Written by Matt Zavadil
Updated September 7, 2024
Is it possible to get referrals in network marketing?
Considering that 92% of people feel high levels of trust when getting referred, I’d say it’s time to focus on the process.
I mean, don’t you like knowing that someone trustworthy has pointed you in the right direction when you’re thinking about buying something?
I know I do LOL
It’s the same as you build your network marketing biz…so put in the effort to build your referral network.
Remember, they’re not just leads.
These folks are real, warm introductions that can make a difference for your business.
The question, of course, is how do you start the referral process?
Well, let’s take a look at exactly that as I show you how to properly use referrals in network marketing.
1. Referrals in Network Marketing: The Difference They Make
For me, I know I’m more likely to take an offer more seriously when a friend tells me about it.
I’m sure you’re the same way, right?
That’s why you want to use word-of-mouth marketing in your network marketing business.
It’s powerful to get people talking about what you do so that the people they know want to know more.
And to do it well, you want to keep the focus on why your product or service benefits them.
Don’t go into the standard business pitch. Instead, build genuine relationships. Share how your products or opportunity helped you or others.
Go here for the Business-Building Training I mention in above video
2. Become “Referral-Worthy” Business”
Successfully getting referrals in network marketing comes down to how you conduct business.
Do you spam people on social media with product pics all over the place?
Are you bugging people at the coffee shop and making yourself and them uncomfortable?
You might not need to read a referral article…you need to learn how to attract prospects 🙂
You need to work on your people skills and then come back to this idea of referrals.
Build a business whereby you deserve referrals by focusing on the needs of your prospects.
When you simply love the product, your excitement shows.
It’s not necessary to yell or shout to build a successful MLM business through referrals.
There’s no need to push people.
Show them something valuable, such as how you can solve their problems if they choose to use your product. Do that, and they’ll want to give you referrals.
3. Learn How to Make Quality Referral Requests
There’s no need to get weird and awkward as you go about getting referrals in network marketing.
Get good at asking correctly.
For example, I found success after I stopped blurting stuff like, “Who do you know that wants to buy from me?”
Sounds pretty dumb, right? But I did silly stuff like that at first LOL
Here’s how to do it where it feels good and actually works:
Let’s say that you’re talking with a satisfied customer as an Herbalife rep. You’ve helped them lose weight.
So you might say, “This is amazing! You’ve done a fantastic job working on your weight goal! What types of comments are your friends and family saying?”
After they tell you, THEN you might say, “Hey, which one of those friends needs to use this along with you?”
See how you’re not being pushy and you’re opening the door to talk about referrals?
4. Referral Marketing & Social Media
It’s no secret that social media, such as LinkedIn, can help you grow your network marketing business.
But how can you use social media to get referrals without sounding like other reps in your company? That’s something I struggled with at first as I saw people spamming our products all over Facebook.
I decided to remain genuine at every corner.
And you can do the same by simply sharing your story.
Why are YOU using the product?
What results have others gotten from it?
Wrap your message up in these stories, as opposed to blatantly saying, “This magic shake is awesome. Want it?”
People will tune you out.
Humans are made to remember STORIES .
Here’s something to try:
Tell your story without mentioning product names.
Just talk about a specific result you got:
- Lost weight
- Saved money on insurance
- Won a legal battle
- Skin got clear
Whatever it is you sell, talk about the solution itself.
Then say: “Know anyone who can use this same results? Post “weight” in the comments and I’ll give you a few private details”
Use whatever keyword fits your business in place of “Weight”.
Not only will you get referrals, but you’ll get people telling you it’s them who needs the help.
Customers 🙂
5. Set Up Your Own Referral Program
Turn your process for getting referrals into a system once you’re ready to get serious about this.
Can you offer some type of reward for each referral? Maybe try giving away:
- A cash prize
- Some free product
- A simple discount
Test things out until you find what your customers respond to best.
And make it super simple to for your customers to refer the people they know.
I won’t give referrals if I have to jump through a hoop to do it. Neither will your customers.
Finally, you need to promote your referral program.
Don’t hide it! Tell your customers all about it so they become a big part of your referral network 🙂
6. Overcoming Common Referral Challenges
Let’s me get real with you for a second.
Building a network marketing business always requires work. Getting referrals is no different.
No one will become your referral partner without some initiative on your part.
Make your customers feel great. Keep in touch with them, and build a real relationship so they know you care.
Do that, and they’ll intuitively know that you’ll treat their friends and family the same way.
You also might need to overcome the stigma that MLM carries with some people out there. Help them understand that you’ll never get pushy with their referrals (around the product AND opportunity).
Handle it before it even comes up.
I say things like this:
"I know you might worry if I'll push your friends about my product or even my opportunity to earn money in the business. But, did I ever do that to you?"
7. Advanced Referral Methods for MLM Pros
Alright, you’ve learned the basics around asking for referrals.
You’re feeling good about asking for referrals after your customers become fans.
It’s time to take the process to what I call the “next level” as you work to become a referral magnet.
This is where we separate the hobbyists from the serious network marketers.
It always comes down to relationships.
You and I only refer people we
- know,
- like, and
- trust
Since we both know your network will act the same way, constantly ask yourself how you can get beyond a surface-level connection.
Brainstorm ways to become SUPER valuable.
Maybe you can:
- Run a newsletter that shares new product insights
- Provide online sessions & train
- Connect the people in your network when appropriate
- Keep following up on their progress
This doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistency and genuine effort, you’ll see a referral network building bigger.
Additional Thoughts About Referrals in Network Marketing
The above 7 MLM referral strategies will help you dominate. But let me give you more general ideas around the concept of referrals in network marketing.
Build Social Proof
In a world full of choices, people want as much validation as possible that they’re doing the right thing.
How can you make use of Social Proof?
Pay attention to every positive remark from your customers.
What about the customers brought in from your downline? How about the testimonials your company produces?
Use that as ammunition for your marketing.
Sprinkle them throughout your social media posts on Instagram or Pinterest.
Warm Feelings of Loyalty = Sales
Getting referred out means you’ll make more sales because of the inherent trust inside the process.
You can expect to convert three to five times more with referrals.
Think about that – these leads are primed and ready to listen because someone they trust has already set the stage.
The other interesting aspect is a referral not only makes a buying decision more easily, but they will likely become some of your most loyal customers.
And then they continue to add people into your referral network.
Nurture Your Referral Network
At this point, you might see the benefit of referrals, but wonder how you can turn this into a consistent part of your network marketing business.
Give Them a “Wow” Experience
What if you went to a fancy restaurant and experienced bad service and terrible food?
You’d want to leave ASAP and you’d never tell a soul about that restaurant, right?
Wrong!
You’d tell everyone you know to stay away from that place.
It works the same with you MLM business.
You need to make sure that each touchpoint your audience has with you is positive.
That’s why you need to post helpful tips on social media without becoming a cheap infomercial showing your product images everywhere.
Be cool, provide a valuable experience at all turns, especially AFTER you get a customer, and those customers will refer people willingly.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
I know this is obvious but I want to touch on the fact that you’ve got to ask if you want referrals.
Don’t get caught up in the emotions of this… those thoughts that keep you from taking action.
You have to grow tough skin with your MLM prospecting and recruiting efforts, so be the same way in this area.
Just ask.
Some will say yes, some will no.
Roll with the yeses 🙂
When to Ask | Example |
After a Successful Product Purchase: | “I’m so glad you love (product) name. If you know anyone else who might be interested in experiencing the benefits, I’d be thrilled to have them join our community.” |
Following Positive Feedback: | “Wow, your feedback truly made my day. It means a lot to hear how much you enjoyed (product/experience). I always love connecting with like-minded people – would you feel comfortable recommending (product) to anyone in your network?” |
During Regular Check-Ins: | “How are things going? Just a friendly reminder that our referral marketing program is a great way to share the love. You know I truly appreciate you spreading the word.” |
Do you see how I kept these simple scripts casual?
Basically, I’m just inviting without placing pressure on anyone.
Add in Some Incentives
Although providing a great experience goes a long way, who doesn’t love a gift, right?
Feel free to brainstorm something you can offer as a reward or incentive for giving you a referral.
Get creative and think about what you can ethically give away to provide people that one extra push to start talking about you and your product or service.
Say Thank You!
Add in gratitude and appreciation while building out your referral network.
Take time out of your schedule to say a big “thank you” when you cross the finish line and get the referral.
I appreciate when people say it.
So do you.
And so will the people who take time out to refer others to you.
Send a card, an amazing email, an engaging text…
Heck, pick up the phone and give em a call 🙂
You know what? They’ll probably refer again after that!
Final Thoughts About Referrals in Network Marketing
What do you think? Ready to make use of referrals in network marketing?
Keep in mind a few of the vital aspects of building out your referral network:
- create value
- nurture your business relationships
- deliver excellence
If you take referrals seriously, you’ll soon find that the process becomes a major aspect of your business growth.
Most network marketers refuse to work this area of their MLM business as a way to increase sales and recruits.
I encourage you to take it on and do it!
By the way, still feeling like you need more training to hit your network marketing goals?
Why not grab my free Quick Start Video Guide and improve your marketing skills?
The Video Guide will show you how to start ATTRACTING people to you.
Which is cool 🙂