The Secret to Adding Credibility to Your Business - Testimonials!

You may not realize it, but you already have a gold mine ofendorsements waiting to be created. Everyone who is seriousabout building a business and creating credibility uses thisidea. What is it? Testimonials from your satisfied clients.

Whether you are just starting out or have been in business foryears, testimonials are a proven way to communicate the valueyour business delivers. Think about it, don't you want to knowwhat other people think about a product/service before you buy?I do!

The reason testimonials are so powerful is because they comefrom someone, other than you, who has used yourproducts/services and knows how fabulous they are. This isgreat news if you don't feel comfortable 'blowing your ownhorn' because the words come from your clients. You aresimply sharing what others have said about you. Even better,testimonials don't have to cost you a cent.

HOW TO GET TESTIMONIALS

All you have to do is ask. You can write your request in ane-mail or ask verbally. Just ask, "Would you be willing tohelp me?" In my experience satisfied clients are more thanwilling to write testimonials.

If you want to give clients an incentive to give youtestimonials you can offer them something of value in returnfor their time and effort. In exchange for the testimonialyou can offer a discount, create a drawing for a prize, orprovide them with additional information.

You can also incorporate asking for testimonials into yourbusiness process. One way to do this is to ask for them in anevaluation or survey. Another way is to let clients know upfront that once they become a client that you plan to ask whatthey thought about your products/services.

In addition to asking for testimonials you can 'listen' and'watch' for them by paying attention to what clients tell youverbally and write to you in e-mails or letters. If you hear orsee a compliment ask the person if you can quote them on whatthey said and include it in your marketing materials. Thinkabout it, you may even have a powerful testimonial sitting in one of your e-mail folders right now just waiting to get permission for use.

Another approach is to ask someone else to interview your clients (a reporter or writer). This is a more involved process and can be worth it if your product/service is complicated or if you want to create a case study.

No matter what, always ask for permission to use the person'sname and/or company with their testimonial. You can give theoptions of using initials or first names only if people do notwant their full name used. Keep in mind, a full name is the most credible. You can also use pictures of the people who write testimonials to make an even stronger impact (again, ask for permission).

FORMAT FOR TESTIMONIALS

Written testimonials are the most common and easiest to create. There are other options that engage additional senses, the earsand eyes. Audio testimonials are becoming more popular (oftenaccompanied by a photograph) as are video testimonials, whichallow you to see and hear someone speaking about yourproducts/services.

WHAT TO ASK FOR IN A TESTIMONIAL

If you're like me, you want some guidance when asked to provideinformation. Help your clients out by being clear about what you are looking for in a testimonial, specific information.

Ask them to describe the situation before they used yourproducts/services and then ask them to describe the situationnow, the benefits that they experienced and how they feel as aresult of this.

WHERE TO USE TESTIMONIALS

Once you have your raving testimonials, and permission to usethem, you can put them to use in multitude of ways. Include them on your website mixed in throughout your text. Add testimonials to your brochures and flyers. You can even put them in your newsletters.

Are you beginning to see how powerful testimonials are and whatthey can mean for your business? Choose the approach that feelsright for you and get into action today!

(c) Stephanie Ward 2005

Life & Business Coach Stephanie Ward helps business ownersset their profits on fire! Get your free monthly profittips plus bonus report at: http://www.fireflycoaching.com