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Do you know how to ask for a referral?

If you don’t, you could be missing out on ways to improve your hospital’s reputation and intake.

Referrals are a powerful thing. Think about how patients choose hospitals. How do you think patients are choosing your hospital? Are your patients and their families telling the story of their stay?

People ask for referrals for all kinds of purchase decisions, including:

• Lawyers

• Physicians

• Plumbers

• Electricians

• Restaurants

• Car dealerships

• Colleges

• TV series

• Financial planners

• Realtors

• Dentists

You yourself have likely asked for referrals for some of the above before making your own purchase decisions. You have likely also read the reviews, comments, and ratings of some of the above professions as well.

Do you like to look up hotels where you will stay, restaurants where you will dine? These are all forms of referrals.

Never underestimate the importance of referrals.

Here is How to Ask for a Referral

Referrals don't cost anything. Remember: people always know someone who can benefit from the services you provide. Referrals can lead to more referrals and bring your hospital more patients. This is why it is imperative to know how to ask for a referral properly.

It’s also important to remind people to spread the good word about the work that you do. You must ensure that patients receive the kindest, most personal care so that their referral is going to be positive.

Here are some great sentence-starters to use when asking for a referral. As patients thank you for their stay and are preparing to leave, consider saying the following:

• “I am so pleased to hear you say we kept you comfortable. We’d be grateful if you’d share your experience with family and friends.”

• “Would you do us a favor and tell them when you get home?”

These types of comments remind people to spread the good word about the good things that you do.

Why People Like to Give Referrals

People love giving referrals. It gives them the opportunity to brag about the service they got. When someone gets great service, they feel very thankful and feel that the company deserves to be rewarded for the service they provided.

People like to give referrals for the following reasons:

• They were satisfied with the service and care provided and want to tell people about it.

• They feel flattered by the great service they received.

• They like giving their opinions.

• They liked the people who provided them with great service.

• They like being “in the know.”

• Referrals make people look like experts.

• Referrals benefit peoples’ friends.

• Referrals are a great way to ‘pay it forward.’

To Summarize

At the end of the day, rather than worry about patient happiness, focus on:

• Patient comfort

• Patient participation

• Patient education

• Patient healing

By focusing on all of the above, your patients will speak vigorously about their stay with you.

To better understand how to ask for a referral and how to approach customer service, check out the book Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service.

Our ‘Do it’ Recommendations

To personally clarify the importance of referrals in your life, ask and answer the following three questions:

1. What products and services do you like to obtain referrals for?

2. Why do you like to give referrals?

3. When and how would you ask patients for a referral to your hospital?

Everyone’s a Caregiver: Providing Education for Healthcare Workers

Everyone's a Caregiver provides education to healthcare workers to better improve their patient's overall experience. We understand the time constraints placed in today's workplace and have customized microlearning videos that can help you gain the skills you need to be a better, more positive healthcare worker. Contact us today to see how we can help, or click here to learn more.