Opportunities to generate postive word-of-mouth referrals about you and your business are everywhere. Included, are times of the year where you can use word-of-mouth about you and your services to influence your business positively. Referral marketing and generating more referrals begins to take shape when you incorporate new ideas as a means of serving your clients, and also a method to generate referrals.

Here are five great events to plan (any time of the year), that can help you with your referral marketing efforts and help you generate more lasting impressions that translate into referrals.

1. Las Vegas Casino Night

Having a holiday Vegas Casino night is a fun, exciting way to thank your clients and employees at the end of the year. You can rent a luxury hall and hire a casino company to come set up games such as roulette, poker, blackjack and money wheels. It is always best to do this as a fund-raising event, with the proceeds going to a local charity. Serve a world class buffet and drinks, and your holiday party is sure to be the talk of the town for weeks.

2. Indoor Sports Holiday Party

Invite your clients and employees to an indoor sports holiday party where they can wear comfortable clothes and really relax. Have a miniature indoor three-hole golf course set up, a golf simulator, a pool table, an air hockey table and electronic darts where everyone can get to know each other and have a great, informal time. Play holiday music, serve comfort foods such as meatballs and submarine sandwiches and an assortment of drinks. Many a local sports complex in your area-or even your 'higher-end' bowling alley-can accommodate this.

3. Holiday Boat Cruise

Rent a yacht for the afternoon or evening and invite all your clients aboard for the elegant time of their life. Have the yacht take a scenic cruise of the local area so you clients can enjoy a pleasurable neighborhood boat ride. Serve a gourmet buffet that includes seafood along with top shelf liquor and champagne. Include nautical holiday decorations throughout the yacht and have a low-key band with dancing for the ultimate water excursion your clients are sure to remember.

4. Holiday Marathon

Give your clients a run for their money at the holidays - literally. Have a walk or run for charity and offer to sponsor each of your clients and base the length of your event on the fitness level of the majority attending. Offer holiday themed prizes for all the runners. Have the walk or run end at an eclectic restaurant where everyone can remain casual and dine on healthy foods, exotic bottled water and light spirits with holiday decorations and music in the background. You will not only show appreciation for your clients but donate to a worthy cause during the holiday season. Here is a list to find marathons in your area.

5. Holiday Wine Tasting

Local vineyards and liquor stores are happy to assist you with selecting a variety of fine vintages to serve for a holiday wine tasting party. Serve top shelf red, white and rose wine as well as different champagnes for your clients to sample with a professional wine representative. Include grapes, imported cheese and crackers during the sampling. After the wine tasting, serve steaks, fish and pasta for dinner. End the evening with dessert wine and an irresistible cart of sweet treats that leave everyone talking about your party for weeks.