Go Ahead and Ask

I’ve recently moved and have been surprised by how often I’ve been asked for referrals or reviews as part of the process. My mortgage broker asked three times—by email and text—if I would post a review about him. The movers asked me to give them a five-star review after they unloaded my furniture. And my new dentist encouraged me to refer my friends and family as I left my new-patient consultation.

If it is so easy for other professionals to ask for reviews and referrals, why is it hard for financial advisors? It’s almost a ubiquitous request at this point when doing business. In all three instances, the requests appeared to be part of the standard business practice.

So go ahead and ask for those reviews or referrals at the end of each client meeting. Build it into your business practice. The request has become so common in society that your clients probably won’t think twice.