External sources
referrals
A referral is a name of a company or person given to the salesperson as a lead by a customer or even a prospect who did not buy at this time. Many training programs teach
their sales to ask each prospect for the mane of other potential prospects This
can be a risky ineffective tactic if done prematurely. A salesperson who practices relationship selling should wait until a customer has been able to judge a salesperson and his or her ability to meet and exceed the customer expectations prior to asking for a
referral. Logic should tell a salesperson that if a prospect is not willing to buy at this
time the prospect probably will be reluctant to pass on the names of business associates a good referral program can be started after the salesperson has cultivated strong relationships by keeping promises and providing outstanding service.