Looking for ideas

[Wahine]

Well, my coaching company is up and running. I've got my basic accounting under control. So now I'm looking for ways to drum up business. This is not the best time of year to try to get coaching clients, but that's OK. Better to start working on these things now since I never know when I'm going to have time for these things.

Here's what I've got in motion so far:

A fun logo that will be turned into postcard size adverts I can leave at the local shops.

Work on a website will be started in later October. I'll try to get that site linked to the local running shop and bike shops, the tri club. Maybe even the local masters swimming group.

I'm doing some group classes already but it's all been by word of mouth.

I really don't have much of a budget for advertising. So I'm looking for cheap ideas.

Any suggestions?

[Cataboo]

Craigslist? meetup.com? Any local forums to your area?

[Wahine]

Thanks, those are great ideas, especially since a lot of what I do is online and not location dependent. But we have a great on line resource for classifieds that is local. I should definitely take advantage of that!

[Cataboo]

I think you could probably set up a blog cheaply that highlights you and your business.

Put it in your tag line when you post on here or any other forum. I know there's triathalon or racing specific forums out there, and becoming part of those communities as well as ours here will probably drum you up some business...

[colby]

The website and blog are a great idea. I've done very little online research for coaches (and am still debating shelling out for one and what I even want), but I love to look local and check out websites. I like to know what kind of people you coach, and what kind of goals you coach for, if you have a specialty, that kind of thing. And, it's fun to hear about what people you coach are doing.

Advertising locally is a great idea. Maybe offer a discount if someone finds your ad locally in a shop ("free consultation" or whatever). Also, if you can get your card dropped into the bags for local races, I do read all of those, too.

Good luck.

[tribogota]

The blog is a great idea, I read coach and athlete blogs.
When you have more resources, sell your trainees "uniforms" with your name and logo. I actually read people's jersey's, both training, biking, and in triathlons. It really spreads the word. It should have the address, you know wahine.com, or whatever, so that people can look it up.
I have a friend who has a training coaching business, goodwillrunners.net
he has so many people now that he has different groups, all word of mouth, from on the road training, and races.
He has certain rides and runs, the beginners do group ride on such a such day, the advanced...etc. so the group rides generate more people and more training. Then they also do group run, they pay monthly, and there uniforms at the races are very cute. When they do 5ks or 10ks, they are all wearing there "team shirt".

[spindizzy]

If you want to create your own website (Until you get really famous and have the big bucks to have someone do it for you) - there is one that isn't too expensive, very easy to use - I use it to create presentations for courses I am doing. (anything for bonus marks...) I use it for a month, and then unsubscribe when my course or presentation is over.

www.citymaker.com

[SadieKate]

Do your local running shops have any multi-week clinics for anything? Our local running shops have "Learn to Run" and "No Boundaries Programs" which are technically for beginners but a lot of people take part just for the motivation. Each week a local expert gives a talk and hands out info materials and contact info. Good way to get exposure for those who are looking to step it up a notch.

[Wahine]

Thanks for all the ideas. I will definitely get on the blog thing. I've already got a blog that I have trouble keeping up to date. But I think I can motivate myself to be more consistent if I remember that it will help stir up business.

Spindizzy - Thank you so much for the cheap website idea, if I get inspired I'll go that route. Right now I don't have much spare time and the motivation is low because I've got someone lined up that's a professional to put together a website for me in exchange for coaching time.

I have a great logo that I will reveal here on TE sometime. I even have some other t-shirt etc ideas. It'll be great.

Sadie - thanks for that suggestion. I already do a lot of work with the local running shop but I haven't done anything for a while. It might be time for another beginner's clinic.