The Happy Client Ask
Best used when a client has just given you positive feedback or a great testimonial.
Subject: Quick favour, [Client Name]?
Hi [Client Name],
Thank you so much for the kind words about [Project/Service]. It means a lot to hear that [specific result or feedback they shared].
I am on a mission to help more businesses like yours achieve [key outcome]. If you know anyone who could benefit from [your service], I would be incredibly grateful for an introduction.
No pressure at all. A simple email intro or forwarding this message works perfectly.
As a thank you, I offer [incentive] for every successful referral.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Company]
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The Project Milestone Ask
Send this after a successful project delivery when results are fresh.
Subject: Celebrating what we built together
Hi [Client Name],
I am really proud of what we achieved with [Project Name]. Seeing [specific result] has been one of the highlights of my year.
I am always looking to work with great people like you. If anyone in your network is looking for [your service], I would love it if you could pass along my details.
Here is a short blurb you can forward:
"I worked with [Your Name] on [Project Type] and the results were [brief outcome]. Highly recommend reaching out if you need [service]. Contact: [your email]."
Thank you for trusting me with this project.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Company]
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The Quarterly Check-In Ask
Part of your regular relationship nurture. Works well for past clients you want to stay top of mind with.
Subject: Checking in + a small ask
Hi [Client Name],
I hope things are going well with [their business/project]. I have been thinking about our work together on [Project] and wanted to check in.
Quick update from my side: I have been [brief update about your work].
If you come across anyone who might benefit from [your service], I would really appreciate you keeping me in mind. Word of mouth is the lifeblood of my business.
As always, I offer [incentive] for any referral that turns into a project.
Looking forward to catching up soon.
All the best,
[Your Name]
[Company]
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The Casual Check-In
Best for clients you have a warm, informal relationship with.
Hey [Client Name]! Hope you are doing well. I just wanted to say thanks again for [project/collaboration]. It was such a great experience working with you.
Quick question: do you know anyone else who might need [your service]? If you do, I would really appreciate an intro. I offer [incentive] as a thank you for any referral.
No pressure at all. Just thought I would ask!
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The Results Share
Send when you can share a tangible win or result from working together.
Hi [Client Name]! I was just looking at the results from [project] and wanted to share: [specific metric or outcome]. That is all thanks to the work we did together.
If you know any other [type of business] owners who could use similar results, I would love a connection. Happy to offer [incentive] as a thank you.
Just a name and number works. I will take it from there!
Your customized version
The Quick Voice Note Follow-Up
Send as a text before or after a voice note for a personal touch.
Hey [Client Name], just sent you a quick voice note! In case you prefer reading: I am looking for more clients like you for [your service]. If anyone in your circle needs help with [specific outcome], would you mind connecting us? I offer [incentive] for every successful referral. Thanks so much!
Your customized version
The Story Reply Pivot
Use when a client shares something positive on their stories (about their business growth, a win, etc.).
Love seeing this! You have been doing amazing things since we worked on [project] together.
Random question: do you know anyone in your circle who could use [your service]? I have got space for [X] new clients this [month/quarter] and would love to work with people like you.
I offer [incentive] for anyone you send my way. No pressure though!
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The Direct Ask
For clients you have a strong DM relationship with already.
Hey [Client Name]! Quick one for you. I am growing my [service] business and the best clients I have ever had (like you) came through word of mouth.
Would you be open to recommending me if the right person comes up? I can send you a quick blurb you can forward. And I always offer [incentive] as a thank you.
Totally fine if not, just thought I would ask!
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The Professional Referral Ask
Best for corporate or B2B clients where LinkedIn is the primary channel.
Hi [Client Name],
I have been reflecting on our work together on [Project] and I am grateful for the experience. The results we achieved with [specific outcome] are something I am proud to have been part of.
I am currently looking to take on [X] new clients this quarter. If anyone in your network could benefit from [your service], I would truly appreciate a recommendation or introduction.
As a token of appreciation, I offer [incentive] for every successful referral.
Happy to provide any details or materials that would make the introduction easy for you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Your customized version
The Thought Leader Connect
For clients who are active on LinkedIn and might tag you or share your content.
Hi [Client Name],
Great to see your recent post about [topic]. It reminded me of the work we did on [project] and the impact it had.
I have a favour to ask: I am expanding my [service] practice and would love to connect with more [industry] professionals. If you know anyone who is looking for [specific outcome], would you be open to making an intro?
I offer [incentive] for successful referrals, and I am happy to do the same for you if you ever need connections in [your field].
Thanks for considering it.
[Your Name]
Your customized version
The Short and Sweet
For clients you text with regularly.
Hey [Client Name]! Hope all is well. Quick ask: know anyone who needs [your service]? I am looking for [X] new clients and would love a referral. I offer [incentive] as a thank you. No worries if not!
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The Post-Project Follow-Up
Send a week or two after project completion.
Hi [Client Name], it is [Your Name]. Loved working on [project] with you. If you are happy with the results, I would really appreciate you passing my name along to anyone who needs [your service]. I offer [incentive] for referrals. Thanks!
Your customized version