My personal philosophy is the best way to grow your business is with the singing praises of past clients. How can you increase the chances of receiving referral business? Check out this article below for some insight into growing your referral business. Good luck!

Referral Benefits

The business of referrals makes sense for most companies for the following reasons:

Referral business reduces your sales expenses and sales cycle. With less time calling cold prospects, your small business can focus on customers and their circle of influence.

Referrals can build your level of satisfied customers. The cycle self-perpetuates with more satisfied customers referring others to your company.

Referrals increase your sales revenue. According to world-renowned sales trainer, Tom Hopkins, in "Sales Prospecting for Dummies"; your closing ratio for non-qualified leads is 10 percent versus a 60 percent close ratio with referred leads.

If the prospect of building the referral end of your business is so enticing, why do so few businesses do it? Because they use the wrong approach in building referrals and have limited success. To ensure your business is on track to building referrals, follow these 7 tips:

7 Sure-Fire Ways to Build Your Referral Business

1. Set A Target: In business, measure the results to improve performance. Set a clear goal with a time line. Example, 10% increase in referral business over the next 10 weeks.

2. Timing: Conventional sales wisdom claims the best time to ask for the referral is immediately after the close. This tactic is far too aggressive. Give your clients time to experience your service or product before asking for a referral. Ask for the referral at close only if your client is already delighted with your business.

3. Top 20: Not all customers are referral candidates. Find the top 20% that are ecstatic about your business and ask them for referrals. Make sure their network is the type of client you want.

4. Give and You'll Receive: Give your clients extra service and follow-up support before asking for referrals. When you give willingly to your customers, they will return the favor.

5. Type of Customer: Inform your referring clients of the type of customers you can help. Provide a clear picture of the customer demographics for your small business.

6. Rewards Program: Provide special rewards to your referring customers on a regular basis. If a customer provides you with 5 sales, offer them something special, e.g. discounts.

7. Thank-You: Lisa A. Maini, President of my Marketing Manager, recommends businesses need to establish trust to build referrals. Lisa says, "Create a basic thank you letter that can be personalized and sent to each referral you receive. Treat your referral sources with the utmost of care and you will not only build a foundation of trust but keep hot prospects coming to your door."

These tips are simple but when executed on a regular basis they can drive your referral business and build sales revenue. Start today and watch your referrals grow.

This article came from about.com for more information view http://sbinformation.about.com/cs/advertising/a/aa020203a.htm

Green Business

I know being "green" has become the latest trend and many people believe it to be cliche. To me being "green" is more than a trend it's something we all need to do. Let's do our part to save the earth. Regardless our your industry there is something you can do. Check out this link to starting a green business and see if there is a change you can make to make this a better planet.

http://www.business.gov/guides/environment

Top 10 new trends for 2008

Your logo defines your company image and is ultimately the most important marketing tool you have.  I found these logos online while I was doing research and thought I'd share (Graphic heART did not create any of these images.)  Many old design rules are now obsolete!  Take a look at what's trendy in 2008. 

"3D Organic"

"Web 2.0" Logos

Leaves Logos

Waves- The New Swooshes

Transparency in logo design

"Underground" Typography - Minimal Fonts 

New Rainbow/Color Scale

Sci-Fi Fonts

The "ugly" 80's

The New Crest

Grand Opening

This week is the launch of my new company name and image.  I'm really excited to have the opportunity to expand my business.  I have been working as a freelance graphic artist for about a year. I've met so many wonderful clients and made great friends as a result.  I feel grateful to have the support of all of my past clients and I'm looking forward to meeting many more.  Thank you to everyone who's supported me in my goals of expansion.

I started a blog because I feel like this is a great place to post resources for my clients.  I hope I can help you find inspiration for design, marketing strategies and business resources.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you grow your business.  

Contact me 

 www.graphicheart.com/contact