Planning Meet and Greet - opinions

[WilliamDuncan]

I am planning to have a "Meet and Greet" in October.  I am hoping that current clients will bring friends and family (or other people) who are interested in massage.I also plan to launch my new referral rewards program then.I was planning to have three levels of rewards (to go right along with my maintenance plan levels).Level 1: 15 additional minutes for a referral of someone who comes at least once and doesn't join a MP.Level 2: 30 additional minutes for a referral of someone who joins MP2 (comes once a month).Level 3: 60 additional minutes for a referral of someone who joins MP1 (2 times or more a month)The additional minutes would be scheduled in, but have to be used in 15-30-60 increments.  They can't be used for gift certificates or to cover any fees from late cancellation and such.Do you think this sounds ok?  Too generous?  Not generous enough?I don't advertise (home office) so my business comes from referrals.  My business is doing good and I am in the green, but I wouldn't mind building it a bit more.Now for the party...I was thinking of offering a discount to any new client that schedules a massage the day of the party (or within the week?).  Maybe $10 off?I was initially thinking of offering additional 10-15 minutes per regular that attended (and brought someone), but now I am thinking of doing a raffel and any regular that brings someone will get a ticket (one per guest they bring) for the raffel. What do you think?

 

[.Green eyes.]

Planning Meet and Greet - opinions

Masthera,I think that all sounds brilliant!  I particularly like the raffle idea to encourage your clients to bring a friend. And offering a discount for scheduling while at the party sounds smart.  I have done that with a lot of success at similar events.  I would maybe suggest that you have them prepay for those appointments to get the discount at the party. Sometimes people schedule to get the deal and you get lots of cancellations later.  It would be helpful if you had an assistant to take care of the money and appointments so that you are not taken away from your clients at the party.The key to success at this event is getting lots of new people to come.  A fun party with free food is one incentive.  What other reasons will you give your clients and their friends to come besides the discounts and raffle?  Maybe you could use this opportunity to build a stronger relationship with another non-competitive business friend?  Maybe you know a nutritionist who would like to attend and provide a quick free class?  Then they could invite their clients also.  Maybe you have a yoga teacher friend who will teach a quick 15 minute stretch class?  Or an acupuncturist who will give a demonstration?Doing this you can help your business friends and add attractive value to your party/health event for your clients, at no extra cost for you.  It might turn into a free service you do every six months to introduce your clients to other health opportunities and to build your referral network.It depends on how big your space is and on how you want the party to feel.Have fun!Galen

 

[ADEE]

I like your idea for a meet and greet and I really like Galen's idea to introduce other health professionals to help your clients create a wellness system for themselves.As far as the discount program I am really on the fence about it. آ I think your Maint. Plans are good and I've adopted a version for my own business, but right now that's all I'm doing for "discounts." آ In a way I don't really view it as a discount, rather a way to meet most clients half way to help them prioritize massage in their budgets.I had thought about referral discounts, but I really want people to talk about me because they REALLY like my work, not because they might get free time/discounts. آ It reminds me of those MLM "at home parties" where the hostess gets free gifts for every so many dollars that the guests spend, like the hostess really has anything to do with it.  I might feel bad if I referred people who didn't sign up for regular massages, just like I'd feel bad if I had a tupperware party and no one bought anything.  I'd feel like I wasted the "independent consultant's" time by having the party in the first place.I wonder if there are other ways to show client appreciation.From your posts, your website, and your client testimonials, I gather that you are a very business savvy, competent therapist. آ I'm sure your rewards system will work, but I also feel that given time you would build your client base without discounting or offering freebies.Another point is that some clients who really appreciate what you do for them, might see their referrals as a "gift" to you because they really want to see you succeed. آ Maybe a heartfelt "Thank you" would be sufficient.

 

[ntouchspa]

I would maybe suggest that you have them prepay for those appointments to get the discount at the party. Sometimes people schedule to get the deal and you get lots of cancellations later.  It would be helpful if you had an assistant to take care of the money and appointments so that you are not taken away from your clients at the party.

Very good ideas!

In a way I don't really view it as a discount, rather a way to meet most clients half way to help them prioritize massage in their budgets.

Exactly!  A way so they will be motivated to get massage regularly, so it benefits both them and myself.

I had thought about referral discounts, but I really want people to talk about me because they REALLY like my work, not because they might get free time/discounts.

 I have been struggling what that thought since they are already referring clients to me.  I feel they should be rewarded something (esp. since I have low advertising costs), but I don't want to do too much since I am already doing the maintenance plans and about 90% of my clients are on one.  So that is a lot of $ already.  They have already shone that they are going to refer friends and family regardless of my offering a reward.

I might feel bad if I referred people who didn't sign up for regular massages, just like I'd feel bad if I had a tupperware party and no one bought anything.  I'd feel like I wasted the "independent consultant's" time by having the party in the first place.

 I certainly wouldn't want to put anyone in that uncomfortable position - I don't even like those parties!  But it is the same basic format.

From your posts, your website, and your client testimonials, I gather that you are a very business savvy, competent therapist.  I'm sure your rewards system will work, but I also feel that given time you would build your client base without discounting or offering freebies.

 Thanks for the compliment!I have been feeling this way too.  I have been torn between doing and not doing the rewards plan.  In the survey that I did, almost all clients were interested in a rewards plan.  I could wait a bit and see if anyone asks about it - since no one ever had before.  I could handle being a little bit busier (I am so used to working alot for someone else), but I don't have to be~so I could take my time and let things continue to grow on their own since that has proven to work already.

Another point is that some clients who really appreciate what you do for them, might see their referrals as a "gift" to you because they really want to see you succeed.  Maybe a heartfelt "Thank you" would be sufficient.

In my personal experience, if I am referring someone to a professional that I use, I don't expect to receive anything in return.  It is nice when you do but I don't expect it.It would be easy if everyone was like that, but they are not.Maybe something small like an additional 15mins. for any referral that comes and gets a hour massage.  Regardless of what they do after that ~ be it a MP or not.  :-/Yikes, My brain is spinning now!Thanks for the input Anita and Galen!

 

[Brecht]

Planning Meet and Greet - opinions

Is the raffle just for current clients? You may want to run one just for guests too... so they don't feel left out.

Sombraman has offered samples for goodie bags for anyone having an open house. (see the link below)

Sombra samples
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1598

I think this is an excellent idea... attach a card, a sample, and maybe a brouchure or two on the benefits of massage. People love to get goodies, especially if they are something they can really use!

I also think adding extra time instead of a monetary discount is a great idea. That way you get the full price of your massage, and are just taking a little extra time for each client. Most people love extra time for massage!

You may want to balance the rewards by how many they refer. Someone could get 5 people onto MP1 and get 5 - 60 min. massages... (did I interpret that right?) Although that would be a pretty good incentive...

Good luck!

 

[hunbun]

OK.. So here is what I am going to do.

No raffel - just decided it was too much, but may change my mind (everyone would be included)

Rewards only for this event.

Rewards for current clients - 15 additional minutes per new guest they bring. Can used indiv. or save and use together - can't purchase GC with them.

Reward for new client - $10 for prepay appointment made on that day.

Mini Chair massages

Hot stone display - have some of my extra stones in heater on low so they can touch them and see what they feel like.

Possibly going to discount gift certificate on Hot Stone (for that day) for holiday gift ideas. But also have GC available for everything else.

I have an acupuncturist (she works for my DC) coming to speak and be present to answer questions. She is coming over today to trade a treatment with me - never had it done.

Was hoping my new reflexologist would be available, but she is not, so I will be displaying her things for her.

Refreshments, handouts etc.

I hope to get a good turnout.

 

[Callisto]

Masthera: Did you have your Meet and Greet yet? If so, how did it go?


Gayle

 

[Tom]

Masthera: Did you have your Meet and Greet yet? If so, how did it go?


Gayle

Not yet. The meet and greet is next Saturday Oct. 15th. I'll let you know how it goes.

Pete,
I would love to be able to write of some of the "givings".
It is too close to the Meet and Greet to change things though.
I will have to look into other gifts for future events or as gifts for weddings, baby's etc.

Do you know of any specific businesses that will sell these items in bulk?

 

[sbinlb]

How about thanking your clients with a Client Appreciation Month. I realize your Meet & Greet is already planned & ready to go - I am kind of running along with the suggestion of looking to other alternatives. I have had some success in the past with referral bonuses, but truly, the same people are referring, whether they get a bonus or not. they are the people that I want to thank especially. It could be a bit of a surprise even - just announce a CAMonth & that something wonderful awaits those who visit in Novemeber (or another month, etc). You could have a variety of 'thank you ideas' worked up & let them draw for their thank you after their massage. Throw in a few extra 15 mins, one truly freebie, some gifts like the movie passes, a future discount coupon, etc, a tube of biofreeze... my mind's rolling on this now. Novemebr would actually be great - its Thanksgiving anyway. And offer your discount holiday packages during that month. I am going to have to read & re-read this thread some more... its got me thinking. Thanks guys!
Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thanks Jill and Pete! Great info and ideas.

I don't like to do the usual, so these are great options.

I will have to do some research on other business who would be willing to do GC with a discount for bulk. I'll check out the movie theaters too.

Client Appreciation Day would be great too, since I decided I don't want to offer the referral rewards all the time due to the maintenance plans.

You both have got my mind rolling too!

 

[Rupert]

Ok. So the Meet and Greet was this past Saturday.

Definetly not the attendence I would have liked, but I think both me, the acupuncturist, and reflexologist will at least get a little business from it.

After having had 3 of these events - I am hesitant to have anymore.

68 people were invited and 5 came. t090
I didn't put much money into this one - so I don't feel a great loss.
And if we all end up with 2 new regular clients each - it could be worth a Sat. and a batch of brownies. t023

Oct. is tough - people are still out enjoying their weekends. Plus after a week of rain - Saturday was the first nice day.

If I have another event like this - it will be for the grand opening of my business once I expand from working at home.

 

[Tri]

68 people were invited and 5 came. t090

Sorry to hear this... t056

 

[k2snoboarding4life]

Thanks. It is a bit of a bummer.

 

[tribeca_belle]

Sorry to hear about the turn out. Just so you know, you aren't the only one ---

When I first went into business and then had to move to a new space a year later, I had a "open house" for the new office. 15 people showed out of about 150.

A number of years ago, when we re-named our business, we had a "meet & greet" (new therapist) and sent out about 200 invites... luckily, I didn't purchase THAT much food, and what I had, I made sure I could use later. Only 3 people showed.

I have come to the conclusion, that though I'd love to throw these little party type things, they just aren't working for my area. Maybe in a smaller community and with the Chamber of Commerce's help.

What can ya do?

 

[Recipe4Living]

Thanks T-G. That does help.

So many clients have been asking how it went. I tell them the truth, but if we get a little business out of it - that is better than nothing.

 

[gummybear]

Texas-gal, I agree, I know the event already happened but what about going through the chamber of commerce? I am a member of mine and people seem to really be interested in my services and from what I have been told getting buisness through other local buisnesses is a really good thing!! I have yet to offer a big deal or anything for that matter to the chamber members, but it does seem like a ggod place to turn your energies, let the town buisnesses talk for you!! JMTC!