How to Get Clients by
Giving Testimonials
© 2006 - 2009 Kendall SummerHawk
Want to get the name and website of your small business in front of thousands of potential clients AND honor the gift of gratitude? Easy…give enthusiastic, honest, “results based” testimonials.
At first, I had no idea this strategy could be as powerful as it is. It wasn't until I started hearing how new clients enrolled in my coaching programs "found me" via testimonials I had on other peoples' websites that I realized the potential testimonials have to create new leads.
Here's how it works: Say you purchase someone's information, see them live in a workshop, read their book or work with them directly. You like their information so you offer to write a testimonial describing the results and your experience of the value they offer. Your testimonial then appears on their website, along with your name, your website address and possibly a photo.
But, here's the catch: this "money and soul" lead generating strategy ONLY works IF the testimonial you give is authentic and honest!
For example, I volunteered several testimonials for one Internet marketing expert I really like and value, until, I was asked to give a testimonial for a product I had purchased and was, quite frankly, more than a little disappointed with. I declined the offer to appear on their website supporting that product.
I've made well over $15,000.00 last year from new clients I gained just from appearing on someone else's websites as a testimonial. But, can you give too many testimonials?
Not likely.
Think of it this way: the more you give of your support and endorsement of someone else, the more you increase your feeling of gratitude, which brings in more abundance to you. Plus, being seen on multiple websites is a great lead generating and credibility boosting strategy! This is the essence of the "money and soul" approach to your authentic business brand.
So, whose products or programs have you experienced that you feel positive and enthusiastic about? My coaching request to you is to choose one this week, then draft a testimonial and send it to them in an email, along with how you would like your name, company name, title and website address to appear. Offer to send a photo if they want.
Make sure your testimonial describes what problem you had before you used their information or service and how great your situation is now that you've implemented what you learned. If you can give specific numbers or percentages, even better.
For example, let's say you're a life coach working with busy, corporate women and you recently purchased an audio program on parenting. You loved what you learned and have a hunch that many of the author's readers would also make great clients for you. So you pen a testimonial that says something like this:
"Before I read this book (title), I couldn't get my boys to bed without a struggle every night. Now, thanks to the three little (but oh so powerful!) tips you shared, bedtime is now our favorite time of to connect as a family. Thank you for helping me be as good a parent as I am a life coach!"
(your name, website address and title)
In your email, let the expert know that the reason you're sending in your testimonial is because you value them and their information. Be generous in your personal note, and honest in your testimonial and you'll be sure to get authentic attention and website leads directed to you, while spreading gratitude to someone else!
About the author:
Kendall SummerHawk, the "Horse Whisperer for Business" delivers smart, savvy ways entrepreneurs can turn their hectic business into a smooth-running, fun, 6-figure money-making dream. To learn more about her book, Brilliance Unbridled, and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://www.kendallsummerhawk.com
NOTE: You are welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end). I would also appreciate a copy of your reprint sent to kendall@kendallsummerhawk.com