Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72343
6 STEPS TO BUILD A BETTER PRACTICE STRATEGY #5: MEET 10 BUSINESS OWNERS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD People won't use your services if they don't know about you, so it's important to get the word out. One of the simplest and most direct ways is canvassing other businesses in your neighborhood. You're not going to try to sell them anything, you just want to meet them and find out a little bit about their businesses. You're being friendly and starting a relationship. Because they are business owners, they likely have a large network of people they know and would be willing to refer to you once they get to know you better. Here's how to do it: • Grab your business cards and walk around your neighborhood. Step into shops, restaurants, and offices and ask to speak to the owner. There is no need to plan your trip or call in advance. Just stroll by and drop in. • When you meet the owner, introduce yourself and let him or her know you have a business in the area and wanted to meet some other entrepreneurs. If you want them to be interested in you, then you must start by being interested in them. Ask them questions about their background and their business. Have a handful of questions prepared to stimulate some conversation: How long have you had this business? How did you come to open up shop here? How has business been for you? What kind of marketing is working for you? How did you get involved with [whatever service they offer]? What are your plans for your business? What's the next step for you? • Give them several business cards and invite them to come in to see you for a treatment. Let them know you are taking clients and if they should come across anyone who has a need, please send them your way. STRATEGY #6: GIVE AWAY 200 GIFT CERTIFICATES Here's a technique that works beautifully if you need clients fast. It's perfect for therapists who have a lot of time on their hands, but not a lot of money to spend on marketing. I've tested this strategy out with hundreds of therapists in my "60 Clients in 60 Days" program at BodyworkBiz.com and have tracked their results, so I know it works. Here's how to do it: • Print 200 gift certificates on your home printer. You don't want to spend much money to do this. Use a template in Microsoft Word or create your own. Format three to a page so that they fit into a standard envelope. • Make the gift certificates for 30-minute massages. This is not a discounted offer. This is a free half-hour massage with no strings attached. Print these conditions clearly at the bottom: "For first-time clients only. No cash value. You can upgrade this gift certificate to a full hour for only $30 [or whatever price you want to charge for the 40 massage & bodywork november/december 2011