The final three months of the year are the most crucial time to secure referrals. Why? Because the deals you secure now, before the holidays, often turn into income next spring.

Before the holiday rush turns everyone into a distracted shopper, let's focus on three quick, low-effort actions you can take this week to drive immediate results.

1. Win #1: The "Who Do You Know?" Soft Ask

The easiest way to get a referral is to ask for one—but you need to ask smart. Skip the generic, "Please send referrals" email. Instead, send a short, personalized note to your best clients.

Here's how to frame the ask:

• Target: Send a short, personalized email or newsletter section to your Top 20 favorite clients.

• The Script: "I'm planning my 2026 calendar and want to connect with two people considering a big change next year, like moving or a major home renovation. Do you know anyone I should talk to?"

• Why it Works: It frames the ask as professional planning, making the client feel they are giving you a valuable, considered introduction, not just passing along a random name.

2. Win #2: The "Holiday Survival Guide" Postcard

Email is fast, but physical mail has staying power. This season, mail a quick community-focused postcard to your entire contact list. The primary goal is to provide value first!

Here’s what to include on the postcard:

• Value First: Feature helpful, non-salesy tips relevant to the season (e.g., "5 Quick Winterizing Tasks for Your Home" or "Holiday Travel Safety Tips").

• The Nudge (Small P.S.): Include a small P.S. at the bottom with a simple message: "If you know someone looking to buy, sell, or get their house painted before the new year, let them know I’m here to help!"

• Why it Works: That tangible, useful mail can sit on a client's fridge for weeks, guaranteeing repeat exposure and a higher chance of being seen by their visiting friends or family.

3. Win #3: The "Future Goals" Phone Check-in

Sometimes the best way to get a referral is to not mention it at all. This week, dedicate 30 minutes to calling your top clients. You aren't calling to ask for a referral; you are calling to check in on them.

Follow these steps for the call:

• The Target: Dedicate 30 minutes this week to calling your top 10 clients from the last year.

• The Topic: Don't mention referrals. Ask them about their big home goals for 2026: "Are you finally building that deck?" or "Any painting plans for the kitchen next spring?"

• The Result: When clients discuss their own future plans, they naturally start thinking about friends or colleagues who have similar needs. This service-oriented approach leads to the most organic, unprompted referrals.

Keep the Engine Running

These three quick actions are strategic moves that build momentum and prevent the January slump. By planting these seeds now, you ensure your pipeline has leads warming up while everyone else is putting away the tinsel.

If executing these highly personalized steps feels too time-consuming, remember that consistent, done-for-you newsletters and postcards are designed specifically to automate this crucial follow-up for you. Schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how we can assist you.