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Referrals, are they still such a thing? Although deemed as a traditional means of marketing, they are still happening around the wedding industry without you realizing it. Nowadays, people have higher expectations and standard. This means it is not only a good service or a great experience that assures a vendor to get a referral, but there's more to it.

There are two type of referrals; client referrals and vendor referrals. This time around we are going to study the later, share the qualities a vendor should possess to encourage vendor referrals and some tips to support it.

1. Well-communication
It's always good when you know how to communicate properly with your fellow vendors. As simple as a quick response to their emails and inquiries, will get you on their good side. Be polite and honest, those are the keys to establishing a good vendor relationship and potentially giving you referrals. Keep them updated with ideas and changes, especially to wedding planners and organizers who appreciates getting the information first from you rather having to ask you continuously.

2. Genuineness at work
Do you give your all for your work? Show that your work is your passion and not simply doing it because you get paid for it. You should feel ecstatic about working on another new wedding project because you love it and it's your life. Fellow vendors appreciate the effort given by another when working on a new project.

3. Give credits and be thankful
Posting an image of a wedding without tagging other vendors who are involved? That's a complete no-no! It's time to prove that you're all about #vendorgoals and list all the vendors involved in the wedding. It's one way you're promoting yourself and others at the same time. Also, express gratitude. Be it verbally or over a text, make sure you relay your appreciation towards their work and time after a wedding is over. This little act goes a long way!

4. Refer others first
It's best to practice referring others first before you want them to do the same to you. Other vendors will be grateful for the act and if they think you're worthy of referring to their clients, they'd do so! Don't feel down if they don't, take it as a lesson to work better and please clients and charm other participating vendors!

The DOs and DON'Ts
It isn't a win-win solution without giving an effort yourself. Take a look at these tips to get clients coming from vendors.

• DO: Be friendly & treat others with respect.
  This goes without saying. Often times we heard that awkwardness may appear between fellow vendors who may not have worked together. Bring down the barrier and approach first, give them your utmost respect because that's the way you want to be treated as well.

• DO: Take a picture of the wedding venue and other vendor's work.
  For photographers, this will earn you an instant credit to vendors who will use your picture for their portfolio and social media sharing.

• DON'T: Beg for referrals.
  Let the vendors feel and see you doing your work and let them naturally tell others how good or great of job you did! When you beg, other vendors may perceive that you're desperate. Thus, it's best to let them observe how professional and talented you are and let them do the talking to others.

• DON'T: Offer monetary incentive.
  Though it still is happening amongst vendors, it clashes with point #2 mentioned above. You want other vendors to know that you're doing your job because you love it, not because you need the money. So try to avoid bluntly offering monetary incentive in exchange for referrals.
  

Regardless the tips mentioned above, what's truly the bait to get vendor clients is to give your all, be unique and be the best at what you do. No matter what happens, fellow vendors can see your hard work and it'll all pay.

What are the ways you do to encourage getting more vendor referrals? Share us your tips in the comment box below!