I was reading the latest issue of Selling Power and was reading a list of tips to boost sales. One of the tips is one I have been using for almost two years - creating an advocate group.
This group of people should be professionals you have identified as referral sources, clients in position to be good referral sources or simply strong supporters of your business. Keep the list to 20-25 people; any more than that and you'll struggle to keep up with them. Now comes the fun part... staying in front of your advocate group. I touch base with my group every six(ish) weeks; some experts say monthly some say quarterly at minimum. Make sure you start at a level you can consistently keep up with or the effort will be worthless.
Now that you have your list and your timeline, decide how you will keep in touch with them. I mix e-mail and mailed "stuff" that may consist of a business update, a client feature, a work project completed or simply hello. I have never sent my advocate list a touch without getting one referral back within a week.
So give it a try. It's simple to do and very low budget friendly.









