Advanced: Building a Referral Engine
Turn every converted client into 2-3 referrals. Patent holders know other inventors. Systematic referral strategies.
Building a Referral Engine.
Why Referrals Are 10x Better.
Cold patent outreach: 5% conversion. Warm referral: 40-60% conversion. The math is obvious. Every client you serve knows other inventors — in their co-working space, their incubator, their industry group. You just have to ask.
When to Ask.
Within 7 days of a successful engagement milestone: filing submitted, office action responded to, patent granted. This is their moment of highest satisfaction and goodwill.
How to Ask.
Simple script: "I am glad we got [their filing] submitted. Do you know 2-3 other inventors or founders who might benefit from the same help? I would be happy to offer them a free initial review — just pass along my info or connect us by email."
Make It Frictionless.
Give them a template email they can forward:
"Hey [Name] — I have been working with [Your Firm] on my patent and they have been great. They offered a free claim review for anyone I refer. If you want an intro, let me know and I will connect you."
Tracking in PatentReach.
Tag every referred lead with: referral source (which client referred them). Over time you will see: which clients are your best ambassadors, which get you the most referrals. Send those clients a thank-you gift or discount.
Incentive Structure.
- For the referrer: 10% discount on their next filing or a $50 gift card.
- For the referred: free initial claim review (you were doing this anyway).
- Track: referrals given, referrals converted, revenue attributed.