Ep #019: How Promo Swag is Killing Your Referral Strategy

In this episode we are diving in to understand how your beloved promotional items are killing your referral strategy.

Now I know this can be a touchy subject…I mean who doesn’t love the free stuff companies hand out with their logo on them?

But using them as part of your referral strategy comes with a cost.

Here are some highlights:

In this episode I discuss when to use promotional items (promo swag) and when not to use them.

Promo swag can be used during your marketing and prospecting plans. For example, as a free item you give out at your booth at a trade show. 

The point of the promo item is to lure someone to step into your booth or up to the table to take the free item and providing you with an opportunity to start a conversation. 

You may also use promo items to entice someone to meet with you or send the promo item to them after they enter your buyer’s journey.

In the episode I do give examples of how promo swag can be used correctly – a home builder who paired a nice “thank you gift” with promo items when the project was complete and a koozie with a specific quote I gave to all of my clients when I was a business and productivity coach.

Then we dive into when you CANNOT use promo swag, specifically as part of your referral plan, part of your outreach or touch points.

I talk about why promo swag actually has the opposite effect you want it to have and why promo swag is best left out of the referral generating plan.

Links to Show Resources:

Episode #002: Demystify Your Business Growth in Three Ways – I go into the three types of plans you need as part of your overall sales strategy.

Generating Business Referrals…Without Asking – buy your copy at any of your favorite online or brick and mortar book stores today.

Free Referrals Without Asking Facebook group  – Join the 2,400+ professionals committed to generating referrals without asking!

Take the Referral Ninja Quiz Now:

In 9 simple questions, you will test your ability to generate referrals in the Referral Ninja Quiz.  Find out which level you are and how far you may be from being a Referral Ninja Master!

Coming Up:

Coming up in the next episode – #020 – we are answering listener questions – maybe even yours – about referrals, client experience and business growth!