How to Write a Referral Letter for Someone

Businesses gain clients by networking with other businesses .

Businesspeople often refer other companies to their clients, and in many respects, this type of networking is essential for running a successful business. Usually, companies offer referrals for related businesses. For example, a plumbing contractor might refer a client who is looking to remodel a bathroom to a trusted tiling specialist, and an accountant might refer a corporation with complex tax concerns to a law firm. When you write a referral, you are staking your business's reputation on the ability of the other business. As such, it is important that you can make the referral with absolute confidence.

Instructions

1. Load a piece of your company letterhead into your printer. When your business refers another company or a person, you are writing as a representative of your business. Letterhead adds to your credibility.

2. Type a traditional business heading. This starts with the date on one line, followed by the recipient's name and address.

3. Choose a salutation. "Dear Mr./Ms. (Name)" followed by a colon is traditional.

4. Thank the recipient for his or her business with you in the past. This usually takes up the first paragraph. Draw particular attention to the services you are referring.

5. Introduce the person or business that you are referring. Explain in detail why you are confident that this new relationship will be beneficial. Give specific details about the person or business, including testimonials from other clients, when available.

6. Close the letter by reiterating your recommendation. Give the contact information for the person or business you are referring.

7. Conclude the letter. This is typically best accomplished by typing "Sincerely," skipping three lines, then typing your name and title. Print the letter, and sign your name above the typed name. Be sure to save a copy to use as a template in case you refer this business again.

8. Mail the letter. Be sure to let you know your referral that he or she should expect to hear from the business in the near future.

Tips & Warnings

• It is usually a good idea to call a business that you referred after a few weeks have passed to see how it all worked out. Even if the referral did not lead to a profitable relationship for your contact, keeping in touch reinforces the message that you care. A business who has been referred to clients by you is more likely to come back to your business, and may even refer potential clients to you later on down the line.

References

• Write Express: Referral Letters
• Purdue Online Writing Center: Writing the Basic Business Letter