Welcome to the Referential Blog!
As a team of consultants embedded in dozens of unique customer advocacy programs at any given moment, Referential is constantly exploring, implementing, and improving on strategies and best practices.
Join us as we discuss the latest tips, tricks, and techniques in customer advocacy and customer marketing.
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From Metrics to Community: The 2025 Advocacy Landscape
In 2025, expect increased emphasis on data-backed metrics to justify program value, the blending of advocacy and marketing roles, and the rise of personalized outreach powered by AI. Community-building initiatives, enhanced employee advocacy, and innovative formats like video storytelling will redefine how businesses engage advocates. These trends highlight advocacy as a business-critical strategy that fosters deeper connections, drives growth, and extends customer lifespans.
Recruitment and Trust Go Hand-In-Hand: Employee Highlight Series
In this Q&A, we delve into insights shared by Referential's Advocacy Consultants, Kristian Gallego and Rob Lisama, on the challenges and strategies involved in customer recruitment for advocacy programs. They discuss overcoming common hurdles like database management and client engagement, emphasizing the importance of trust-building and leveraging technology effectively to drive successful recruitment outcomes.
Assumptive Recruiting: Getting On Their Calendar
Catch more advocates with a proactive 'assumptive invite' strategy. Referential’s personalized approach respects a would-be participants’ time while highlighting the value of joining an advocacy program. Opt-out options and flexibility ensure a positive experience. Learn how to boost your recruitment rates today!
The 25 / 50 Virtual Meeting Rule
Small shifts in the way meetings are held mitigates the fatigue we feel jumping from meeting to meeting, to emails, and other tasks. Here’s some great advice on how to avoid the dreaded Zoom Fatigue.
Getting Over The Hump Between Starting An Advocacy Program and Seeing Results
To get over the hump between starting your program and seeing results, you need to communicate Why the program is important, What results you expect to see, and How to ensure the program’s success.
X.ai: A Personal Assistant at Your Disposal
Although most advocacy professionals wouldn’t mind an extra pair of hands to help with the countless responsibilities in a day, not everyone is lucky enough to have personal assistance with general daily tasks. If you are in a position where you are constantly scheduling meetings with customers, you may find that the task is very time-consuming. Going back and forth in email to find a time to meet can be tedious and reduce productivity. In addition, it can be a hassle to determine the correct time zone and the appropriate meeting time when contacts are located in different regions.
In 2025, expect increased emphasis on data-backed metrics to justify program value, the blending of advocacy and marketing roles, and the rise of personalized outreach powered by AI. Community-building initiatives, enhanced employee advocacy, and innovative formats like video storytelling will redefine how businesses engage advocates. These trends highlight advocacy as a business-critical strategy that fosters deeper connections, drives growth, and extends customer lifespans.