Pro Systems — Ledgely

System Business Starter

Phases 4 phases

Included 6 templates + decision tool

Outcome Idea → legally formed business

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How to use this system: Work through the four phases in order. Each phase has specific steps, decisions, and templates. Do not skip ahead — earlier decisions affect later ones (especially structure choice and EIN timing).

Phase 01 Decide the fundamentals

Step 1.1

Choose your business structure

Sole proprietor, LLC, or S-Corp — this decision affects taxes, liability, and how much paperwork you deal with every year.

Step 1.2

Name your business

Check your state's database, then Google, then trademark search. Lock down a domain at the same time.

Step 1.3

Pick a business address

Home address, virtual office, or commercial space — each has legal and privacy implications worth understanding before you register.

Business Structure Decision Tool

Answer one question to get a plain-English recommendation for your situation.

Solo operator

Just you, no employees planned yet, low risk of lawsuits

Solo, want protection

Just you, but client-facing work or some liability risk

With a partner

Two or more people sharing ownership

Planning to scale

Expect significant revenue or want to bring on investors

Recommendation

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Business Name Research Checklist

Checklist · Plain text

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BUSINESS NAME RESEARCH CHECKLIST ================================ Step 1 — State availability [ ] Search your state's Secretary of State business database [ ] Confirm exact legal name is available (not just similar) [ ] Note any similar names that could cause confusion Step 2 — Domain / web presence [ ] Check .com availability (use Namecheap or GoDaddy) [ ] Check .co and .net as fallbacks [ ] Search the name on Google — review first 2 pages [ ] Check social handles: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X Step 3 — Trademark [ ] Search USPTO TESS database (tess.uspto.gov) [ ] Search for phonetically similar marks in your industry [ ] If conflicts found: consult a trademark attorney Step 4 — Final confirmation [ ] Name passes all three checks above [ ] Domain secured (even if not using it yet) [ ] Name works across all business documents and signage

Phase 02

Phase 02 Register and make it official

Step 2.1

File state formation paperwork

LLCs and corporations file Articles of Organization (or Incorporation) with the state. Sole props typically just need a DBA if using a trade name.

Step 2.2

Get your EIN from the IRS

Free, takes 10 minutes on IRS.gov. You need this before opening a business bank account or hiring anyone. Save the CP 575 confirmation letter.

Step 2.3

Create your Operating Agreement

Required in most states for LLCs. Defines ownership %, how decisions are made, and what happens if someone leaves. Use the template below.

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Full Business Setup Checklist

Checklist · 4 phases · Plain text

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SMALL BUSINESS SETUP CHECKLIST ================================ PHASE 1 — DECIDE [ ] Choose business structure (sole prop / LLC / S-Corp / C-Corp) [ ] Choose and verify business name +-- State business database +-- Domain availability \-- Trademark search (USPTO TESS) [ ] Decide on business address \-- Home address, virtual office, or commercial PHASE 2 — REGISTER [ ] File state formation paperwork (LLC: Articles of Organization) [ ] Register DBA / trade name if operating under different name [ ] Apply for EIN at IRS.gov (free, ~10 min) [ ] Save EIN confirmation letter (Form CP 575) [ ] Draft single-member or multi-member operating agreement [ ] Register for state taxes (income, sales) if applicable PHASE 3 — OPEN ACCOUNTS [ ] Open dedicated business checking account [ ] Apply for business debit or credit card [ ] Set up payment processor (Stripe, Square, PayPal) [ ] Choose bookkeeping method (spreadsheet or software) [ ] Set up basic expense categories PHASE 4 — COMPLIANCE [ ] Obtain general business license (city/county) [ ] Research state-specific license requirements [ ] Register for sales tax if selling taxable goods or services [ ] Research industry-specific permits or certifications [ ] Purchase business insurance (general liability at minimum) [ ] Set recurring calendar reminders: +-- Annual report filing (state-specific deadline) +-- License renewals \-- Estimated tax payments (quarterly)

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EIN Application Preparation Checklist

Checklist · Plain text

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EIN APPLICATION PREPARATION CHECKLIST ====================================== Gather everything below BEFORE going to IRS.gov. The online session times out — you cannot save and return. REQUIRED INFORMATION [ ] Legal business name (must match formation documents exactly) [ ] Trade name / DBA if different from legal name [ ] Business structure (LLC, sole prop, partnership, corporation) [ ] Responsible party's full legal name [ ] Responsible party's SSN or ITIN [ ] Business mailing address (street, city, state, ZIP) [ ] Business physical address if different from mailing [ ] Business phone number [ ] Primary reason for applying: +-- Started new business +-- Hired or plan to hire employees +-- Banking requirement \-- Changed business structure [ ] Date business started or was acquired [ ] Expected number of employees in next 12 months [ ] Principal activity of business (brief description) AFTER APPLYING [ ] Screenshot or print the EIN confirmation page [ ] Wait for Form CP 575 by mail (~4 weeks) [ ] Store both in a dedicated business documents folder Apply only at IRS.gov. It is completely free. Never pay a third party to apply on your behalf.

Phase 03

Phase 03 Open accounts and set up money systems

Step 3.1

Open a business bank account

Keep business and personal money completely separate from day one. You'll need your EIN, formation documents, and a deposit (usually $25–$100).

Step 3.2

Set up a payment processor

Stripe or Square for most small businesses. Takes 15 minutes and lets you accept cards immediately. Fees are typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction.

Step 3.3

Set up basic bookkeeping

Download the expense tracking CSV template from the Financial Control System, or use Wave (free) if you want software. Do not mix cash with card records.

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Business Document Folder Structure

Reference · File organization guide

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Phase 04

Phase 04 Compliance and staying registered

Step 4.1

File your annual report

Most states require LLCs to file an annual or biennial report and pay a small fee. Missing it can result in administrative dissolution.

Step 4.2

Pay estimated quarterly taxes

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year, the IRS requires quarterly estimated payments. Deadlines: April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15.

Step 4.3

Set your compliance calendar

Put every deadline in a recurring calendar with a 30-day reminder. Annual report, license renewals, and quarterly taxes are the three that matter most.

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Annual Compliance Calendar Template

Reference · Plain text

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ANNUAL COMPLIANCE CALENDAR =========================== FEDERAL — Every year [ ] Q1 Estimated Tax Payment .............. April 15 [ ] Q2 Estimated Tax Payment .............. June 15 [ ] Q3 Estimated Tax Payment .............. Sept 15 [ ] Q4 Estimated Tax Payment .............. Jan 15 (next year) [ ] Federal Income Tax Return ............. April 15 (or Oct 15 w/ extension) [ ] W-2s / 1099s to contractors ........... Jan 31 STATE — Varies by state (fill in your dates) [ ] State income tax return ............... ___________ [ ] Annual / biennial report filing ....... ___________ [ ] Sales tax filing (if applicable) ...... ___________ \-- Frequency: monthly / quarterly / annually [ ] State business license renewal ........ ___________ LOCAL [ ] City / county business license renewal ___________ RECURRING (set as calendar reminders) [ ] Review business insurance coverage .... annually, 30 days before renewal [ ] Reconcile bookkeeping ................. monthly, last day of month [ ] Back up financial records ............. monthly NOTE: Add a 30-day advance reminder for every deadline above. State deadlines vary — look up yours at your Secretary of State website.

System Financial Control

Phases 3 phases

Included Profit calculator + 4 templates

Outcome Monthly financial clarity

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What this system does: Most small business owners track some numbers but have no idea if they're actually profitable after everything. This system builds a simple, repeatable monthly process — so you know your real profit, not just your revenue.

Phase 01 Set up your tracking system

Step 1.1

Choose your tracking method

Spreadsheet (CSV template below) or free software like Wave. Don't pay for accounting software until you're making $3k+ monthly consistently.

Step 1.2

Define your expense categories

Keep it to 6–8 categories max. More categories means more friction and less consistency. Use the standard set below unless your business is unusual.

Step 1.3

Set a monthly reconciliation date

Pick a fixed date — last Friday of the month works for most. Block 30 minutes on your calendar. This is non-negotiable; skipping one month turns into skipping six.

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Expense Tracking Spreadsheet

CSV · Open in Google Sheets or Excel

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Date,Vendor,Description,Category,Amount,Payment Method,Notes 2025-01-03,Google Workspace,Monthly subscription,Software,14.00,Business card, 2025-01-05,Office Depot,Printer paper + pens,Supplies,42.50,Business card, 2025-01-08,Shell,Gas for client visit,Travel,38.20,Business card,Mileage: 44mi 2025-01-12,Meta Ads,January ad campaign,Marketing,150.00,Business card, 2025-01-15,Zoom,Monthly plan,Software,15.99,Business card, ,,,Operations,,, ,,,Marketing,,, ,,,Supplies,,, ,,,Software,,, ,,,Travel,,, ,,,Contractor / Freelance,,, ,,,Professional Services,,, ,,,Other,,,

Phase 02

Phase 02 Know your real monthly profit

Step 2.1

Add up all income for the month

Every payment received — not invoiced, actually received. Include all payment methods: bank transfers, card payments, Venmo, cash.

Step 2.2

Total all business expenses

Everything you spent to run the business this month — from your expense tracker. Do not include personal spending or owner draws.

Step 2.3

Calculate net profit and margin

Use the calculator below. Your profit margin tells you how efficiently the business converts revenue into actual money in your pocket.

Monthly Profit Calculator

Enter your monthly figures to see your real profit and profit margin.

Total revenue ($)

Total expenses ($)

Owner's pay / draw ($)

Est. tax set-aside ($)

Net profit

$0.00

Profit margin

—

After owner pay + tax

—

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Monthly P&L Summary Template

Plain text · Fill in monthly

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MONTHLY PROFIT & LOSS SUMMARY ============================== Month: ___________ Year: ___________ INCOME --------------------------------- Product / Service sales $___________ Consulting / Retainer fees $___________ Other income $___________ --------------------------------- TOTAL INCOME $___________ EXPENSES --------------------------------- Operations $___________ Marketing $___________ Software / Subscriptions $___________ Supplies $___________ Travel $___________ Contractor / Freelance $___________ Professional Services $___________ Other $___________ --------------------------------- TOTAL EXPENSES $___________ SUMMARY --------------------------------- Gross Profit (Income − Expenses) $___________ Owner Draw / Salary $___________ Tax Set-Aside (25–30%) $___________ --------------------------------- NET (what stays in business) $___________ Profit Margin ___________% NOTES / OBSERVATIONS --------------------------------- Biggest expense this month: Biggest income source: One thing to cut next month: One thing to grow next month:

Phase 03

Phase 03 Review, identify leaks, and improve

Step 3.1

Find your biggest expense category

Sort your expenses by category total. The top 2–3 categories usually make up 70–80% of spending. These are the only ones worth optimizing first.

Step 3.2

Identify subscriptions not earning back

List every recurring charge. If you cannot directly link a subscription to revenue generated or significant time saved, cancel it this month.

Step 3.3

Set a target profit margin

Service businesses: aim for 30–50% net margin. Product businesses: 10–20% is healthy. Below 15% on a service business means pricing or expense issues to fix.

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Monthly Financial Review Checklist

Checklist · Run monthly in 30 min

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MONTHLY FINANCIAL REVIEW CHECKLIST ==================================== Takes 30 minutes. Run on the last working day of each month. STEP 1 — RECONCILE (10 min) [ ] Download bank statement for the month [ ] Match every transaction to your expense tracker [ ] Flag any unrecognized charges immediately [ ] Add any missed cash transactions STEP 2 — SUMMARIZE (5 min) [ ] Total all income received this month [ ] Total all expenses by category [ ] Calculate gross profit (income − expenses) [ ] Note your profit margin % STEP 3 — ANALYZE (10 min) [ ] Compare this month's profit to last month [ ] Identify largest expense category [ ] List all recurring subscriptions — cancel unused ones [ ] Flag any expense over $200 — was it necessary? STEP 4 — PLAN FORWARD (5 min) [ ] Set one financial goal for next month [ ] Is there an invoice overdue? Follow up today. [ ] Do you need to adjust pricing based on margin? [ ] Transfer 25–30% of net profit to tax savings account RECORD YOUR NUMBERS Month: ___________ Revenue: $___________ Expenses: $___________ Net Profit: $___________ Margin: ___________% vs. Last Month: + / − $___________

System Client & Invoice

Phases 3 phases

Included Invoice builder + tracker + 3 templates

Outcome No payment slips through again

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The real problem: Most missed payments aren't from difficult clients — they're from a missing system. Invoices sent without tracking. Follow-ups forgotten. This system turns invoicing into a weekly routine with a clear status for every client.

Phase 01 Build a professional invoice

Step 1.1

Include every required field

Your business name, client name, invoice number, date, due date, itemized services, and payment instructions. Missing any of these slows payment down.

Step 1.2

Set clear payment terms

Net 15 means pay within 15 days. Include your preferred payment method and exact account details. Don't make clients guess how to pay you.

Step 1.3

Number every invoice sequentially

Start at INV-001 and go up. This makes tracking simple and looks professional. Never reuse an invoice number.

Invoice Builder Preview

Fill in the fields to see your invoice preview update in real time. Use the template below to generate a printable version.

Your Business Name

Invoice Number

Client Name

Due Date

Service Description

Amount ($)

Payment Instructions

Your Business Name

Professional Services

INV-001

Billed to Client Name

Due date —

Service description $0.00

Total Due $0.00

Payment instructions appear here

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Invoice Template (Print-Ready)

Plain text · Fill and print

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INVOICE ======= From: [Your Business Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Email] | [Phone] To: [Client Business Name] [Client Contact Name] [Client Address] Invoice #: INV-___ Date: ___________ Due Date: ___________ (Net __ days) --------------------------------------------- SERVICES --------------------------------------------- Description Amount --------------------------------------------- [Service / Project Description] $__________ [Additional line item] $__________ [Additional line item] $__________ --------------------------------------------- Subtotal $__________ Tax (if applicable) $__________ --------------------------------------------- TOTAL DUE $__________ PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS --------------------- Preferred method: [Bank transfer / Zelle / Check / PayPal] [Bank name, account number, routing — or Zelle email/phone] [Check payable to: Your Business Name] Please reference Invoice #INV-___ with payment. Late payments beyond [30] days may be subject to a [1.5%] monthly finance charge. Thank you for your business.

Phase 02

Phase 02 Track every client and invoice

Step 2.1

Log every invoice immediately

The moment you send an invoice, add it to your tracker below. Do not rely on memory or your sent folder. Status: Pending.

Step 2.2

Check status every Monday

5 minutes each Monday: review what's pending, what's overdue, and what to follow up on. This is the whole system — consistency beats complexity.

Step 2.3

Mark paid and file immediately

When payment arrives: mark as Paid in the tracker, move the invoice file to "Paid Invoices" folder, and record the income in your expense tracker the same day.

Invoice Status Tracker

Live example — download the CSV template to use your own

Invoice #	Client	Service	Amount	Due Date	Status
INV-001	Meridian Goods	Website redesign	$2,400	Apr 15	Paid
INV-002	Brightfield LLC	Monthly retainer — April	$850	Apr 30	Pending
INV-003	Ortega Solutions	Brand consultation	$600	Apr 10	Overdue
INV-004	Hartwell Co.	Logo + brand kit	$1,200	May 5	Pending

Phase 03

Phase 03 Follow up and close every payment

Step 3.1

Send a friendly reminder at day 3

A short, warm message 3 days before the due date. Mention the invoice number and amount. Most late payments are just forgotten — this one message catches most of them.

Step 3.2

Send a firm follow-up at day 7 overdue

Professional but direct. Reference the invoice number, original due date, and outstanding amount. Include your payment link or details again. No apologies.

Step 3.3

Escalate at day 30 overdue

Phone call first. Then a final written notice mentioning potential late fees or referral to collections. Have a clear policy and stick to it — flexibility here costs you money.

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Payment Follow-Up Email Templates (3 stages)

Email copy · Ready to send

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PAYMENT FOLLOW-UP EMAIL TEMPLATES =================================== -- STAGE 1: Friendly reminder (3 days before due) -- Subject: Quick reminder — Invoice #INV-___ due [Date] Hi [Client Name], Just a quick note to flag that Invoice #INV-___ for $[Amount] is due on [Date]. Payment details are included in the original invoice, but let me know if you need me to resend anything. Thank you, [Your Name] -- STAGE 2: First follow-up (7 days overdue) -- Subject: Invoice #INV-___ — Payment not yet received Hi [Client Name], I'm following up on Invoice #INV-___ for $[Amount], which was due on [Due Date]. I haven't received payment yet — could you confirm when I should expect it? Happy to resend the invoice or provide alternative payment details if needed. [Payment instructions] Thanks, [Your Name] -- STAGE 3: Final notice (30+ days overdue) -- Subject: Final notice — Invoice #INV-___ ($[Amount] overdue) Hi [Client Name], Invoice #INV-___ for $[Amount] remains unpaid, now [X] days past the due date of [Due Date]. Please arrange payment by [Final Date]. After that date, I may apply a late fee per my payment terms and/or engage a collections process. Please contact me directly if there's an issue I'm not aware of. [Your Name] [Phone number]

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Weekly Invoice Review Checklist

Checklist · Run every Monday (5 min)

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WEEKLY INVOICE REVIEW CHECKLIST ================================ Run this every Monday. Takes 5 minutes. STEP 1 — REVIEW TRACKER [ ] Open your invoice tracker [ ] Update status of any payments received last week [ ] Identify all invoices due within 5 days (send reminder) [ ] Identify all overdue invoices (send follow-up) STEP 2 — FOLLOW UP [ ] Send Stage 1 reminders (due in 3 days) [ ] Send Stage 2 follow-ups (7+ days overdue) [ ] Call any invoice 21+ days overdue STEP 3 — LOG NEW INVOICES [ ] Confirm all invoices sent this week are in the tracker [ ] Assign correct invoice number [ ] Set due date and reminder for 3 days prior WEEKLY NUMBERS (takes 2 min to fill in) Invoices sent this week: ___ Total invoiced this week: $___ Payments received this week: $___ Currently outstanding total: $___ Oldest unpaid invoice: ___ days

System Marketing & Growth

Phases 4 phases

Included 4 templates + action plan

Outcome First customers → repeatable growth

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How to use this system: Work through the four phases in order. Phase 1 defines who you're selling to and what you're offering. Phase 2 picks one acquisition channel and gives you a weekly plan. Phase 3 turns conversations into customers. Phase 4 keeps them — and turns them into referrals.

Phase 01 Define your offer and ideal customer

Step 1.1

Write a one-sentence offer

One sentence: "I help [who] do [specific outcome] for [price]." Without this, every conversation gets vague. People can't say yes to something they can't picture.

Step 1.2

Identify your ideal customer

Go specific: not "small businesses" but "solo service providers in their first two years." The tighter the definition, the easier it is to find them, write to them, and get referrals to them.

Step 1.3

Find where they already are

Local Facebook groups, subreddits, Slack communities, neighborhood apps, in-person meetups. Your first 10 customers are in places you can reach for free — before any ads or SEO.

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Ideal Customer Profile Worksheet

Plain text · 10 questions

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IDEAL CUSTOMER PROFILE WORKSHEET ================================ 1. Who exactly is your customer? (Be specific: "solo lawyers in first 2 years," not "small businesses.") _______________________________________________________________________ 2. What problem are they trying to solve? _______________________________________________________________________ 3. What are they doing today instead of buying from you? (DIY, hiring a competitor, ignoring it, using a free tool.) _______________________________________________________________________ 4. Where do they spend time online? (Specific platforms, communities, newsletters, subreddits.) _______________________________________________________________________ 5. Where do they spend time offline? (Events, associations, neighborhoods, co-working spaces.) _______________________________________________________________________ 6. What words do THEY use to describe their problem? (Use these exact words in your offer and marketing.) _______________________________________________________________________ 7. What is the cost of NOT solving this problem for them? (Money lost, time wasted, stress, missed opportunity.) _______________________________________________________________________ 8. Who influences their buying decision? (Spouse, accountant, business partner, online community.) _______________________________________________________________________ 9. What is their realistic budget for solving this? _______________________________________________________________________ 10. Who is NOT your customer? _______________________________________________________________________

Phase 02

Phase 02 Build your first acquisition channel

Step 2.1

Pick one channel only (to start)

Local service → Google Business Profile. B2B → LinkedIn. Visual product → Instagram. Pick the one where your buyer is and commit to it for 60 days. Spreading across five channels guarantees failure at all five.

Step 2.2

Create your outreach or content system

For outreach: a list of 50 contacts, a short personal message template, and a follow-up schedule. For content: one post per week answering a question a real customer just asked you. Simple always beats clever.

Step 2.3

Set a weekly activity target

Examples: 10 outreach messages sent, or 1 post published + 3 community questions answered. Track it weekly. If you miss two weeks in a row, the channel fails — not the strategy.

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30-Day Marketing Action Plan

Plain text · Week-by-week

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30-DAY MARKETING ACTION PLAN ============================ A no-budget plan you can run in 3-4 hours per week. Pick one acquisition channel, commit for the full 30 days, then evaluate. WEEK 1 — FOUNDATION (3 hours) [ ] Write your one-sentence offer (who + outcome + what + price) [ ] Set up or update your Google Business Profile [ ] Build (or fix) your one-page website [ ] Make a list of 50 people in your existing network WEEK 2 — DIRECT OUTREACH (4 hours) [ ] Send personal messages to 25 people from your list [ ] Ask 5 happy past customers for a Google review [ ] Join 2 niche communities where your buyers are [ ] Read each community for a week before posting anything WEEK 3 — PRESENCE (3 hours) [ ] Send personal messages to the other 25 people on your list [ ] Post one useful piece of content on your chosen platform [ ] Answer 3 real questions in your niche communities [ ] Reply to every DM and comment within 24 hours WEEK 4 — REFERRALS + REVIEW (3 hours) [ ] Ask every recent customer for a referral using the script [ ] Post one more useful piece of content [ ] Track sources of every lead and customer this month [ ] Pick what worked, drop what didn't, plan next 30 days END-OF-MONTH REVIEW - Total leads this month: __________ - Total new customers this month: __________ - Best source of leads: __________________________________________ - Best source of paying customers: _______________________________ - What to do MORE of next month: _________________________________ - What to STOP doing next month: ________________________________ - One channel to commit to for the next 30 days: ________________

Phase 03

Phase 03 Convert and follow up

Step 3.1

Write your offer message

Two to three sentences: what you're doing, who it's for, and a direct ask — to buy, to refer, or to give feedback. No marketing language. No pitch deck. A real message from you to one specific person.

Step 3.2

Follow up without being pushy

A reliable cadence: follow up 2 days after first contact, then 7 days later, then 14 days later, then once monthly. Stop after 4 attempts if no response. Consistency converts. Silence doesn't.

Step 3.3

Handle common objections

"I need to think about it" usually means the price or outcome isn't clear. Ask: "What would make this an easy yes?" "Too expensive" means they don't see the value yet — ask what they'd expect for that price, then show the gap.

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Offer Writing Template

Plain text · Fill in the blanks

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OFFER WRITING TEMPLATE ====================== A good offer has four parts. Fill out each one. Then read it out loud. If a stranger can't repeat it back in one sentence, simplify it. PART 1 — WHO is it for? (Be specific. "Solo lawyers in first 2 years" beats "small businesses.") _______________________________________________________________________ PART 2 — WHAT specific outcome do they get? (Write the result they can picture. Outcomes sell. Features don't.) _______________________________________________________________________ PART 3 — WHAT'S INCLUDED? (3-5 concrete items. List what they get and what they don't.) - _____________________________________________________________________ - _____________________________________________________________________ - _____________________________________________________________________ - _____________________________________________________________________ - _____________________________________________________________________ PART 4 — PRICE (Put it in the offer. Hiding price loses you the buyers who can afford you.) _______________________________________________________________________ FULL OFFER (one paragraph): ========================================================================= I help [WHO] [GET OUTCOME] for [PRICE]. You get: - [Item 1] - [Item 2] - [Item 3] Timeline: [How long it takes] Next step: [How to get started] ========================================================================= VALIDATION CHECKLIST [ ] Sent it to 5 real potential buyers [ ] At least 3 said it makes sense without follow-up questions [ ] At least 1 asked "How do I get started?" [ ] Rewrote based on the patterns in the feedback

Phase 04

Phase 04 Retain and get referrals

Step 4.1

Deliver beyond expectations once

Pick one thing per client that costs you little but means something to them: a faster turnaround, a resource they didn't ask for, a check-in message a week after delivery. Do it once. They'll remember it forever.

Step 4.2

Ask for referrals the right way

Right after a successful delivery: "Glad this worked for you. If you know anyone else who [specific situation], would you mind sending them my way?" Then give them a two-sentence intro they can copy and forward.

Step 4.3

Build a simple repeat business system

Track every customer with a "next contact date." Reach out 30, 60, and 90 days after delivery with a check-in or value-add. Most repeat business is lost to silence, not dissatisfaction.

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Referral Ask Script

Plain text · Ready to send

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REFERRAL ASK SCRIPT =================== Most word of mouth dies in silence. Use these scripts at the right moment. WHEN TO ASK - Right after a project finishes well - After positive feedback (a thank you, a good review, a kind email) - When a customer tells you the work helped them THE ASK (in person or on a call) "Really glad this worked for you. If you happen to know anyone else who [specific situation — e.g. is starting a business, struggling with bookkeeping, looking for a new house], would you mind sending them my way? I'd really appreciate it." THE ASK (by email or message) Subject: Quick favor Hi [Name], Thanks again for the chance to work together on [project]. Really glad [the specific outcome] worked out. If you happen to know anyone else who [specific situation], I'd love an intro. Easiest way: just forward this email and CC me — I'll take it from there. Either way, thanks again. [Your name] COPY-PASTE INTRO FOR THEM TO FORWARD "Hi [Friend], You mentioned [their problem] a while back — wanted to introduce you to [Your name] who helps [your offer in one line]. They did [project] for me recently and it was [result]. [Your name] — [your friend] mentioned [their situation]. Sounds like you two should connect. [Your contact info]" FOLLOW UP - Track every referral source in your customer sheet - When a referral becomes a customer, tell the original referrer - Send a small thank you (handwritten note, gift card, public shoutout) - People who get acknowledged refer again

Done-for-you businesssystems that actually work

Business Structure Decision Tool

Monthly Profit Calculator

Invoice Builder Preview

Invoice Status Tracker

Done-for-you business
systems that actually work