Since referrals are a big source for new business - How do you ask for referrals?

I know many here say rely on your client base, but sometimes that's not possible or feasible. I've found by offering workshops and doing presentations, that's helped people understand the difference between a bookkeeper and all other financial tools they need. I also built a referral village-bankers, FAs, business attorneys, and others in related markets. If I can't get to a client directly, those referrals help me get to their clients. Sometimes it take someone else to explain to the client why they need you! 

In my opinion, the Best way I found to do this is Not to ask for referrals, but display what it is you do and draw them to you by your expertise.  Videos I've found work best to display what you have to offer.  (Now displaying your expertise, assumes that you know your Brand & Who You Are or your Passion) Infuse whatever you are marketing with YOU and your Passion.  Using your Brand & your Passion, give Examples & ideas showing your Knowledge of the Niche market you are in &  your "Unique" approach to that Niche market. (the Uniqueness of You & your Brand will stand out) And when prospects see what you are doing, they will Find YOU.  No Referral needed, Make sense?  Hopefully you see this

Your best referrals normally come from your existing client base.  Although BNI is a great networking group, you will run into the issue of "I already have a CPA or bookkeeper".  Based on your post, I would recommend that you consider attending "nonprofit" related seminars "in-person".  If this is your area of focus, that will be where you stand a chance to meet potential clients.  You can also look up a list of nonprofits in your area and "cold call" them.  You can also consider becoming a member of your local Chamber of Commerce.  A lot of non-profits usually join this to look for business donors.  Finally, as a business structure, bookkeeping firms with multiple employees tend to fair better than one-person shops.  The larger the client the bigger the concern would be to not have a backup person for a key element of their on-going business.

At Office Evolution Greensboro, we reward referrals. If we get new business, our existing member gets a month free or cash depending on their spend with us.

You give before you get it. Send referrals to others then follow up with them to make sure they got it. Every time I use BNI givers gain then I always receive more referrals to people I send business to first.

To me, the easy way to ask for referrals is to provide the best service possible so that customers talk about me with their friends.  I also like to ask them to leave reviews when possible if they are completely satisfied with the service that I provided.  If for any reason they are not completely satisfied, I will work hard to fix whatever the issue is.

I never had any success with formal networking groups.  I let my referral sources (attorneys, bankers and investment managers) that I am available and willing to meet with a potential client for no charge to discuss their needs and whether I can provide what they need.  I also work with other CPAs to provide valuation services top their clients.  They trust that I will not try to "steal their client".

The company that I work with is partnered with over a thousand CPA's, Accounting Professionals and Tax Preparation businesses nationwide. What they have found is that by offering value added services to existing clients, they are able to strengthen those relationships which can help to generate the best type of referrals available, personal referrals from existing clients.  

In the case of accounting professionals that we work with, the value added proposition is an award winning interactive financial management program to help businesses and homeowners to cut the majority of interest payments out of their debts and liabilities, saving them hundreds to thousands of dollars per month and provides them a  guaranteed way to rapidly grow their equity wealth on real estate assets, even in a down or declining market. 

These accounting professionals have found that this program helps to strengthen their relationships with clients and elevates their status as a trusted financial advisor. This also gives them a strategic advantage to stand out from the competition, has proven over the last sixteen years to increase both expanded services and referrals and provides an opportunity to reengage and effectively monetize their client base. 

I hope that this was helpful. Here is a quick video that takes a deeper dive into how CPA's and Accounting Professionals have been able to use our program to enhance their businesses, grow their client base and increase their revenue. 

https://rfres.com/res/10181/13...

There are many schools of thought on this. Many say you should just come right out and ask for them. I have never been comfortable doing that. To me, referrals are earned by doing an outstanding job for your client/customer which will make them want to refer you to others. That's the philosophy I've been living by for over thirty years and it has worked fine for me. 

I have used various methods over the years.  Current client base is one of the best referral pools you have. My clients are all aware that I am constantly looking to build my practice.  As a new business, it is key to create a base for yourself via networking groups and people you do business with (ie your insurance broker, attorney, banker)