How to Build a Solopreneur Referral Engine: Word-of-Mouth Email Templates

Have you ever felt that moment of excitement when a great client says,

“Hey, I recommended you to someone”?

Referrals can feel like a gift from the above. A show of trust also lightens your marketing load and opens the door to a trusting relationship from the beginning. But what if you could make these moments more predictable? That’s where a referral engine comes in.

Referrals are especially crucial in today’s solopreneur and fractional executive economy. According to the State of the Fractional Industry Report 2024, the number of solopreneurs in the U.S. has reached 41 million, with over 125,000 professionals identifying as fractional executives on LinkedIn. With this rapid growth, standing out and generating consistent business through trusted referrals is more important than ever.

This GRIT Guide focuses on systemizing referrals from past clients, peers, or strategic partners.

We’ll cover why referrals matter, how to set up an incentive system, and how to craft email templates that make it super easy for contacts to spread the word about you.

Along the way, we’ll tap into the GRIT principles of Resilience—by building a steady, reliable revenue channel—and Integrity—by delivering consistent value that people can wholeheartedly

Why Referrals Matter

Think of it like having a team of brand ambassadors who vouch for you in conversations you’re not even in the room for. This is the easiest “sales” you’ll ever do.

High-Trust Leads: Referred prospects come pre-sold on your credibility. They already trust the person who referred them.
Low Marketing Cost: Word-of-mouth is among the most cost-effective ways to grow. You don’t have to spend a dime on ads.
Faster Conversions: Because there’s existing trust, these leads often need less convincing to move forward.

Step 1: Identify Potential Referrers

Past & Current Clients

Who’s had a great experience with you in the last six months?
Focus on clients who got tangible results and rave about your work.

Industry Peers

Professionals in complementary functions and niches (e.g., designers if you’re a marketing consultant) can refer clients whose needs extend beyond their scope.
Think of accountants for fractional CFOs, HR consultants for leadership coaches, etc.

Strategic Partners

Organizations that align with your values but serve a different aspect of the market (e.g., a software firm that works with the same industries you consult).

Pro Tip: List down 10–15 individuals or organizations who could potentially refer business your way. Your goal is to diversify your potential referrers. This includes past clients, peers, and strategic partners.

Step 2: Create a Referral Incentive System

Referral Bartering

Begin by referring them to initial contacts and referrals that they would be able to leverage and tap into.

Ask them what type of referrals they are looking for and begin by sending them 2-4 contacts. Look to begin the referral system yourself; don’t wait for them.

Non-Monetary Rewards

Gift cards, free consultation hours, or exclusive training events.

Sometimes, a thoughtful “thank you” gift is more impactful than cash.

Monetary Reward (Optional)

Offer a percentage of the project fee or a flat bonus to the referrer once the deal closes.

Make it clear, simple, and easy to fulfill.

Charitable Donation

If you want to avoid direct incentives, consider donating to a charity of the referrer’s choice in their name.

This highlights your shared values and can strengthen relationships.

Key Tip: Be transparent. Let your potential referrers know exactly how they’ll be rewarded or acknowledged. Clarity fosters trust and encourages participation.

Step 3: Craft Ready-to-Go Email Templates

Why Templates Matter:

People often want to refer you but don’t know exactly how to phrase it. Giving them ready-made templates reduces friction and makes referrals almost effortless.

Setting up your calendar system or automated emails to include their templates will help them quickly refer you. Remind them that you’ll send them a template to quickly look you up and simply refer you.

Below are some easy-to-use templates that have worked for me in the past.

Template for Peers or Potential Referral Partners

Subject: Opportunity for Your Network

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to check in and see if you know anyone in [Industry/Role] looking to improve [pain point]. I’ve had great success working on [specific outcomes or projects].

If you come across someone who could use this kind of support, I’d be happy to offer them a [special consult/free assessment]. Let me know, and I’ll send you any info you need.

Thanks so much for thinking of me,

[Your Name]

Template for Past Clients

Subject: Checking In & A Quick Favor

Hi [Name],

Hope all is well since we last worked together on [project]. I’d love to stay connected and hear how things have progressed. Also, if you happen to know anyone who could benefit from [specific service/outcome], I’d be grateful for a referral.

I’m always happy to extend a [discount/freebie/charitable donation] as a thank you.

I appreciate your support!

Warmly,

[Your Name]

Template to Ask for a Testimonial

Subject: Could You Share Your Experience?

Hi [Name],

I loved working with you on [project/engagement], and it would mean a lot if you could share a brief testimonial about our time together.

Just a few words on what you found most valuable would be awesome!

If you know someone who’d benefit from similar support, I’d be honored by a referral, too.

Thank you again for your help—it truly makes a difference.

Best,

[Your Name]

Template for Networking Referral Partner (Post-Meeting Follow-Up)

Subject: A Quick Follow-Up & Easy Referral Template

Hi [Name],

Great connecting with you today! I really enjoyed our conversation and appreciate your insights. If you happen to come across someone who could benefit from [specific service], here’s a simple message you can send their way:

"Hey [Referral’s Name], I just spoke with [Your Name], who specializes in [service/solution]. I think they could be a great fit for what you need. Let me know if you’d like me to introduce you!"

Feel free to copy/paste or tweak it as needed. Looking forward to staying in touch!

Best,

[Your Name]

🫵 Weekly Challenge

Here’s my challenge for you: This week, take one step to build a new connection. You can:

Identify Referrers – List at least 10 potential referrers. Aim for a mix of past clients, industry peers, and strategic partners.

Establish an Incentive – Decide whether you’ll offer a monetary reward, gift, or charitable donation. Write this out clearly.

Draft Email Templates – Pick one or two from the examples above and tailor them to your voice. Save them for quick access (e.g., in your CRM or email signature).

Send Out 3 Referral Requests – Email at least 3 people on your list this week with your new templates. Keep the tone warm and genuine.

Track Responses – Note who responds and the quality of leads that come in. Adjust your messaging or incentive if results are low.

Building a referral engine is not just about generating more business, it’s about creating a reliable network of professionals who support each other.

By making referrals easy and rewarding, you strengthen your credibility and ensure a steady stream of trusted leads.

Remember, Resilience is about consistency, and Integrity is about delivering value worth recommending. The more you commit to these principles, the more referrals will naturally flow your way.

Take action today—start reaching out, set up your referral process, and watch your network work for you!

You've got this, Grit Guide Subscribers! 💪

Bonus

If you’re part of the SoloGrit community, share your chosen challenge and your action plan in the discussion board. Engage with peers by providing encouragement or feedback on their updates.

Midweek, post an update on your progress to celebrate small wins and inspire others.

Together, we grow with G.R.I.T.

Post your response in the Happy Hour space of the community and see what others have experienced. Let’s inspire each other with our journeys!

That’s it for this week’s Weekly GRIT Guide! If this post helped you share it with a fellow leadership solopreneur who needs to develop their business with GRIT.

Let’s grow together! 💪