Well, we did it! This is Part 5 in the Banana Business Tips series. Way back at the beginning, we started with Knowing Your Clients. Then after we'd determined who are clients are and how we find them, we turned our focus to Client Appreciation. Next, we discussed ways to Building a Successful Brand. Then we discussed the Power of Networking. Today we're going talk about how to Turn Your Clients Into Raving Fans.

Perhaps the most important thing I've learned during my years in this highly competitive industry is that there is no better advertising than the words from a client who is a raving fan! 

When I first began asking my clients for testimonials, I was a little hesitant about asking, thinking my clients wouldn't want to be bothered to write them. Boy was I ever wrong!   

There hasn't been one client who has said no since I began this practice about 12 years ago. And some clients write some pretty amazing letters, so much so that they make my eyes tear up. How fantastic is that, clients who want to shout to the world about their experience with you? You can use these testimonials in many ways: on your website, in presentations to potential clients, brochures, mailings, e-newsletters, just about anywhere you want to get out authentic publicity about yourself.  

What you need to be careful about is that your testimonials are authentic. They need to be specific regarding the reasons the clients used your services, how they benefited from using your services, and why they recommend you above all others.

Testimonials must be believable. It helps to place photos and the names of the clients alongside the testimonial so that potential clients can see that there is a real person behind the letter, and not just a copywriter making it up it for you. But be sure to get permission first! You might even want to think about using a testimonial release, like the one pictured here.

Another important task is to get different kinds of referrals, so that your business shows the depth and breadth of your offerings. If people hear only about the same service or situations or from the same kinds of clients again and again, your testimonials will lack authenticity and value.

Be sure to update your testimonials regularly. Use your most current letters or most appropriate letters for the situation to demonstrate your strength and expertise.    

So now it's time for you to get to work! I've loaded you down with lots of information in this series. I suggest you begin with one or two, and keep it simple at first. Rome wasn't built in a day, and your business certainly won't be either.   

It takes patience, fortitude, vision, passion, and the support of other like-minded people to succeed. If I can be of further service to you, please feel free to contact me. I have had many mentors along the way, and I am forever grateful for all of them, even more so today. We are all students of the game! Keep on learning and growing every day! Make it a fun process! Believe me, Fun is my middle name!  

Best of luck to you!  

Anna Banana

PS: Do you live in the Phoenix, Arizona area? Are you thinking about making a change in real estate companies?  Give me a call at 602-595-8900 or e-mail me at anna.banan@cox.net. Let's talk about strategies you can implement to create raving fans - and how I can help you grow your business. JDI AnnaBananaRealty.com