A couple years ago I had an absolutely fascinating talk with one of the world's top marketers named Jay Conrad Levinson.

We must have covered well over a dozen questions about business, marketing, copywriting, etc.

But one of the best pieces of marketing advice he gave was about getting referrals.

I couldn't believe what he told me.

Not only is what he told me a powerful tactic for getting referrals, but it is also logical and easy. So easy, anyone can do it without getting nervous or feeling funny about asking for a referral.

What was this "magic" referral secret he gave me?

This: Simply ask for a referral and tell the person you are asking for a referral the truth about why you are asking for it. Tell them exactly why it's so important they give you a referral for your business.

For example, you can tell a person you are asking for referrals from that you need them in order to keep your prices down. That by getting referrals from past customers, it makes it more likely you will be able to save them money in the near future.

In other words, make it harder and more painful for them not to give you referrals than it is to give them to you. This may sound simple, and that's because it is.

That's the beauty of this.

It's almost like you're doing your customers a favor by asking them for referrals.