Design a friendly referral system for a loan company.

Certainly, I'll provide a detailed, strategic answer to the product growth problem you've presented. I'll approach this as if I'm directly addressing the interviewer in a first-person perspective, demonstrating deep product thinking, leadership, and growth strategies.

Introduction

You've asked me to design a friendly referral system for a loan company. This is an interesting challenge that touches on user acquisition, engagement, and potentially retention. I'll outline my approach to creating a referral system that not only drives growth but also aligns with the sensitive nature of financial products. Let me walk you through my thought process and strategy.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions

Before diving into the solution, I'd like to ask a few questions to ensure I fully understand the context and constraints:

• Based on the growth challenge described, I'm assuming we're working with an established loan company looking to expand its customer base. Is that correct?

Why it matters: This helps frame our growth strategies within existing company resources and brand recognition. Expected answer: Yes, it's an established company looking to grow. Impact on approach: We'd leverage existing brand strength and customer base for referrals.

• Are we focusing on a specific type of loan product (e.g., personal loans, mortgages, business loans), or is this for the company's entire loan portfolio?

Why it matters: Different loan types may require different referral strategies due to varying customer needs and decision-making processes. Expected answer: It's for personal loans primarily. Impact on approach: We'd tailor the referral system to the personal nature of these loans and the typical customer journey.

• Do we have any specific growth targets or timelines we're aiming for with this referral system?

Why it matters: This helps us set measurable goals and determine the aggressiveness of our referral strategy. Expected answer: Aiming for a 20% increase in new customer acquisition through referrals within 6 months. Impact on approach: We'd design a system with strong incentives to hit this ambitious target.

• Are there any regulatory constraints we need to consider when designing this referral system, given that we're dealing with financial products?

Why it matters: Financial services are often heavily regulated, which could impact how we structure referral incentives. Expected answer: Yes, there are restrictions on cash incentives for loan referrals. Impact on approach: We'd need to explore non-cash incentives or structure the program carefully to comply with regulations.