One of the greatest ways to expand your business is through word of mouth. Whole companies, like Buzzoodle Marketing and organizations like WOMMA have sprung up to help businesses with the concept of having people refer to you.

But how do you go about it?

I have had customers tell me that the work I provided was super and the work experience was greater than they could have imagined - and no that was not my mother - and so I've said, "gee would you put that in writing?"

When asked, they all say yes, but then life happens and the excitement of working with me wanes in the face of the rest of their life, time passes and no reference.

In some cases I have been rather gutsy and have actually written the testimonial, sent it to them and said - is this something like you wanted to say?

It works. They say yes - perfect. But is that too "in your face?"

I'm getting ready to send out my annual mailing to the chambers for speaking engagements in 2008 and know that the letter will be stronger with a reference from a chamber director. So I emailed two of the directors from events this year and asked for a reference.

Would you have been more direct?

And just how valuable are quotes from customers on marketing mailings? If you read a marketing piece - does the fact that there is a quote from a customer influence you?

LinkedIN, the professional social network, allows you the opportunity to write references for those in your network. If you see someone has 5 references vs. someone without any - does that influence your view?

How do you use references/testimonials in your business?

Need a speaker or trainer in customer services, sales, or guerilla marketing? I'll travel!

Deborah Chaddock Brown
Writer, Speaker