A Quick Way To Gather Testimonials From Gurus

Drum roll please …

ASK!

Even if you’ve been involved in online marketing for just a short time, I’m sure you understand the value and importance of testimonials, especially those that come from recognized experts in your niche.

Testimonials are oftentimes referred to as “Third-party validation” or “Social proof”.

When a prospective client or customer is trying to make the decision to invest with you or not, the one biggest determining factor is what others have to say about you.  

What you say about yourself really doesn’t matter.

Sorry if that hurts your feelings.

Here’s a quick Action Plan for gathering testimonials from V.I.P.’s (Gurus):

  • Identify 5 people whom you plan to ask.
  • Decide if you will call or email them.
  • Plan out “how” and “where” you’ll use their testimonial.
  • Determine what you will offer them in exchange for their testimonial.
  • Draft a phone script or email letter.
  • Just DO it!

If someone you plan to ask does not have firsthand experience with your business, send along a free copy of your information product for review, a free subscription to your membership site, or free samples of your products and an offer for future discounts.

Be generous!  Testimonials from V.I.P.’s are priceless and they can make ALL the difference in moving your business forward.

Your turn …

  • Do you use testimonials in your business?
  • How has “social proof” helped you to grow your business?
  • What are some creative ways you’ve gathered testimonials?

 


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  • This is awesome information Melanie with good ‘step-by-step’ advice! And I am just starting to record my video module regarding Linkedin recommendations and how important they are to your profile.

    You are so right too Melanie, you just need to go out and ASK for a testimonial or recommendation. After a client session or purchase, I always follow up with 1) would you give me a written comment about your experience with me? Some will take the time and do it and others won’t … and…2) if you know of anyone else that might benefit from my products or services, please feel free to refer them.

    My whole life the one thing drilled into my head with all the management and marketing training was — always, always ask for the referral, testimonial or recommendations.

    So this is a wonderful ‘how to’ that everyone can easily follow and JUST DO IT – right?

    • Thanks, Lynn!

      And I can tell you’ve definitely got this concept drilled into your (marketing) brain. 🙂

      Most of us just need to get over the hesitation to ask for testimonials. Social proof is essential to your success. People are curious and they always want to know if someone else was satisfied with your work before they make a decision to hire you or purchase from you.

      And you’re right … some people won’t take the time to write a review or a testimonial and that’s okay. Because there are lots of people who will! And some you don’t even have to ask! They just send it along because they’re so happy with what you’ve provided them with.

      Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for posting a wonderful comment over at LinkedIn!

      Melanie

  • This is good information, Melanie, and something I hadn’t thought of doing. I’m wondering what kinds of things you offer the VIPs in exchange for a testimonial?

    • That’s a great question, Jeannette!

      Most oftentimes they simply appreciate having a free copy of your product — book, e-book, webinar series, e-course — whatever it is you’re asking them to review.

      Other than that, go with the tried-and-true “thank-you’s” — gift cards (Starbucks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.) — something you can easily drop into a greeting card and send off to them.

      I had someone send me two packets of flower seeds in a card once as a thank-you and I thought that was a nice personal touch. She was aware that I love gardening.

      One other time I received the most beautiful handmade bookmark as a thank-you and I use it every time I’m reading a book. It was made by a talented artist on “Etsy”. I love that site!

      Hope this gives you some ideas and thanks so much for stopping by to read this little post!

      Melanie 🙂

  • Hi Melanie,

    Yes, Connie is great. She is self-taught and so knowledgeable. She has introduced me to several people that have great services as well. She is accessible and trustworthy. And I love that little giggle of hers.

    Melanie, I’m enjoying your blogs, keep up the great work. Thanks for that little tool. It is amazing what’s out there.

    Take care,

    Carol

    • Thanks for the blog kudos, Carol, and I hope you’re having a smooth-sailing Sunday! 🙂

  • Your headlines are always great, Melanie. 🙂 And it’s true – the answer is always no if we don’t ask! The only way to get a yes is to get out there and ask.

    • Hey Michelle!

      Thanks for the blog title kudos. They’re not always a slam dunk but I’m trying my best to make them as attention-grabbing as yours. 🙂

      You’re right — if we sit around with our lips zipped, we’re never going to get a “yes”. I think some folks hesitate to ask for fear they’re going to get turned down. We can’t let that stop us.

      Thanks for chiming in!
      Melanie

  • Great article and tips, Melanie. I have actually used LinkedIn to write a testimonial for gurus and have gotten some in return as well. (It helps of course if the guru actually knows you and what you do.)

    I also love taking my flip camera to events and getting videos. If you see someone you have worked with, they can say a few words on video.

    However, if you haven’t worked with a particular person, they may still be willing to talk about why what you do (or your topic of expertise) is important.

    I love getting quotes from people who have hosted workshops or seminars and what it has done for their business.

    • Awesome suggestions, Daphne — you’re a Pro!

      Endorsements on LinkedIn, in-person video clips, and quotes from workshop attendees are GREAT ways to put social proof into action.

      You Rock!
      Melanie

  • Hey D’vorah!

    I’ve been keeping my fingers and toes crossed hoping you would stop by my blog. THANK YOU for your kind and gracious kudos!

    Connie Green is a hoot … and hard-nosed, too. She tells it like it is from having been in the trenches. She says what she means and means what she says. And I really like that about her.

    So glad you made mention of the title of this post. I’ve been working on improving my headlines to peak people’s interest. I found a really cool FREE tool you might want to check out. It’s fun! And it measures the “emotional marketing value” of your headlines. Here ya go: http://www.aminstitute.com/headline/#

    Tell me what you think, okay?

    See you soon over at #blog30!
    Melanie

  • Melanie, I love your articles. You write in a way that makes me want to keep reading! Very clever how you used this title to shock people into reading the article. I’m enjoying getting to know you.

    Also – LOVE your article about Connie Ragen Green’s Blog Challenge. What a brilliant woman and incredible marketer she is.

    Till next time!
    Take care,
    D’vorah
    .-= Dvorah´s last blog ..Jill Lublin – Get Noticed Get Referrals =-.

  • Gwen, you bring up a very valid point. This is one reason why I suggest making a list of at least five people to approach. Some will say “no” and some will not respond. Most importantly, don’t get discouraged. Continue to make new lists of V.I.P.’s that you would love to get a testimonial from and it WILL happen!

    Thanks again for all the support, encouragement, and the Re-Tweets. When in the world do you have the time?! You’re so diligent about keeping up with all the aspects of the blogging challenge. I envy you!

  • Thanks for some guidance on this. I emailed a “guru” with a copy of my one of my products and never heard back from him. But there was another that told me to write his testimonial without reading it LOL I dont know, sometimes they seem a little “out there” or unreachable. But they aren’t all like that!

    Gwem
    .-= Gwen Tanner´s last blog ..Repurpose Your Old Blog Content for Your New Customers =-.