Can I ask for a referral from someone you don't know?
Don't add a new connection and immediately 'Ask for a referral' if the person you are asking doesn't know you personally or professionally. The only exception is if you build a solid case for them demonstrating why they should refer you.
You can pass qualified referrals by using language very carefully, using phrases such as: "I've just met someone who . . ." "I don't know if they can help but . . . “ “I know X does this but haven't used her myself . . . ”
Example for requesting a referral from a stranger
I would appreciate it if you could review it briefly. I am sure that you will find that I would be a valuable member of your company's team. If so, then I would also appreciate any help you can offer by way of introducing me to your company's hiring personnel.
Asking for a referral may seem intimidating, but it's often an effective way to head to the top of the candidate list, so it's worth the request — as long as you handle it delicately.
- Step 1: Sign up for a free one-month trial of LinkedIn Premium. ...
- Step 2: Find people on LinkedIn that you want to contact. ...
- Step 3: Send InMail to the people you've found. ...
- Step 4: Plan out a time to talk.
If you are in a position to reliably vouch for someone's performance, then referring them is a safe bet. Otherwise, there may be some risk attached to referring them. This doesn't necessarily mean that you shouldn't refer them, but you might want to cover yourself by attaching caveats to the referral.
- Introduce yourself in relation to your question.
- Explain why you are reaching out to this person.
- Ask them for what you need.
- Be concise and direct.
- Maintain a professional tone.
- Offer thanks in advance for their time.
- Proofread.
Referral strategies vary, but an analysis of the advice experts give shows that the best time to ask for referrals is immediately after your successful transaction with them is complete.
- Research the job and industry. ...
- Research mentors. ...
- Ask for a meeting. ...
- Show up prepared. ...
- Show your gratitude.
- Follow up.
When someone buys goods or services from your company based on customer referral, they're way more likely to tell others in the industry if they had a positive experience. You can even ask for a testimonial and circulate on social media but ask for their permission first!
How do you ask for a referral example?
I'm really glad that you were so pleased with my work on (project details). I wanted to reach out to you to ask if you might know anyone else who might be interested in similar services. I'm always looking for new referrals and ways to grow my business and (add a note about your availability, particularly if limited).
Once you've found a job where you can get referred...
At the top of the job listing, tap the "Ask for a referral" button, then select the person you'd like to reach out to. We'll help you write your request by suggesting a pre-populated message, but we recommend you personalize your message.
![Can I ask for a referral from someone you don't know? (2024)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iI7tnUCrKa0/hqdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEcCOADEI4CSFXyq4qpAw4IARUAAIhCGAFwAcABBg==&rs=AOn4CLCa1-87MZ7ID2VMEK4n23zFp3QwXg)
Referred Candidates Get Hired
When an employee refers someone, that candidate is hired about two-thirds of the time. Plain and simple: It's easier to get a job with a referral. Use your in-person network, LinkedIn, Twitter and even Facebook to identify the names of people you already know.
As long as the company allows and knows about the relationship before they're hired. Sure, if they have the right qualifications for the job and have to go through the same process as others to get the job. Only if you think they will be a good employee.
Some employers request letters of recommendation showing a candidate's character and qualifications to make sure they're a good fit for a job opening. A strong letter of recommendation could help someone begin or advance their career.
However, if you're dead-set on hiring a friend or family member, you're not repulsive, and there is no company policy against it, it's best that both you and the new hire are clear going in on the expectations.
...
Offer to repay the favor.
- Think about what you have to offer.
- What can you offer the person who helps you? ...
- Think of some way you could pay this favor forward.
- Provide a Reason With Your Request. Research shows that backing up your ask with a reason—whether or not it's super urgent or even makes sense at all—increases the other person's likelihood of saying “yes.” ...
- Give, Give, Give—Then Ask. ...
- Consider Your Own Favors.
...
7 Sites Where You Can Get Strangers to Give You Money
- Kickstarter.
- Indiegogo.
- Fundly.
- GoFundMe.
- Begging Money.
- FundMyTravel.
- CyberBeg.
I've recently been applying to jobs in [industry/job type] and discovered a position that would be a great fit: [position name with link to it] at [Company Name]. I noticed that you're connect to [Target Name], who is a [job title] at [Company Name], and was hoping that you could introduce us.
What does it mean to ask for a referral?
Remember, by asking for a referral you're actually asking your client for a favor. And, when you ask someone for a favor, you don't want to create more work for them. Instead, you need to make it easy for them to help you. This means you must have a clear idea of what you want and be specific in your request.
- Tell them something about their work you admire. ...
- Call out your similarities. ...
- Tell them how you can help. ...
- Ask them for help or advice. ...
- Always start with an easy ask.
- Contact them about something personal. ...
- Invite them to your events. ...
- Connect on social media. ...
- Don't be scary. ...
- Don't forget to talk about career stuff. ...
- Don't forget to return the favor. ...
- Don't forget to take it slowly.
- Schedule an initial conversation. ...
- Clearly describe the guidance you're seeking (The Ask). ...
- Confirm your willingness to do the necessary work and follow-through. ...
- Acknowledge and respect the individual's time. ...
- Note: If you don't hear from them, follow-up, but don't hound him or her.
Your new prospects and clients are more likely to follow your suggestions. Prospects and clients you meet through referrals will follow your suggestions because they know their friend or colleague has had a good experience in following your .
Referrals Are Some Of The Most Valuable Leads You Can Get
60% of marketers say that referral programs generate a high volume of leads. 54% say that referral programs have a lower cost-per-lead than other channels. Marketers rate referrals as the 2nd-highest source of quality leads.
People make referral decisions about the same way they make purchasing decisions. People decide something is the right price, fits, addresses their need – the logical part, and then, they determine they will look good, have more life, impress their friends – the emotional part.
Tell your client upfront that you're referring them to someone who pays you a referral fee. You can explain this helps cover your marketing and introduction costs, but you should also disclose the fee you're charging. This goes over better if the fee is a flat rate fee rather than a percentage.
Asking for referrals through social media can be directed at a specific person, or can be done through a general public post. For example: When someone posts on your wall that they had a great experience with your company, reach back out to say thanks. Use this opportunity to also ask for a referral via direct message.
I'm really glad that you were so pleased with my work on (project details). I wanted to reach out to you to ask if you might know anyone else who might be interested in similar services. I'm always looking for new referrals and ways to grow my business and (add a note about your availability, particularly if limited).
Should you refer unknown people?
If you just met someone online or just once at a party, you do not know them. I would recommend only referencing people that you have somewhat detailed, personal experience working with.
Use a Script for Referral Request
When you ask for a referral, be sincere, direct, and brief. For example: "I'm really glad that you're pleased with my work. I'm always looking to help others with ______ (what you provide) and wonder if you know anyone else who might be interested in _______ (what you do)."
Everyone has a network of contacts and it is likely that every one of your customers knows someone to refer to you. Even if it is not friends or family, they know a co-worker or a neighbor who could benefit from your service. If you ask for a referral, they are likely to tell that person about you.
Tell your client upfront that you're referring them to someone who pays you a referral fee. You can explain this helps cover your marketing and introduction costs, but you should also disclose the fee you're charging. This goes over better if the fee is a flat rate fee rather than a percentage.
Asking for referrals through social media can be directed at a specific person, or can be done through a general public post. For example: When someone posts on your wall that they had a great experience with your company, reach back out to say thanks. Use this opportunity to also ask for a referral via direct message.
- Determine Why You Feel This Way. First things first, you need to determine exactly why you're hesitant to pass along a solid recommendation on your friend's behalf. ...
- Weigh Your Options. ...
- Set Your Ground Rules. ...
- Break the News.
But yes, you're assumed to be biased where your significant other is concerned — far more biased than you'd be with a friend — and as a result, you really can't serve as a reference for a significant other, even if you worked with them or even supervised them at some point.
Once you've found a job where you can get referred...
At the top of the job listing, tap the "Ask for a referral" button, then select the person you'd like to reach out to. We'll help you write your request by suggesting a pre-populated message, but we recommend you personalize your message.
- Maintain an email list. ...
- Reach out to the right people. ...
- Hit them at the right time. ...
- Highlight your successes in your referral email. ...
- Use email signatures. ...
- Keep your email concise. ...
- Make the available rewards for referring clear. ...
- Make a stunning first impression.