I hear people say they don’t care what others think or say about them. Well, I personally don’t believe that’s true for most. I guess there are three things that happen; people are saying good things about you, they are bad mouthing you, or they aren’t saying anything at all.
From where I stand, two of those three outcomes are bad for business. There is a theory about how bad publicity is good for business. I personally think that may only work for Paris Hilton or some bad-boy athlete. I vote for good publicity, sincere, enthusiastic referrals, and all things positive.
Have you asked your party and group guests for referrals? There is always someone at a group event that is in charge of another organization and is probably thinking about how it would work to bring his or her group to your facility.
Every event planner would love a “thank you” gift for holding their event at your center and would be willing to share their great experience with a friend; you just have to ask them to do so. Asking folks for a testimonial is appropriate. How often are you doing that? Are you including those kind words in you literature, in your email blasts, on your website or Facebook?
If you could do just one thing to book more events this week I encourage you to ask those that you’ve done business with in the last 30 days if they have a friend they could refer or if they can write a testimonial about their event or time at your center. All they can do is tell you no. You don’t lose a thing, because it was where you were before you asked the question.
Tell us your referral tactics and testimonial tips! We would love to hear what you are doing!
