my listing.

I reach out by text since most agents pay attention to texts over email.

I get the names of agent through the MLS. 

First, I go into a view that shows me the names and contact information for agents that have clients that my property matches their client’s search criteria.  I text those agents and let them know the address, important characteristics, upcoming open houses, and if my client is paying buyer brokerage compensation.

I also reach out to agents who have helped a client list or buy a house in the same area in the event they have other clients looking in the same area.

This outreach results in more showings and bigger attendance at open houses.  And the more showings, the best chance to get the best price for my clients.

 

Kelly Vandever

Realtor®

Keller Williams North Atlanta

License # 391485

Kelly.Vandever@kw.com

770-597-1108

Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) 

https://www.kellyvandever.com 

https://www.youtube.com/kellyvandever

Drew Niess

Response from Drew Niess

from the Peachtree Team

A focus on being proactive separates my business. I set an appoinment 30 days before a client's renewal to discuss upcoming pricing changes, coverage cooncerns and cost saving solutions, regarding their home and auto insurance policies. This creates a deeper relationship and an ongoing connection vs just taking client's money, with no value year to year. It also ensures that there a no gaps in coverage, as life evolves, so does their insurance needs.

Mrs Marianne Gudina EA MBA

Response from Mrs Marianne Gudina EA MBA

from the Peachtree Team

How I am different is that your tax return tells a story of your year and your choices and not just numbers.

Wendy Kinney

Response from Wendy Kinney

from the PowerCore Team

My single system is to give every Member my cell phone number.
At Orientation Essentials, and at InfoMinute Seminar, and when I'm on the phone with a prospect I say "This is my cell, and you're always welcome to use it."

At presentations I often give out my cell. Other speakers say, "Aren't you afraid you'll be deluged?" But I never have been - people are very respectful, and here is the important point: 

  • I want PowerCore Members to be comfortable.

That means I want them to call me before they're frustrated!

You've got my number. 
Use it.

 

Rebecca Brizi

Response from Rebecca Brizi

from the Buckhead Team

One system I use is Mission Statements

Mission statements are inspirational, and motivational, and that is now why I use them. 
Research into CEO performance shows that one of the primary criteria of successful CEOs is having a set framework for making decisions about their business. 

Mission statements are that framework. By establishing a strong and realistic mission statement I am giving my clients a consistent framework for making decisions about their business:

  • Does it further their mission?
  • How?
  • Does it detract from other positive initiatives?
  • How?

 

Bruce Meller

Response from Bruce Meller

from the Peachtree Team

I provide a spreadsheet to my clients of the finished materials they need to select for their new kitchen.  This helps them track their budget and stay on target.

Ken Thompson

Response from Ken Thompson

from the Peachtree Team

Over the years, I've worked with many clients carrying the weight of trauma and PTSD — people who came to me burdened by their past and desperate for a way forward.

Several years ago, I made it my mission to find them a better path. I researched the leading approaches professionals were using to help clients reprocess trauma, and from the three most widely recognized methods available today, one stood out. It was non-intrusive, worked within a relaxed hypnotic setting, and perhaps most remarkably, produced results far more quickly than traditional approaches. What drew me to it most deeply, however, was this: my clients could do the profound work of healing without ever having to disclose the specific details of their trauma. For people who have spent years guarding their most painful experiences, that distinction is everything.

I pursued the necessary training, became fully qualified in the process, and have been using it with clients ever since. The results have been quietly remarkable — men and women who once felt imprisoned by flashbacks and haunted by their past, finding themselves free.

Trauma has a way of convincing people that what happened to them will define them forever. It doesn't have to!

Sean Cantkier

Response from Sean Cantkier

from the Peachtree Team

I have a system for assessing the security of a WordPress website.  The first thing i do is log into the back end and see what plugins, themes, and core files need to be updated.  This is the most common exploit, much like not updating apps on your phone and computer.  After that, i like to run an initial scan of the system using various tools to see if there are open doors that could be exploited.  Often times website are hacked and users don't even know it because the hack is hidden from plain site.

My clients obtain great benefit from this service knowing their website is not hijacked and is working for them, not some nefarious hacker.

Tom Wallace

Response from Tom Wallace

from the Peachtree City Team

One system I use is simple but very effective.  At the beginning of each session with my clients, I start with them having time to share what wins they have had since we last met.  This helps them build confidence in having consistency in the process, along with seeing even little steps forward that are contributing to their overall progress.  I will keep track of these so we can refer to them from time to time, highlighting the overall progress they have made.

Andrew Clark

Response from Andrew Clark

from the Peachtree Team

Every home service business I work with has the same underlying fear. That marketing is just money leaving the account with no clear line back to actual jobs. So the system I built around that specific fear is what I call a leads dashboard.

Every single lead that comes in gets tracked back to its source. Not just which platform it came from, but which campaign, which keyword, which ad. And then we qualify it. Was it a real job or a wrong number? Was it in the service area? Did it close? That information gets fed back into the campaigns so Google and Facebook start learning what a real customer looks like for that specific business.

Most agencies optimize for clicks and calls. I optimize for jobs and revenue. That distinction changes everything because the business owner is no longer guessing whether marketing is working. They can see exactly which dollar brought in which job.

One of my HVAC clients used to describe his marketing budget as a black hole. Six months in he told me it was the first time in his business that he felt like marketing actually made sense to him.

 

So when you meet a roofer, painter, or HVAC tech who says "I spend money on marketing but I never really know if it's working," that is exactly who I want to meet.

Josephine Apuri-Ndepeh

Response from Josephine Apuri-Ndepeh

from the Peachtree Team

One system I have intentionally built at Gaddiel Homecare Services is our Continuity of Care & Family Communication System. One of the greatest needs families have when seeking home care is not just finding someone to “sit” with their loved one — it is the need for reassurance, consistency, communication, and peace of mind. Most families come to us during emotionally overwhelming moments: after a hospitalization, during cognitive decline, caregiver burnout, or when they realize they can no longer safely manage care alone. In many cases, their greatest fear is feeling disconnected from what is happening in their loved one’s home when they are not physically present.

The benefit clients receive from this system goes far beyond task completion. Families receive peace of mind. They feel heard, involved, and supported during difficult transitions. Instead of wondering whether their loved one is safe, eating properly, taking medications correctly, or emotionally okay, they have a trusted team keeping them informed and engaged.

 

This system also helps reduce misunderstandings, improves continuity of care, builds stronger caregiver-client relationships, and allows us to identify concerns early before they escalate into larger problems such as hospital readmissions, caregiver burnout, or unsafe home situations.

Jaryd Green

Response from Jaryd Green

from the Peachtree Team

I deal heavily with personal and confidential information, including SSNs, EINs, Loan Numbers, Phone Numbers and Emails. I have a single system of gathering and protecting this information but several different encrypted methods for clients to provide this necessary information. I have invested heavily in my software and connectivity to ensure clients and third parties can seamlessly drop their information into a secured portal without ever being concerned with sending an email with sensitive information. 

April Lawson

Response from April Lawson

from the Peachtree Team

The best referrals for me are business owners, investors, or property owners who need more than just someone to ‘find a space’ or ‘sell a building.’

One system I use is what I call my Property Decision Snapshot. Before I advise a client, I break the opportunity into three simple buckets: the property’s income potential, the market demand around it, and the risks that could affect value or timing.

That means my clients don’t just get opinions — they get a clear, practical view of what the property can actually do for them.

So, when you meet someone who says, “I’m not sure if I should lease, buy, sell, or hold,” that’s a great introduction for me. I help them slow down, see the numbers clearly, and make a confident real estate decision.

Robert Jones

Response from Robert Jones

from the Peachtree Team

My system for addressing client needs is simple. I listen to their needs. I let them know that I have heard them. I may repeat what they have said. I agree that thy have the need. This way I show them that I have listened and understand their need. I use my experiences with current clients as a guide to help future clients

Queen  Val Valmond

Response from Queen Val Valmond

from the South Gwinnett Team

 

“Hi, I’m with Val’s Pressure Wash & Cleaning Services. One system we use that customers love is our before-and-after photo report system. After every job, we send clear photos showing the difference in the property before and after cleaning.

Why does that matter? Many homeowners and property managers are busy and may not see every area we cleaned. Our system gives them proof, peace of mind, and confidence that the work was completed professionally.

The benefit is simple — customers feel informed, respected, and proud of their clean property. That’s why many of our customers refer us to neighbors, HOAs, realtors, and business owners.

So when you hear someone talking about mold, mildew, dirty concrete, or HOA notices… remember Val’s Pressure Wash & Cleaning Services — ‘When the house is green, call the queen!’”

   
Tyler Stokes

Response from Tyler Stokes

from the Peachtree Team

I always try to act as a single point of contact even after the health coverage policy starts. Most people think once they enroll, they’re on their own dealing with billing issues, claims questions, provider searches, or renewals.

A recent referral asked me once I help her find a plan, is that my only part and then she's stuck dealing with the carrier directly? I told her no, I'm not going anywhere and I'll be with you for the lifetime of the policy.

Instead of sending clients to a generic customer service line, they can come directly to me and I help them navigate the issue quickly.

The benefit is that clients save time, avoid frustration, and feel like they actually have an advocate instead of just a policy number.

Brian Sullivan

Response from Brian Sullivan

from the Peachtree Team

I use a well-tested three-point evaluation process—analyzing clinical care needs, geographic location, and long-term budget—to be able to offer my clients 3 options for a senior living community. This formula ensures we focus on touring communities that can meet a senior’s care needs and support the family simultaneously.  Because I leverage with these criteria to showcase communities that meet their needs, my clients gain the confidence to make a decision based on personalized data rather than a 'best guess,' ensuring their loved one never has to move twice.  To date, I have a 100% success rate...not a single move-out in over 40 placements. 

Derrick Wilson

Response from Derrick Wilson

from the Peachtree Team

At Guardian Restoration Group of Georgia, one system we use to address a major customer concern — communication during a property loss — is our structured “Daily Project Status Update” process. During mitigation and restoration projects, our team provides clients with consistent updates that include what was completed that day, moisture and drying progress, the next scheduled steps, and any pending insurance or material approvals.

The benefit to our clients is clarity and peace of mind during what is often a stressful and disruptive situation. Instead of wondering what is happening inside their home or commercial property, they stay informed throughout the process. This reduces confusion, minimizes delays caused by missed communication, and helps property owners feel confident that their project is moving forward with transparency and accountability.

Patrick Hanlon

Response from Patrick Hanlon

from the Peachtree Team

One system I use that clients really value is providing a simple, one-page financial plan before I ever ask for compensation.

Most people come to me with a problem.  Whether it’s retirement, protection, or just feeling unsure and I believe they deserve clarity first. So instead of overwhelming them, I break everything down into a clear, easy-to-read snapshot of where they are and where they could go.

The benefit to my clients is confidence and trust. They’re able to understand their options, see the value, and make an informed decision without pressure. It turns what can feel complicated into something simple, and it ensures they feel in control every step of the way.

Cecilia Ann Prescott

Response from Cecilia Ann Prescott

from the Peachtree Team

Two things that really make me easier to do business with are the Transportation Headquarters department and the certificate of insurance portal.

 

For my transportation clients, the Transportation Headquarters team within my agency helps monitor DOT compliance and safety scores. That matters because safety scores can affect whether a company stays on the road, passes inspections, wins work, and remains attractive to insurance carriers. It also allows my clients to protect their business because they cannot get loads if their scores get too high. Instead of waiting for a problem to show up at renewal, I help clients stay ahead of the issues that can disrupt their business.

 

For contractors, the certificate portal makes insurance paperwork much faster. They can create their own certificates immediately, or request an updated certificate and receive it by email within about 10 minutes. This cuts down on the communication and frustration of having to hunt down an agent every time they win a contract, especially in a timecrunch. Time is money, especially when you're getting paid by the job.

 

The goal is simple: make insurance easier, faster, and less frustrating so my clients can spend more time running their business.

Mark Salmon EA

Response from Mark Salmon EA

from the North Point Team

When a prospective client comes to me who has not filed a tax return for several years I request that they authorize me to get tax transcripts from the IRS. I charge for that service, however its less than the customer would pay in penalties if income reported to the IRS is not on their filed tax return. 

Robert Moss

Response from Robert Moss

from the Newnan Team

One system we use is a structured buyer qualification and deal preparation process before we ever introduce a buyer to an opportunity.

Instead of simply sending a company's CIM to anyone who expresses interest, we conduct a detailed discovery process to understand the buyer’s financial capacity, acquisition goals, operational experience, and timeline. We also walk them through the realities of SBA lending, working capital needs, industry fit, and post acquisition expectations before they engage with a seller.

This benefits our clients in two major ways.

First, sellers spend their time speaking only with serious, financially capable buyers instead of wasting weeks on unqualified inquiries that never close.

Second, buyers enter the process with a clearer understanding of what they can realistically acquire, which reduces surprises during due diligence and financing.

 

Because of this system, transactions move more efficiently, negotiations stay more productive, and both parties have greater confidence throughout the process.

Aline Maynard

Response from Aline Maynard

from the North Gwinnett Team

My single system is that my coaching clients can contact me in between appointments through a voice messaging app called Voxer. 

Clients use Voxer to

  • Ask questions
  • Give updates 
  • Give a play by play of how an argument started 
  • Say what they want to be coached on next 
  • Ask for my opinion on something 

One Saturday morning, I was watching videos when a Voxer came in from my client Sandy. Her sister had asked if she and her husband could pick up furniture off of Facebook Marketplace for her using their truck, 45 minutes away. My client said no. She didn't want to spend her day off running around for her sister. 

Sister was furious and had already deleted her from the 360 family chat. 

I was able to help my client through a very difficult time. It was the first time she had set a boundary and stood up to her toxic older sister, after three months of coaching. I helped her rethink the situation, have faith it would work out, and stand her ground.

Through coaching, that relationship transformed. My client told her sister about a rental house in her neighborhood. Now they see each frequently. 

David Cameron

Response from David Cameron

from the Decatur Team

I sell wood pellets for grilling and smoking. Their cooking efforts rely on having enough fuel from start to finish so, whether they realize it or not, they have to maintain an inventory level. When we start working together, I add them to a reminder system so that I will reach out to them on a regular basis. I'm using a custom Gemini agent and, as of today, it tracks the frequency of contact as monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly. If you have some thoughts on some different frequencies, reach out.

Neville Reid

Response from Neville Reid

from the Peachtree Team

Our attention clear cut leaving no question un aswered. We dont like leaving our clients with the lingering question in their mind about their electrical system. Therefore we do a quiet safety walk while we work not to find more work but to simply catch the issue before they arise. Our seemless CRM allows us to show before and after picture of this entire process giving them quick access to any work performed.

Jamar Milsap

Response from Jamar Milsap

from the Peachtree Team

One thing that makes me different in the reverse mortgage world is what I call my “Family Clarity Approach.”

One of the biggest fears seniors have isn’t actually the loan, it’s worrying their children will later be confused, upset, or shocked by the process.

So whenever appropriate, I encourage family involvement early and explain the reverse mortgage in simple language everyone can understand, including what happens to the home, the equity, and the heirs.

Because of that, families tend to feel informed instead of surprised, and seniors feel significantly less stress and guilt about exploring the option.

That’s why good referral triggers for me are:

  • seniors worried about becoming a financial burden,
  • adult children helping aging parents,
  • or retirees quietly struggling with cash flow but wanting to stay in their home comfortably.