Best way to use my time?

[Nadica]

This is my last week having a full time job and doing reflexology on the side. Starting next week I will be a full time reflexologist!!

Besides marketing to my current clients I intend to spend any of my freetime not giving sessions out there doing something.. meeting people etc. I don't believe in sitting and waiting for the phone to ring by itself.

Where should I go? What do you suggest I do? I am already a member of my local Chamber of Commerce and I intend to visit my (overpriced) salon because she caters to my target market (people who can afford regular sessions). What was effective for you? How did some of you go out and get clients?

On a slightly different note, I intend to send little gift certificates to my favourite clients who I don't see anymore (and the ones I do). Instead of mailing them do you think delivering some of them in person would be more effective or desperate?

 

[tui]

Lunabelle,
Congratulations on going full time!
A couple ideas for you. Wear a t-shirt or other clothing which says "reflexology" or indicates your profession. You'd be surprised the number of times I've been out wearing a polo shirt with the words "Massage Therapist" on it and or have had someone really look at my check and say, "Oh, you're a massage therapist!" They'll usually ask you where you work and it's a great chance to slide them a business card.
Also think not just clients who like pampering... but clients who might really appreciate a little attention on their feet. Nurses? Wait staff? Retail Clerks? What about asking some of the chiropractors about town if you can place your business cards in their office? Please keep us informed about your progress!
Best wishes,
-m

 

[Pompal 09.]

Think feet!
(I know that reflexology is more than a footrub, but consider this...)
Go to smaller shoe retail outlets that specialize in shoes for people that stand all day, etc. There's a shoe called a "Z"-somethingorother that pops in mind - not an inexpensive shoe - very nice foot in the door for people who are serious about their feet! Ask the manager if you can put flyers or coupons or just an attractive sign w/biz cards at their desk. Offer them & their staff a great discount for the favor.

Find a nurse who would put your coupons, flyers, etc in all the nurse's stations at their hospital. Give her an incentive for every returned coupon with her name on it, etc. I marketed my one & only "give to get" program with ONE NURSE at Banner Desert Samaritan & it filled my month!

I know people think the Give to Get strategy is hokey, but yours is the perfect situation to use it wisely. Its perfect for somebody who has more free time than booked clients, especially if they are starting up a new biz or branching out with growth. Don't tweak the idea or change it, except to personalize it to your business. Its a marketing action that works. Don't get lost in the name & the karma, etc of giving with expectations. If you read the program, you have to be fully onboard with the giving part. If anybody does not upgrade, etc, be perfectly fine with it. You might work for tips, but you are playing the active role of a very busy person with lots of bookings. You might make a few tips, and I'll bet you have some repeaters if you do your give to get scenario with the right targeted group.

Best of luck. Good for you for diving in, and let us know what your successful moves are.

Jill/sagetherapist

 

[justmeh1987]

Best way to use my time?

On a slightly different note, I intend to send little gift certificates to my favourite clients who I don't see anymore (and the ones I do). Instead of mailing them do you think delivering some of them in person would be more effective or desperate?

You know these clients better than I do, but sending a personalized handwritten note might seem more "thoughtful" than hand delivering. Particularly for the folks you haven't seen in a while. To me hand delivering seems desperate, unless you also see them in other settings anyway, then you can just make it a part of that visit.

Do you have civic clubs in your area? Perhaps you could put together a short presentation to introduce reflexology? I am thinking the newcomers club, small business clubs, optimists club, toastmasters, etc. (BTW, I am too chicken to do that one, so I don't really know if that would work. But it would get your name out there as THE reflexologist to call.)

Really it is just a matter of telling everyone you meet about what you do and turn those conversations into friendly marketing exchanges. Always have your appointment book and your business cards with you.

Have you told your current clients that you would like more clients like them? Try that. I have a couple who come to me almost every week and I told them I really enjoy them as clients. I told them what I like about them as clients and said I would like to have more of those types of clients coming to me. And they have sent me a good bit of business!

 

[Russell M]

Wow, great suggestions. I'm going to write these down as my todo list for next week . I will definitely keep you all posted. I am SO excited. I just can't wait for this week and this job to be over! I think the shoe shop is a good idea that is worth a try. I'll find the little mom and pop shoe shops.

 

[Sweet]

Find a nurse who would put your coupons, flyers, etc in all the nurse's stations at their hospital. Give her an incentive for every returned coupon with her name on it, etc. I marketed my one & only "give to get" program with ONE NURSE at Banner Desert Samaritan & it filled my month!

What is a banner desert samaritan?

 

[Insane In The Dwayne]

What is a banner desert samaritan?

It's the name of her local hospital Lunabelle. :wink:

 

[HaNnAh <3]

Oh that makes sense.. Thanks! Now I'll have to find a nurse..