Some thoughts on referrals.
This is all simple. That doesn't mean it's easy
Main referral sources.
Your clients, current and previous.
Other professionals in your network.
Networking for referrals.
Clients may only connect you with others in their organisation. Consider this, that organisation is their career network.
Remember you're in marketing mode, not selling mode. Expect lots of 'interesting conversations', not deals.
Accept that many people in your network won't be productive sources of referrals. They simply aren't connector types.
For more referrals.
Do great work.
Become a people connector.
Make it clear your business relies on referrals. A conversation about this is better than a direct ask.
Be clear which issues, specifically, you help with.
Nurture your most productive referral sources. Make sure they have exceptional experiences - 'touch points'.
Educate referral sources, so they'll know when their connections have a need you can help with. This means your referral is pre-qualified.
A mini-mission.
Make a list of your referral sources over the last year.
Set a target for increasing the number of referrals you get from each of these people.
Perhaps kick things off by sending a card (not email) to your most productive referral sources. Let them know how much you appreciate their support.
Add a few more people from your network to the list, who you would like to get referrals from but haven't yet.
Decide, plan, and schedule a quarterly networking 'touch-point' for each person.
Put a reminder for each 'touch-points' in your diary now.
As each 'touch-point' reminder becomes due, take the action you've planned.
Let me know how you get on.