how to reward referrals?

[Stella Starr]

I've had a client refer me 2 new clients (one who lives out of town but visits whenever she's in town, and another who lives nearby and has become a monthly regular).

I'd like to find a way to thank him without de-valuing my work (de-valuing meaning something like giving him $ off his next session)... I'd rather give him the "added value" that marketing gurus speak of. (An example of this would be extra time added to an existing session or throwing in an add-on at no charge or something.)

Back when I had more "fixed" session lengths (instead of the slightly variable ones I have now) and before we expanded our service offering to include a MUCH wider variety than before, I simply gave 15 mins of extra time to an existing session for each new client referred, or the referring client could save up the 15-min increments and redeem a complimentary hour or whatever.

This worked OK, but things are different now. The service menu can be found here and as you can see, there are quite a few modalities we offer that are really beneficial that aren't widely known or accepted by the public.

I've been toying with giving clients the following options to choose from:
Option #1) The old time-credit stand-by: Upgrading to the next tier when they book their normal session (like for someone who books a 60-70 min usually, give them the 90-100 min for every 2 clients referred. A good tried-and-true.

Option #2) Be a guinea pig! I've heard of some MTs asking some clients (either referrers or ultra-regular or whatever) if they'd like to be on a small list of clients called up whenever the MT learns a new technique/modality. The MT gets practice, the client gets free work, and goodwill is formed. A win-win for all involved.

Option #3) sort of a take on Option #2, only it's not experimental in the MT's part. Since we offer things like the biofeedback that most ppl haven't experienced, it might be cool to offer one or more of those treatments, or maybe a reflexology or lymphatic drainage session, that the client hasn't experienced before. I have clients that would like to try certain types of sessions, but are perhaps skittish about paying for something they know nothing about, and since few have experienced this stuff, it'd be hard for them to ask around among the ppl they know and trust (asking around about massage is easier since more of the public has experienced it). It's different from Option #2 ks I'm more experienced in these things and it'd simply be an intro for the client, whereas in Option #2 I'm ALSO new to the technique and I need bodies to gain experience on.

Comments? Any insight is, as always, much appreciated! TIA

Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[The Paranoid Android]

why don't you give them an option like you did us? give them a "thanks so much for referrals. to show our appreciation please choose one of the following options for your next session

option 1- yadda yadda
option 2- yadda yadda

again, we appreciate your business and your referrals. we look forward to seeing you for your next session!"

that way, if someone isn't wanting to try a new treatment they have the option of lengthening their session and accepting your gift. or else if they are interested, they could choose the new technique.

another thought is a gift of something like movie tickets or a gift card for dinner. it's a special thank you to those who really have been passing along your name and it's also a tax write-off! gotta love that~

 

[Brother Handcannon]

I like option #3, AND the "choice" idea. For instance: "Thank you for your referral(s), in appreciation we'd like to offer you the opportunity to try a complimentary 30 minute session of Biofeedback! (or reflexology, or cranial, or stretching...)"

That way they try something new, which since you know they are talking enough to refer new clients to you, it might give them something new to talk about. And they might get to find another technique that they really love.

Win-win.