We all know referrals are the gold standard. A warm introduction from a happy client? You can’t beat it. But if we’re honest, most advisors aren’t asking often enough—especially during the summer.
Maybe you don’t want to sound pushy. Maybe you’re assuming clients are too distracted. Maybe you’ve tried before and it went nowhere.
Here’s the thing: summer is actually one of the best times to ask for referrals. People are more social, they’re having relaxed conversations, and they’re thinking about travel, retirement, family, and future plans. In other words, they’re already talking about money.
The key is knowing how to ask without making it weird. Here’s how to do it right—naturally, casually, and effectively.
1. Ask in the right context
Timing is everything. Don’t make your referral request a standalone moment. Instead, build it into conversations where you’ve just delivered value.
For example:
- After a strong review meeting
- When a client thanks you for helping them navigate something
- When you wrap up a plan or complete a big milestone
Those are the moments when trust is highest and your value is top of mind. That’s when you say:
“By the way, if you have any friends or family who could use a second opinion right now, I’d be happy to help.”
No pressure. No pitch. Just an open door.
2. Keep it about helping, not selling
Clients don’t want to “send you business.” That feels transactional. What they do want is to help the people they care about—and if you frame your ask that way, it feels better for everyone.
Try something like:
“If someone close to you ever has a big financial question or needs to talk through something, feel free to connect us. Even if they’re not ready to make big moves, I’m always happy to be a resource.”
You’re not asking them to convince anyone. You’re offering to be helpful. That’s the kind of advisor people want to introduce.
3. Make it easy to refer you
Sometimes clients want to refer you—they just don’t know how.
Help them out with a few simple tools:
- A short blurb they can copy and paste to a friend
- A link to book a call with you directly
- A one-pager or blog post they can forward
- A “share this with someone” note at the end of your email newsletter
The easier you make it, the more likely they are to follow through.
4. Focus on specific situations
Generic requests like “Let me know if you know anyone who needs a financial plan” rarely land. Get more specific.
Try:
“If you know someone who just changed jobs or is thinking about retiring early, I’d be glad to talk with them.”
or
“I’ve been helping a lot of families with college funding plans lately. If anyone in your circle is asking questions about that, send them my way.”
When you name a situation, people make connections. Suddenly, they’re thinking about their sister-in-law or their friend from work—and your name comes up naturally.
5. Follow up on casual mentions
Sometimes a client casually drops a referral opportunity and you let it slide. Not anymore.
If they say, “My friend was just asking about that,” or “My brother’s looking for someone,” follow up. Ask if they’d be open to making an introduction or if you can send a quick message they can forward.
You’re not being aggressive—you’re just making it easy to take the next step while it’s still fresh.
Final thought
Asking for referrals doesn’t have to be awkward. It just has to be intentional.
Summer is the perfect time to bring it up. Your clients are having more conversations, spending time with people they care about, and thinking about life and money in ways they might not during the rest of the year.
So keep the referral ask part of your rhythm. Keep it light, keep it client-focused, and keep it consistent.
It’s not about chasing business—it’s about offering help.
And if you’re looking to keep your calendar full this summer, referrals and bundles go hand in hand. Our 50% off summer bundles are available now.
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