How to Ask for a Referral, and Actually Get One

Most salespeople know referrals are powerful. In fact, opportunities from referrals are 70% more likely to close than any other lead source. Yet, when it comes to actually asking for them, the results are often disappointing.

Sound familiar? You ask a client if they know anyone else who could benefit from your services, and they reply with the dreaded: “Oh yes, I’m happy to help… I’ll have a think.”

And then nothing happens. Weeks go by. The referral never materialises.

So what’s going wrong?

Why Referrals Slip Away

The problem isn’t willingness. Research shows:

• 83% of satisfied customers are willing to give a referral — but only 29% do so without being asked.

  
  

That means most of your clients are open to helping you — they just need to be prompted in the right way.

But here’s the catch: how you ask makes all the difference. Ask generically, and you’ll get vague promises. Ask with clarity and confidence, and you’ll walk away with a real introduction.

The Missing System

Too many businesses treat referrals as a stroke of luck — something that “just happens” when the stars align. But waiting passively for referrals means leaving money on the table.

What separates high-performing teams is that they make referrals systematic:

• Knowing who to ask (it’s not just your happiest clients).

• Knowing when to ask (timing is critical).

• Knowing how to ask in a way that leads to a name and an introduction, not a vague promise.

  
  

Proven Results

When sales expert Thomas Coles taught a brokerage team his referral system, they generated 127 new leads in a single month. Even better, they converted 46% of those leads into new business.

Clients using his approach have reported:

• £195m+ pipeline generated

• £105m+ in new sales closed

• Immediate ROI — sometimes from the first referral deal

  
  

Ready to Actually Get the Referral?

On Monday 20 October 2025, Camelot Consulting is hosting an exclusive online training with sales expert Thomas Coles:

How to Ask for a Referral and Actually Get One

• Date: Monday 20 October 2025

• Format: Live virtual training

• Price: £300 per ticket | Limited spaces

  
  

You’ll learn the three proven techniques to turn “I’ll have a think” into a real introduction, and make referrals the most reliable part of your sales pipeline.

Reserve your place now - limited spaces available.