Are you an
introvert, someone who gets queasy at the thought of speaking to groups? Then thinking about speaking in public may make your head spin. No worries, there is not a "one size fits all"
marketing formula when it comes to sharing your unique gifts with others. Yes, it's important to make connections so others know what you do and can refer people to you- AND you can do in a way that supports your natural style of communicating.
Even if you are an extrovert you'll benefit from these 7 tips to help you spread your message, be of service, and help more people all without having to standup in front of a crowd.
1. I know you have heard this before, and I shall say it again- get clear on your area of specialization. When you know who you work with and how you help them, then you will be able to target your efforts to connect with those you serve, plain and simple.
2. When you are clear on who you work with and the problem you help them solve then you can look around at who else helps these clients and you can connect with them. Let's say you help clients with chronic pain. You know these clients suffer from not only physical pain, but also the emotional pain of loss, often accompanied by anxiety and depression. As you begin to understand the pain they experience, you also begin to recognize who else may see these clients, and it makes it easier to target your marketing. So you may connect with chiropractors, accident and injury lawyers, holistic healers, doctors, psychiatrist, and even other therapist- letting them know your area of specialization.
3. Connect with these potential referral resources by sharing something that would be meaningful for their clients. For example, it could be a tip sheet for the referral resource to share with their clients on the "10 ways to reduce the emotional impact of chronic pain in your life". Give your referral resources permission to share it with their clients and make sure you include your name and contact on the bottom of the sheet.
4. Send potential referral resources an email or friend them on facebook and begin to build a relationship. If you send out a letter, include in it that you will follow it up with a phone call. Yes, people are busy- AND if you are sharing information that is beneficial for their clients or themselves they will respond.
5. Build relationships and you'll build your practice. People who refer to you want to know you will help their clients. They want to feel like a "hero", and when they next speak to their clients they want to hear how you helped them. Every time you receive a referral, connect with your referral resource and thank them. Let them know just how much you appreciate it and how you will do your best to help that person. Treat your clients with respect, compassion, and give amazing service and your clients will be grateful and sing your praises to others.
6. Keep your referral resources in the loop, let them know what you are up to, anything new you are offering, and any information that can help them help their clients. Connect with them at a minimum of 1 time a month and your services will stay fresh on their minds when the need arises.
7. Connect with adjunct professionals to best help your clients and grow your practice too. Often clients will have other people working with them, and I believe it serves clients when the team communicates to ensure the client's needs are being met. If we revisit the example of being a therapist working with clients who have chronic pain, it may serve the client to be in contact with their psychiatrist, to keep them posted on any changes in their affect that may be related to their medications, or it may be helpful to speak with their physical therapist about the client's increase in anxiety that began during the same period where the client's PT routine was increased. Ensure you have a release form completed by your client to share confidential information.
The reality is you do not need to be an extrovert to have a thriving and successful practice. You can build a thriving practice based upon these principles, while honoring your personality and communication style.
Do you want more tools to help you grow your practice and help more people?
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