When I trained as a natural therapist I was told it would take 3 years to build a sustainable business. I did it in 3 months, but only after learning the hard way first. Here is a list of ideas that work and comments on those that don't.
1) By far the fastest way to build a client base is to give talks. By phoning local clubs, charities, organizations, associations and support groups you can arrange numerous talks. The great thing with EFT it is easy to adapt to create a custom talk to suit your audience. Be sure to include a demo, if not a group tapping session. You can easily find lists of the groups at your local library, information centre or searching local online directories. Trade shows are also great places to give talks.
2) Get a business card. This may seem obvious but so many people don't, and if they do they don't do it right. Pay for a good one, people will judge the quality of your practice on the look of the card. You will want this card to hand out at the talks you give and to anyone you meet as well as to clients to pass on to friends. Ensure you card has a call to action, ie a reason to keep it and to do something with it. Offer a free consultation or discounted first session on the card or something similar. Be sure to include your website as this adds to your credability.
3) Get a website! Even something simple, just not a free one. Ensure it is your own domain name (register your own at www.sitenamespro.com, the cheapest place for domains by far). Make the name relevant to what you do as this increases memberablity. Be sure to include a photo of yourself as this builds trust (also good for your business card too). The good thing with websites is you can exchange links with others and list them in various online directories. Don't expect a flood of traffic from these listing but it all helps (and is usually free).
4) List yourself on EFT and therapist directories (such as the EFT Therapist Directory on this site and Garys on emofree.com). Again this will not flood you with clients but is free and only takes a minute and lasts for life.
5) Create a referral system. The best clients are referred clients. If you do not actively ask for referrals you are unlikely to get them. By offering a bonus session, a gift, discount or simply by asking it is amazing how many clients you can get for low or no cost.
6) Articles in magazines. This is awesome. Write articles for topical magazines or even the local paper and you will skyrocket your business. Try to make them specific and specialize in an area that interests you.
7) Advertise in the local paper. This is a waste of time generally unless you include a good call to action, and make it an advertorial style ad. This is where you pay to have a story published that looks like an article on you and your clinic. With smaller papers and publications you can often get a free editorial with your first ad if you just ask. Without this it is very hard to make newspaper ads pay.
8) Go on the radio. Call your local stations and offer to be interviewed. You will get several rejections but many are looking to fill time. Just try and give them a story and they will love you.
9) Flyers. Usually a waste of time, but again with a good call to action they can help back up the PR from the radio, your talks and the papers. Save your money and get these done last. As with business cards make them of high quality.
10) Network. Call all the local therapists in your area and offer to give commissions or exchange referrals. Be clear on what you do and try to specialize. By narrowing down who you choose to work with you actually increase your chances of getting clients. Paradoxical but true.
Bonus tip: Write a book and get it published using a print on demand publisher. Distribute the books locally to libraries, clinics etc and establish yourself as the expert. Again it pays to specialize. This need not cost any more than flyers, though you do get a lot less for your money, they are many times more effective. |
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