Networking with Other Professionals
Interacting with other professionals or businesses is both rewarding and demanding. When another professional associates their name with your business, they are putting a great deal of trust in you. These relationships take time to cultivate but are worth the effort. They have a large pool of customers who will trust their advice if they refer them to you, but you must first prove yourself worthy of that trust.
Health Professionals
Developing a referral system with health professionals can dramatically boost your client base. Doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and mental health professionals see large numbers of people who could use your services. Their patients trust their judgment and will tend to go with what they suggest. In the same way, your clients trust your judgment and may ask you to recommend a health professional for various issues.
Establishing networking relationships with health professionals will require time and effort. It is difficult to walk into an office where you are not known, give your information, and have them agree to referrals. You will have to prove that you can do what you say you can. Sometimes you can accomplish this by finding health professionals who want to train with you. They will experience your skills and abilities firsthand, and may in turn be more likely to offer referrals. If this is not an option, ask your clients who have had success with you to speak to their health professionals. Try to set up a meeting or at least pass along some brochures and business cards. They may be more willing to meet with you knowing that you have helped one of their patients.
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Other fitness professionals can also be a great source of referrals. Look for people who specialize in a different area or population than you, or who are located in another part of the state. If you meet people who fall within their location and demographic, you can send them a referral, and they can do the same for you.
Other Business People
Even people who have nothing to do with your business can be great allies. If they believe in you and what you do, they can be a great source of referrals. Most likely they, too are looking for referrals and could benefit from a networking relationship.
Alert
When you are networking with other professionals, emphasize that you will be referring people to them as well. Show them how they will benefit from the relationship. Before you agree to this, be certain that you have confidence in the services they provide. You do not want to send your clients to someone who is incompetent or gives poor service.
You will benefit most from professionals who frequently interact with your target market. For example, if your target market is women in the thirty to fifty year age range, think about what types of professional services they use. Just about every woman gets her hair done, so why not network with a salon or spa owner near your business? You could leave your business cards and brochures in the salon and take hers to place in your facility. You could also come up with some type of joint promotion where her customers receive a discount from you, and your customers get a discount at the salon.
