Posts Tagged ‘Massage Marketing’
Newsletter Writing Obstacles and How to Overcome Them
March 6, 2010 | 
Author Relationship building is at the forefront of how we interact with our customers. No longer is promoting your business about who can grab the most attention in the loudest way. It is about how we make genuine connections with our clients or audience – your audience – that wants what you offer and recognises they need you. Regular newsletters help nurture this relationship. This week’s newsletter looks at 5 of the most common obstacles to doing them and offers tips on how to overcome them.
Obstacle 1: No Time
Yes, newsletters do take time. In fact, marketing takes time. The upside is that if you consistently make time for it, you will fill your appointment book. Newsletters are one of the best ways to build a relationship with existing clients, educate them about what else you can offer, and generate referrals.
Overcome time restraints – by keeping it simple. A single page newsletter is perfectly fine. Just one feature or story (500 words which is about half a page). You could include a promotion or product feature, or perhaps a case study/testimonial. Inspirational quotes from your favourite personalities add a nice touch.
Obstacle 2: No Computer Skills
Yes, this is still common, even in this day and age! But there are a number of remedies available for the technophobes out there. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Uncategorized | 
Tags: client retention, Free Publicity, Massage Marketing, newsletters | 
25 Comments »
10 Ways to Use One Article as a Marketing Tool
1. Include Your Article on Your Website
There are two great reasons to add articles to your website. The first because people use the web to seek information. If you are providing quality information to your target market, they are more likely to follow you and want to connect. Secondly, online search engines love fresh content, and are more likely rank your site if it is regularly updated. Forget static websites, they are a bit like an outdated brochure that no-one picks up! Don’t forget to include important keywords in your article that your target market are likely to be searching for.
2. Add Your Article to Your Blog
Again, web search engines rank blogs highly, as they constantly provide fresh and relevant content. Blogs provide an opportunity for potential clients to click through to your site, so don’t forget to include a prominent link on your blog. Not sure how to set up a blog? Here is a useful video to demonstrate your to set up a blog – how to set up blog video
3. Put Your Article on Someone Elses Blog
If you have good valuable information to offer, there are people in cyberspace that will love to share it! These are quite likely others in a related industry who are interested in sharing quality information and resources with their own readers. Guest blogging is very common. Begin to network and nurture relationships with likeminded others in your field online, and you will find that invitations follow. You can also make requests to submit suitable articles to relevant blogs.
4. Send Your Article to the Twitterverse
Once your articles are posted online, it is very easy to post a link on twitter once you have an account. You can get one at www.twitter.com .For more about twitter, check out this Twitter You Tube video I will be sharing more about social media marketing in later newsletters.
5. Share Your Article on Facebook As a Note
Yes, let your friends know what you are up to by cutting and pasting your article as a facebook note. Your note will automatically show on your friends feed, and are easily shared by others with their circle of friends. Not on facebook yet? You are missing out!! I would like to meet you there….join me here: www.facebook.com/KrishnaEverson
This is exactly what I am doing with this article. Just make sure your topic is always relevant to those receiving your newsletter, keep it informative, and always add value. (As soon as I finish here, this article will be added to my blog and facebook page!)
7. Add It to Article Websites
This is a wonderful traffic generator as you include a link to your website and quite often your bio, which lets people know a little more about who you are and what you do. Just 10 articles will increase your online profile exponentially!! My favourite article site is www.ezinearticles.com but there are 100′s! My advice? Get started….
8. Turn Your Article Into a Talk
Once you have your article written, you have content ready on hand for those public speaking opportunites that come up! Being prepared, and knowing your topic are two of the key elements of good public speaking. Need more help or want to build your speaking confidence? Check out Toastmasters or a local speaking group. Speaking is an excellent way of reaching groups with your message and attracting the perfect client.
9. Share It At Relevent Networks Instead of a Brochure
Too often, brochures are dull and virtually meaningless, and quite often just talk about you, when it needs to be about what’s in it for the reader. Replacing your brochure with a well-written and relevant article (not a sales pitch), with a short bio and contact information at the end is a great alternative to other passive forms of PR material, and lets people know what great information you have to share. A useful credibility builder.
10. Use It As Chapter In An E-book
Got 10 articles? Then you have an e-book! Combine then into one document, add a contents page, and voila! Use as an enticement to signup for your mailing list, then stay in touch!
My next article writing workshop is May 1.
Stay tuned for online resources and home study guides….coming soon!
Posted in marketing | Tags: articles, client attraction, Free Publicity, get online, leverage, marketing, Massage Marketing, promotion | 6 Comments »
THE TOP 3 MISTAKES THAT HEALTH PRACTITIONERS MAKE WHEN TRYING TO ATTRACT NEW CLIENTS
This is a topic that is really close to my heart, because these are the top 3 mistakes I see most often. For some reason, in the clamour to get more clients, health practitioners and natural therapists repeatedly do these things. Here are the top 3 and what to do instead!
Mistake Number 1: Hide behind a brochure
Now I have absolutely nothing against brochures. Actually I love them (if they are done well with all of the right elements)! But people don’t do business with a brochure, they do business with YOU. So, whilst your brochure can be an excellent tool for sharing what you offer, they are an extremely passive means of promoting yourself, they should not be used as an alternative to connecting actively with potential clients.
What to do instead: Try using more active means of promoting yourself, such as face to face networking or participating in community events. Offering your services as a speaker at networks is a wonderful way to begin to connect with others in a way that draws clients to you instead of having to chase them. For those who really don’t cope in a group situation at all, try joint venturing with others who can recommend you, but don’t forget that there needs to be something in it for them too.
Mistake Number 2: Try to be everything to everyone
We’ve all done it. We announce that we can meet everyone’s needs, that what we do is tailor made for them. It may even be true! But if you say that, then you aren’t differentiating yourself from other practitioners, and may get lost in a sea of them. I know it’s tempting, you think that this will increase the number of prospects for you, but the opposite is true as it won’t be clear why someone should choose you.
What to do instead: Position yourself as an expert. This means send a message about something you specialise in that people want. The more specific the better. For example, if you had acne – would you be more likely to try ‘Proactive’ who specialises in acne, or another skin care range that has something for everyone. Think about it. Now, how to let people know you are an expert? Promote yourself through editorials and articles, speak at events, advertise your specific service, create a specialised newsletter, etc.
Mistake Number 3: Talk about YOU, instead of what’s in it for your client
Open up any yellow pages or newspaper directory and you will see scores of businesses with their logo up in ‘lights’, telling us all about THEM. But do they make it clear how YOUR needs will be met? How do you decide which one to call? By the prettiest ad and logo? No! Correct me if I am wrong, but you are most likely to contact who you think has a solution to your problem.
What to do instead: Talk about your client. Talk about what your ideal clients want. This is called ‘what’s in it for me’ or WII-fm (the station everyone is listening to!) Use a headline that captures the interest of your target market. Be specific. Use testimonials to back up your claims. Remember to always put yourself in your clients shoes and create a message which is client focused rather than you focused.
I hope you have found this information useful. I would love to hear your comments and feedback, and what has or hasn’t worked for you. All the best in your client attraction endeavours!
To your health practice success….
Krishna Everson
KRISHNA’S BIO: Krishna Everson, client attraction and retention mentor to the health industry, works primarily with health practitioners who hate marketing but want to build successful practices that thrive, instead of just barely survive. Krishna is the author of upcoming book “The No-Hype Guide to Marketing for Health Practitioners”.
Email: krishna@healthpracticesuccess.com
Web: http://www.healthpracticesuccess.com/
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: client attraction, Massage Marketing, mistakes, networking, promotion | No Comments »
Is Your Branding Letting You Down?
“I don’t have a brand” you might say. Well guess what – every therapist has a brand – it is what you say to the ‘world’ in how you present yourself, your business and your service to your clients and prospective clients. The reason I wanted to post on this today is a very interesting comment was made on a great discussion board I’ve been visiting recently at (http://www.softtissuetherapy.com.au/). A member called ‘bombers’ said:
“Have you ever seen an Osteopath use a cardboard box as a sign for their clinic? Ever seen a Chiro have their sign half way down a beauty salon list? Ever seen a physio print out their own business cards on plain paper, with spelling mistakes, corners not cut properly? So why is you see this with our industry – all the time!”
Now some of you will breathe a sigh of relief and know this is not you, but those of you who have a sinking feeling, and perhaps are ‘guilty’ of this kind of attempt at promoting yourself can find relief in the fact that it has now been brought to your attention and needs to be remedied right now! Please – in the name of the industry and your own personal reputation don’t sacrifice professionalism in the name of saving dollars or making a quick buck. It will do nothing for you in the long term and harms the reputation of the health industry. For any of you who are serious about your health career, you must present yourself professionally at all times in a way that is acceptable to your target market. For example, if you are targeting the corporate and workplace sector, the ‘healer’ image of thongs and sarongs are not acceptable (if at all for a serious practitioner) and a suitable work attire is a better choice. Remember even when you are down at the local shops you are a walking advertisment, so think about how you are presenting. Remember how your clinic is presented, the way your greet clients and how you answer the telephone all say something about you. And forget the handmade business cards, toss them today. If you need to be careful about spending, try http://www.vistaprint.com.au/frfau?frf=588651299534 for inexpensive cards and stationery (I recommend their premium cards in a gloss finish). I suggest you set aside at least 10% of your gross earnings toward promotion so that you are making a professional image a priority. If you’d like more tips on promoting yourself without breaking the bank, go to my website http://www.healthpracticesuccess.com/ to receive my free Health Practice Success newsletter.
To Your Health Practice Success…
Krishna
Is Your Branding Letting You Down?
“I don’t have a brand” you might say. Well guess what – every therapist has a brand – it is what you say to the ‘world’ in how you present yourself, your business and your service to your clients and prospective clients. The reason I wanted to post on this today is a very interesting comment was made on a great discussion board I’ve been visiting recently at (http://www.softtissuetherapy.com.au/). A member called ‘bombers’ said:
“Have you ever seen an Osteopath use a cardboard box as a sign for their clinic? Ever seen a Chiro have their sign half way down a beauty salon list? Ever seen a physio print out their own business cards on plain paper, with spelling mistakes, corners not cut properly? So why is you see this with our industry – all the time!”
Now some of you will breathe a sigh of relief and know this is not you, but those of you who have a sinking feeling, and perhaps are ‘guilty’ of this kind of attempt at promoting yourself can find relief in the fact that it has now been brought to your attention and needs to be remedied right now! Please – in the name of the industry and your own personal reputation don’t sacrifice professionalism in the name of saving dollars or making a quick buck. It will do nothing for you in the long term and harms the reputation of the health industry. For any of you who are serious about your health career, you must present yourself professionally at all times in a way that is acceptable to your target market. For example, if you are targeting the corporate and workplace sector, the ‘healer’ image of thongs and sarongs are not acceptable (if at all for a serious practitioner) and a suitable work attire is a better choice. Remember even when you are down at the local shops you are a walking advertisment, so think about how you are presenting. Remember how your clinic is presented, the way your greet clients and how you answer the telephone all say something about you. And forget the handmade business cards, toss them today. If you need to be careful about spending, try http://www.vistaprint.com.au/frfau?frf=588651299534 for inexpensive cards and stationery (I recommend their premium cards in a gloss finish). I suggest you set aside at least 10% of your gross earnings toward promotion so that you are making a professional image a priority. If you’d like more tips on promoting yourself without breaking the bank, go to my website http://www.healthpracticesuccess.com/ to receive my free Health Practice Success newsletter.
To Your Health Practice Success…
Krishna
Attracting Clients You Love Through Joint Ventures
“Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning” Bill Gates, Microsoft
Being a health practitioner can be a lonely road at times, particularly if you are a sole operator. Quite frankly, a lot of practitioners like it that way! But if you want the abundant practice of your dreams, remaining an island just won’t cut it. Today I want to share with you a powerful way of attracting the clients you like to work with most through joint ventures.
So, what’s so great about joint ventures?
ü They leverage your business to more potential clients through valuable partnerships – building your client base at minimal cost
ü They build your credibility through the trust already held by your partners – exposing you to warm rather than cold prospects
ü You are seen as someone who is willing to work with others for a greater benefit to all concerned
ü They allow you to be surrounded by likeminded and passionate people – you will be inspired and inspire others
ü They can create free publicity
ü If carefully targeted joint ventures will help position you as an expert in your chosen field
What kind of joint venture should you consider?
Joint ventures are only limited by your imagination. Here are some suggestions:
ü Place flyers at local businesses in exchange for their ad or coupon in your newsletter
ü Offer a free treatment to the local physio or personal trainer who can speak on your behalf to their clients and refer them to you. A value adding voucher works well in conjunction with these. Offer to refer your clients to them also.
ü Offer treatments as prizes to local charities and fundraisers in exchange for promotion in their flyers and newsletters as a sponsor.
ü Sponsor a member of the month prize at the local gym.
ü Team up with the local health food store – you promote their products while they promote your service.
ü Set up a stand at the local sports club or fitness centre. It offers their members an additional service and you get exposure to new clients.
ü Participate in open days and community events – you’ve got to be in it to win it!
ü Create a health expo by teaming up with other practitioners. Charge a fair price for half hour treatments and offer free talks on different health issues. Ask a local venue to donate the space. Promote it through local newspaper articles and what’s on columns, on community noticeboards and free online community directories. A little planning goes a long way.
ü Create a local network that appeals to your target market. For example, if women 40 plus are your market, team up with a local café or restaurant and host a monthly luncheon event. It could be purely social or you could have an interesting speaker each month.
These are just a few ideas. Harness your strengths and combine them with the strengths of others. Team your organisational skills with someone else’s public speaking skills and another’s venue or customer base. Remember, joint ventures don’t have to be complicated, even simple ones pay off over time. The opportunities are endless! Great opportunities don’t come along once in a lifetime, they come along everyday – are you ready to harness them and see your practice prosper?
Top tips to joint venture success:
ü Know exactly who you want to attract to your business. Clearly define your audience. This becomes apparent when you know exactly what your strengths are and who you can help the most. You must identify this first before proceeding, if you want them to work well for you.
ü List local businesses who have the same target market as you. They may or may not be health related, it could be the local fitness club, café or playgroup.
ü Approach potential partners from a ‘what’s in it for them’ – it’s not all about you (although your aim is for you to benefit, it must benefit your partners also).
ü Remember you don’t have to go it alone. Bigger joint ventures are best when it’s a team effort. Don’t be afraid to delegate – just the fact that you initiated the idea will be worthwhile if everyone benefits.
Joint ventures are a fantastic way to leverage your business. In my own business of helping health practitioners market themselves I have teamed up with several other businesses that I know can help my clients such as web designers and graphic artists, other online health marketing gurus, natural therapies academies, practice software developers and business networking groups. It is a powerful way to get the message across to the people you can help the most and it’s a win/win situation for everyone.
“If everyone is moving forward together – the success takes care of itself” Henry Ford.
I welcome your ideas and would love to hear them – feel free to email me if you’d like feedback at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au I am also interested in potential contributions of your challenges and successes to my forthcoming book The No-Hype DIY Guide to Marketing for Health Practitioners’. All contibutors will receive a free copy.
To your health practice success….
Krishna
Related articles:
Boosting Your Profile With Editorial and Articles
The Power and Promise of Networking
Low Cost Ways to Build Massage Clientele
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Free Publicity, Getting Started as a Massage Therapist, joint ventures, Massage Marketing, networking | No Comments »
Attracting Clients You Love Through Joint Ventures
“Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning” Bill Gates, Microsoft
Being a health practitioner can be a lonely road at times, particularly if you are a sole operator. Quite frankly, a lot of practitioners like it that way! But if you want the abundant practice of your dreams, remaining an island just won’t cut it. Today I want to share with you a powerful way of attracting the clients you like to work with most through joint ventures.
So, what’s so great about joint ventures?
ü They leverage your business to more potential clients through valuable partnerships – building your client base at minimal cost
ü They build your credibility through the trust already held by your partners – exposing you to warm rather than cold prospects
ü You are seen as someone who is willing to work with others for a greater benefit to all concerned
ü They allow you to be surrounded by likeminded and passionate people – you will be inspired and inspire others
ü They can create free publicity
ü If carefully targeted joint ventures will help position you as an expert in your chosen field
What kind of joint venture should you consider?
Joint ventures are only limited by your imagination. Here are some suggestions:
ü Place flyers at local businesses in exchange for their ad or coupon in your newsletter
ü Offer a free treatment to the local physio or personal trainer who can speak on your behalf to their clients and refer them to you. A value adding voucher works well in conjunction with these. Offer to refer your clients to them also.
ü Offer treatments as prizes to local charities and fundraisers in exchange for promotion in their flyers and newsletters as a sponsor.
ü Sponsor a member of the month prize at the local gym.
ü Team up with the local health food store – you promote their products while they promote your service.
ü Set up a stand at the local sports club or fitness centre. It offers their members an additional service and you get exposure to new clients.
ü Participate in open days and community events – you’ve got to be in it to win it!
ü Create a health expo by teaming up with other practitioners. Charge a fair price for half hour treatments and offer free talks on different health issues. Ask a local venue to donate the space. Promote it through local newspaper articles and what’s on columns, on community noticeboards and free online community directories. A little planning goes a long way.
ü Create a local network that appeals to your target market. For example, if women 40 plus are your market, team up with a local café or restaurant and host a monthly luncheon event. It could be purely social or you could have an interesting speaker each month.
These are just a few ideas. Harness your strengths and combine them with the strengths of others. Team your organisational skills with someone else’s public speaking skills and another’s venue or customer base. Remember, joint ventures don’t have to be complicated, even simple ones pay off over time. The opportunities are endless! Great opportunities don’t come along once in a lifetime, they come along everyday – are you ready to harness them and see your practice prosper?
Top tips to joint venture success:
ü Know exactly who you want to attract to your business. Clearly define your audience. This becomes apparent when you know exactly what your strengths are and who you can help the most. You must identify this first before proceeding, if you want them to work well for you.
ü List local businesses who have the same target market as you. They may or may not be health related, it could be the local fitness club, café or playgroup.
ü Approach potential partners from a ‘what’s in it for them’ – it’s not all about you (although your aim is for you to benefit, it must benefit your partners also).
ü Remember you don’t have to go it alone. Bigger joint ventures are best when it’s a team effort. Don’t be afraid to delegate – just the fact that you initiated the idea will be worthwhile if everyone benefits.
Joint ventures are a fantastic way to leverage your business. In my own business of helping health practitioners market themselves I have teamed up with several other businesses that I know can help my clients such as web designers and graphic artists, other online health marketing gurus, natural therapies academies, practice software developers and business networking groups. It is a powerful way to get the message across to the people you can help the most and it’s a win/win situation for everyone.
“If everyone is moving forward together – the success takes care of itself” Henry Ford.
I welcome your ideas and would love to hear them – feel free to email me if you’d like feedback at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au I am also interested in potential contributions of your challenges and successes to my forthcoming book The No-Hype DIY Guide to Marketing for Health Practitioners’. All contibutors will receive a free copy.
To your health practice success….
Krishna
Related articles:
Boosting Your Profile With Editorial and Articles
The Power and Promise of Networking
Low Cost Ways to Build Massage Clientele
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Free Publicity, Getting Started as a Massage Therapist, joint ventures, Massage Marketing, networking | No Comments »
Boost Your Profile with Editorial and Articles
Are you recognised as THE person to see in your area for those who you can help the most? If not, you can easily build your profile using newspaper editorials and articles in magazines, newsletters and online if you follow these simple steps.
Some basic ground rules for writing your article
1. Understand what your typical clientele are reading. Are they reading the lifestyle pages, the business section or the health advice column? Would they pick up a free mag at your local health food shop, or search online for health information? The more you understand who your typical client is, the more effective you will be in writing a great editorial and submitting it to the best choice of publication.
2. What does your preferred client want to know about? It is of the greatest importance to create an editorial about what can benefit your readers, rather than what will benefit you! This is the WII-FM principle (that’s what’s in it for me). What benefits will they receive? How will they feel? Is there any credible evidence to back it up?
3. Use clear concise language that is free of jargon. Be very careful to avoid jargon that is specific to your area of expertise. Writing about the ‘energetic spectrum of quantum physics to rejuvenate your aura’ is not really suited to readers of your local newspaper!
4. Don’t cram too many ideas into the one article. Are you are jack of all trades? Please don’t be! In most instances, this is a very big mistake that many therapists make at some point. You will be much more effective when seen as an expert in a particular area. Do not try to be everything to everyone. This will water down any impact you may have. To be seen as an expert you need to specialise.
5. Be very clear on the purpose of your article before putting pen to paper. Is it to attract clients? Is it to make an announcement? Is it to educate?
6. Determine whether you are going to write as a ‘third party’ (the way a journalist might write it), or as yourself.
Writing your article – a suggested format
1. Start with a compelling headline. Many people scan headlines before choosing to read an article, so be sure your headline will capture the attention of your target market.
2. Open with a statement or question. Your opening line needs to be interesting so that your reader wants to continue. You may make a statement of a current trend or observation, or a question regarding a common problem being people may be experiencing. (You’ll notice I started this article with a question appealing to you as a reader, followed by a statement of what this article will cover).
3. Present your information clearly and concisely following a logical progression.
4. Include a quote to add credibility to your article. This could be from an expert in the field (including yourself) that you are writing about, from a client, or from a scientific journal that backs up the point of view you are presenting.
5. Include a footnote that enables the reader to contact you. Some publications may accept a brief biography here.
6. Have a few people proof read your article and provide an honest critique so that adjustments can be made prior to submission.
Submitting your article
There are hundreds of publications and website that may accept your article. The logical place to start is your local newspaper. They are always looking for interesting items to include that are of local interest. If your item is newsworthy or has a wider interest and is well written, definitely submit it to your larger regional newspaper. Once you have determined the best places to run your article that will be read by your target audience, contact the editorial department for contact name and details. Email your article clearly identifying the author and contact information. Including a relevant quality high resolution photograph (not just a cut and paste from the web or similar) will also enhance the chances your article will be published. Bear in mind that your article may be edited. You may also be contacted for interview to further expand on what you have submitted. Your article can also be submitted to relevant trade and special interest magazines and to hundreds of online article directories.
Article checklist
-Where will your article appear?
- Who will be reading it?
- What do they want to know?
- What is the one idea you wish to convey?
- Have you written from the readers perspective?
- Does the headline compel the reader to read on?
- Is it informative?
- Is it free of jargon
- Is it believable? (Use testimonials, quotes etc)
- Is your contact information or bio included at the end so you can easily be contacted?
Someone once said “it’s not what you know, but who knows what you know”. Presenting your knowledge to the world using articles is a powerful way to become known and build your health practice and reputation effectively. The best thing is it’s free!
I am always available to proof read your articles. Feel free to email me at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au and I will be happy to offer feedback.
Boost Your Profile with Editorial and Articles
Are you recognised as THE person to see in your area for those who you can help the most? If not, you can easily build your profile using newspaper editorials and articles in magazines, newsletters and online if you follow these simple steps.
Some basic ground rules for writing your article
1. Understand what your typical clientele are reading. Are they reading the lifestyle pages, the business section or the health advice column? Would they pick up a free mag at your local health food shop, or search online for health information? The more you understand who your typical client is, the more effective you will be in writing a great editorial and submitting it to the best choice of publication.
2. What does your preferred client want to know about? It is of the greatest importance to create an editorial about what can benefit your readers, rather than what will benefit you! This is the WII-FM principle (that’s what’s in it for me). What benefits will they receive? How will they feel? Is there any credible evidence to back it up?
3. Use clear concise language that is free of jargon. Be very careful to avoid jargon that is specific to your area of expertise. Writing about the ‘energetic spectrum of quantum physics to rejuvenate your aura’ is not really suited to readers of your local newspaper!
4. Don’t cram too many ideas into the one article. Are you are jack of all trades? Please don’t be! In most instances, this is a very big mistake that many therapists make at some point. You will be much more effective when seen as an expert in a particular area. Do not try to be everything to everyone. This will water down any impact you may have. To be seen as an expert you need to specialise.
5. Be very clear on the purpose of your article before putting pen to paper. Is it to attract clients? Is it to make an announcement? Is it to educate?
6. Determine whether you are going to write as a ‘third party’ (the way a journalist might write it), or as yourself.
Writing your article – a suggested format
1. Start with a compelling headline. Many people scan headlines before choosing to read an article, so be sure your headline will capture the attention of your target market.
2. Open with a statement or question. Your opening line needs to be interesting so that your reader wants to continue. You may make a statement of a current trend or observation, or a question regarding a common problem being people may be experiencing. (You’ll notice I started this article with a question appealing to you as a reader, followed by a statement of what this article will cover).
3. Present your information clearly and concisely following a logical progression.
4. Include a quote to add credibility to your article. This could be from an expert in the field (including yourself) that you are writing about, from a client, or from a scientific journal that backs up the point of view you are presenting.
5. Include a footnote that enables the reader to contact you. Some publications may accept a brief biography here.
6. Have a few people proof read your article and provide an honest critique so that adjustments can be made prior to submission.
Submitting your article
There are hundreds of publications and website that may accept your article. The logical place to start is your local newspaper. They are always looking for interesting items to include that are of local interest. If your item is newsworthy or has a wider interest and is well written, definitely submit it to your larger regional newspaper. Once you have determined the best places to run your article that will be read by your target audience, contact the editorial department for contact name and details. Email your article clearly identifying the author and contact information. Including a relevant quality high resolution photograph (not just a cut and paste from the web or similar) will also enhance the chances your article will be published. Bear in mind that your article may be edited. You may also be contacted for interview to further expand on what you have submitted. Your article can also be submitted to relevant trade and special interest magazines and to hundreds of online article directories.
Article checklist
-Where will your article appear?
- Who will be reading it?
- What do they want to know?
- What is the one idea you wish to convey?
- Have you written from the readers perspective?
- Does the headline compel the reader to read on?
- Is it informative?
- Is it free of jargon
- Is it believable? (Use testimonials, quotes etc)
- Is your contact information or bio included at the end so you can easily be contacted?
Someone once said “it’s not what you know, but who knows what you know”. Presenting your knowledge to the world using articles is a powerful way to become known and build your health practice and reputation effectively. The best thing is it’s free!
I am always available to proof read your articles. Feel free to email me at krishna@vitalityoptions.com.au and I will be happy to offer feedback.
Doing The Network Limbo!
Last night I did the limbo to a captive audience of 180 people from our target market (tied first place)! By that stage of the evening, we already had 3 appointments with prospective clients, and all we were doing was socialising, plus it cost nothing to attend! We also made numerous other connections that we can build and develop into long term associates. Networking is the most powerful way you can steadily build your business without outlaying lots of money.
Now I’m not suggesting you have to literally ‘do the limbo’ or necessarily ‘bend over backwards’ for those you meet, but with a consistent approach you will establish some wonderful working relationships, friends and inevitably new clients.
So what do you do at a network?
Depending on the network, people ultimately attend to meet others. They may be looking for like minded people to share ideas, looking to meet potential clients, or looking to increase their profile and joint venture with others. The important thing is that it is an environment where people are wanting to get connected, therefore you can freely approach others and they may approach you. Even if you feel shy, this is no time to be a wallflower, but you can feel free to be yourself. If you see someone standing alone, this is an ideal opportunity to say ‘hi’ as they are probably feeling shy too.
The purpose of attending a network is to develop relationships, not ‘make a sale’. Relationships develop over time and need to be nurtured.
TIPS FOR GREAT NETWORKING
- Choose networks that allow you to be face to face with your target market, or those who have a similar target market to you.
- Take an interest in the other party. Your purpose is not to tell as many people what you do. If you take an interest in others, they will inevitably ask what it is you do. If you establish a connection you can make a time to get together at a later date.
- Followup. If you have managed to exchange business cards, followup with a personal email or note within 48 hours of meeting that you enjoyed talking with them. If appropriate you can suggest getting together for coffee. It is also an opportunity to send them a referral or other beneficial information that can help with THEIR business.
- Be of service to others. If you have an area of common interest and can suggest something that could be of benefit to them, this will help to establish trust and build your credibility. It shows that it is not all about you and will enhance the chances that they will reciprocate at a later date.
- Think quality not quantity. The purpose of networks is not to hand your business cards to as many people as possible, but to build authentic relationships that can be fruitful later on. So speak to a selection of people in a meaningful way so that you can be memorable.
- Attend regularly. Regular attendence will pay off if you are actively building relationships of mutural benefit. Your commitment and consistency will be noticed, and you will get to know some wonderful people.
- Introduce others. As you become more comfortable with networking, you will see many opportunties to introduce other likeminded parties. This will significantly increase your likeablility factor and in turn reciprical referrals.
VITALITY OPTION: Research 2 local networks that you could attend on a monthly basis that members of your target market attend. Make a six month commitment to go. Follow the steps above.
I just want to add that the we were the only massage therapists that managed to attend this tourism industry network. We are located on the Sunshine Coast which is a tourism hub of Queensland. Attendees where predominately resort owners and managers, tour operators and other marketers. The appointments we obtained were 1 with a resort manager who was disatisfied with their current massage supplier, the other 2 were with triathaletes who were attending because of an upcoming event in the region. It is not rocket science! You just have to take an active part in your community. I guarantee results will follow if you follow the steps above.
I would love to hear your networking success stories or any other experiences you would care to share. Please leave a comment.
