I am amazed by how many people receive gifts and don't even acknowledge they received the gift let alone a simple thank you.  I'm not referring to Christmas/Holiday gifts!  

When I receive a referral I pick up the phone and call to thank the person. When the transaction closes, the referring party is sent a special gift. Something meaningful which is not one size fits all. 

I NEVER encourage or ask for more referrals.  To me, that is right up there with begging for business.  

The Loop is improved by referring business back, helping the other in some way, and by continuing to provide exceptional service. 

Make sure it sounds genuine. Nothing worse than a pre-signed thank you card. Be selective in your wording & try to make each TY personal.

This week is when I say thanks to all the people behind the scenes that never get an 'atta boy' like attorneys & their staff, etc.

A hand written note is always appreciated.

An attitude of gratitude is/or becomes a part of life.  Everyday and every moment offers an opportunity to improve.  

I call and thank the person and let them know I will take special care of their family or friend and always let them know how much I appreciate this and any future referrals!

Sincerity is appreciated by both giver/receiver when trust is at the forefront. A show of gratitude matters in all things, every day.

the best way to improve that "loop" is to do a fantastic job.... stay one step ahead of everyone.... the mortg. person; the closing attorney; and others.... follow up and making sure no one drops the ball is how you improve that loop.....

I thank them then and there.  I'm not a card person.  In business, I thank them with a phone call and keeping them in the loop (to some degree).

What i have found effective when receiving referrals, is to send a handwritten thank you note to the person who referred me, and if a member of my SOI, I give them a public thank you in my newsletter.  That seems to also make others perk up and think, "Do I know someone who needs an agent?"  I get more calls or emails with potential referrals the week that newsletter lands than I do any other time.

If a fellow agent sent me a referral, I do the handwritten note and keep them in the loop of what is happening as we move along in the listing or buying process.  If there is a one thing I can't stand, it is sending out a referral and hearing nothing past thank you.

I used to do handwritten thank you notes but never asked for additional business.

When we get a referral, we send a "thank you" gift coffee card. Sure, there is always the hope for more. If nothing more comes, we are still thankful for being thought of the first time.

No greater a thank you can be had than the time one takes to write a thank you note and send it to the appreciated.

An area where I could stand for some improvement in my actions.

Just make sure you acknowledge the referral in some way that shows you appreciate it. 

Showing gratitude is important but, I have referral partners who have sent multiple buyers to me from across the country. The reason is because I got the job done and the buyers let the referring agent that they were thrilled with my services.

Annette,

it depends, on who, what or when!  Barbara Todaro I can empathize with your feeling.  We had a referral from someone in LA as the person put it, he was from CB commercial.  It landed us a nice job in Costa Rica with all expenses paid. When we got there the guy was not sure if it was CB.  I made some inquiries among former colleagues and could not find anyone...A

My loop works... no need for improvement. At the end of the day, it's how you perform for the referred "gift."

Lots of thank you cards.

I thank them in person, and with a hand written note

I thank them, update them along the way, if they so desire, and always send a handwritten thank you card after closing.

What about it needs improvement? 

I always say Thank you. :)

I pick up the phone and Thank them first to let them know I appreciate them.