Wedding client wants referals

7 years 1 day ago #521497 by Foxy Girl
I don't have a testimonial sheet and a new client is asking to contact past wedding clients.  How do you approach past clients to ask if they are ok with getting a call from a potential new client for me.  

There is no incentive for them, so how do you approach?  


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7 years 23 hours ago #521534 by effron
Be straight forward, ask them if they're OK with you using them as a referral....

Why so serious?
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7 years 13 hours ago #521573 by Stanly
:agree:  Let the new client know that you need some time to reach out to prior clients to get permission prior to just handing you over their contract information.  That on it's own could score some trust points.  

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7 years 5 hours ago #521636 by icepics
Probably you'll need to start getting referrals/recommendations as you go. I don't know if a prospective client will wait or move on as they might be considering a number of photographers anyway so this might be a learning experience or heads up for future use.

Try professional photographers organizations like ASMP or PPA for resources on how to ask for referrals and figure out how you'd use them. If you consider posting/sharing them on your website it might be best to get written permission. I've seen photographers have just a sentence each posted on their site from a few satisfied past clients.

Maybe you need to start maintaining a file so you can pull a few written recommendations from past clients as needed. I would not give out client info. as you don't know where it may end up and could come back to you as a complaint from a past client that you gave out their personal info. to strangers.

I think it might work to try picking a few past clients and requesting referrals in a way that leaves it up to them to write a statement and send it to you so you aren't putting them on the spot. Send out friendly reminders to send you a quick sentence that you can use.

Sharon
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6 years 11 months ago #521663 by Cathy Kadolph
Ask a few of your existing if you can use them as future referrals.  

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once you grow up." Pablo Picasso
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6 years 11 months ago #521731 by Lavender Photo
Just be honest and straightforward. Take some time to reach out and talk to some former clients – I'm sure that plenty would be willing to vouch for you.


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6 years 11 months ago #521821 by EOS_Fan
+1 ask now, and then have a list of clients who are cool with being contacted as a referral in the future.  


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6 years 11 months ago #521854 by Eliffman
+1 good advice 


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6 years 11 months ago #521924 by Don Granger
I have a list of 15-17 clients that I'll pull from when a new client ask.  Matter of fact, when a new client is done, I ask them if I can use them as a referral.  I'll usually use a referral 1-2 times before I pull them from the list.  


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