Businesses are realizing the power of friendships. Savvy owners value their services rendered, but it seems that now – more than ever – word of mouth is being considered as worthwhile.
This realization can pay out in a big way for you if you take advantage of it.
For example … this spring, our family switched from cable to DirecTV for our television needs. My co-worker had DirecTV as his provider and I just happened to ask if he would get a referral fee if I signed up under his name. He had no idea, but upon further investigation we found out that not only would he get a bill credit – but it was $100!!!!
I work at a large church as my day job and we hear time after time that most people visit a church because of personal invitation. After thinking about this, I can attest that more often than not, if I am looking for a new service – I ask my friends. I trust their opinion and I listen closely to their words.
My bi-weekly splurge is getting my house cleaned. I use an agency, because I didn’t know anyone personally that cleans homes so I wanted a bonded/insured place. I use MaidPro and I absolutely love them. I noticed not long ago that they started a referral program as well. They give the new customer a discount as well as me! It was after reading their new referral policy that I really started looking for the opportunities to collect for opinions that I would be giving anyway!
There are also some online sites that are working as sort-of third party referrals. My favorite of these is Ebates. I was completely skeptical of their services, but I have now gotten 2 physical checks in the mail so I can attest to their validity. Ebates is simple: whenever you go to buy ANYTHING (and I mean anything) online, you go to the Ebates site to see if they are a partner. There are literally HUNDREDS of partners, including Amazon, Groupon, Vistaprint, Children’s Place … it’s hard to find someone that isn’t included! Each of these businesses has set up a cash back percentage that they will give you back from your purchase that you were going to make anyway! Most businesses run at least 2%, although during the holidays and other key times of the year – I’ve gotten as much as 12% back … all for using just going to the Ebates page first instead of the businesses page directly! (And easy … oh my goodness, it’s an easy site to use!!!)
All of the flash deal sites are in the mix on referrals too! Each day, my inbox fills to the brim with the latest in flash sales. My favorites – and ones that I’ve had good experiences with in referrals – are Zulily (boutique style clothing & awesome household products); One Kings Lane (upscale items for the home); and Groupon (daily deals in cities across the US).
So, the bottom line is this: if you have a service that you love and you find yourself telling people about it – see if they offer a referral. This is free money to you and often for the person you refer, why not take advantage of it!
€¦ and remember, there’s no cents in paying full price!
* This post is part of a weekly segment on KSBJ Christian Radio. For more on segments featuring Stephanie Click, the Texas Money Mom, click here.
