References can add a lot to your IT marketing campaign.  At the beginning of your business you will need to establish your credibility often by just using a couple references.  Maximize the effect of your current references and get new ones as part of a conscientious IT marketing plan.  

IT Marketing:  Make Your References Strong

You need to get strong references and have them be in writing on your clients’ letterhead.  In order to maximize the effectiveness of your IT marketing strategies, your references should stress benefits and answer the following questions:

How did you save the client money?
How does your technology solution increase revenue?
How did you help the client close out their month more quickly?
How did you improve productivity within the company?
How does your solution allow clients better communication with tele-workers, suppliers and vendors?

When you only have a few references to use for IT marketing, they need to be strong.

Get Your First References for IT Marketing

When you don’t have any references, you can get them by volunteering for a non-profit of your choice.  Pick to work with a non-profit you believe in for a short period of time at no cost and ask for a testimonial in return.  Non-profits that are well-respected in the community can help you with IT marketing.

IT Marketing:  Asking for Referrals

Asking for referrals can be intimidating, because you don’t want to feel you are pushing clients or too needy.  So how do you ask as part of IT marketing?

A great time to ask is when a customer gives a compliment.  If someone is glowing about a project you’ve just completed, you need to act.  Having an updated testimonial and getting an idea of whether or not they know someone else that could benefit from your solutions is an important part of IT marketing.

Relationship IT Marketing

The best way to use relationship IT marketing is by asking clients for testimonials and referrals to build your business.  Let them endorse your good work and build your credibility.

Added By:  Computer Consulting 101