Looking for ideas

[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.

[mtbdarby]

Besides a blog - write articles on certain training issues as their own blogs with a hyperlink back to your website. Keep the articles between 500-750 words and put some cool pix on it.

Do you have a facebook/myspace account/twitter? Make sure you list your occupation and have your website link there.

On your blogs and facebook/myspace, and website, ask people to sign up for a monthly newsletter. Then send one out with an update, tip of the month, etc via EMAIL. And there's a spot here on TE to toot your own horn. Toot. Loudly! And post your website link.

Keep track of what works and what doesn't. Partner up with third party people that you use - bike stores, nutitionists, etc. and swap advertising. Ask to put your ad/hyperlink on their websites and you'll do the same.

Hope that helps and good luck!

[Wahine]

Thanks Dar. those are awesome suggestions.

[spindizzy]

I found my coach through a flyer on the counter at my LBS. I had actually been pestering my husband (PT) to find someone that did metabolic testing. He knew no-one.

On an all-day search for my daughter's bike, ended up at LBS (of course it was the last stop...) While she was being fitted I saw a brochure on a counter - it outlined metabolic testing, machine made by a company called New Leaf. Made an appointment, looked at his website, had the testing done. Decided to get some coaching on a month-to-month basis- just to make sure it was a good fit - and what I wanted. I really had no specific goals other than to lose 20 lbs and become more fit than when I started. I did the work he prescribed, saw the results and I'm still here.

[NbyNW]

I think this is a GREAT time to drum up business, in an indirect sense. Perhaps you could write an article and publish it somewhere -- pitch it to some tri websites or magazines -- about assessing the past season's performance and using that assessment to set goals for next year. And from goals you establish your off-season training plans. And at the end of the article, you list your credentials, and oh by the way, you're also a coach and you're accepting new clients!

[Wahine]

That's a good idea NbyNW.

I am not in an off season right now, I'm still gearing up for IMAZ in Nov. But it is a good idea to encourage people to review their seasons and work on next seasons goals.

Thanks for the input.

[Starfish]

Depending on your community, you might broaden your focus beyond sports related groups. There are a lot of other organizations that have weekly meetings where some poor soul has to come up with a speaker.

For instance, your local realtors probably have weekly meeting, as well as groups like Rotary, local Chamber, etc. We are always getting interesting talks from people who have nothing to do with the actual organization hosting the meetings. And don't forget to go to all kinds of towns in your local region.

I work straight commission in a relatively small community. What I notice is that although that person sitting next to me in church, or at a book signing, or whatever, may not need what I have right now...if I am on their radar, then when their sister-in-law needs what I have, they'll think of me and I'll get the referral. BUT, only if I am on their mind.

I also will just simply go door to door at every local BUSINESS to introduce myself as a fellow local business person. In a small community, it is good to have every business person know who you are, regardless of their type of business. They are all trying to make a living, too, and tend to be positive or friendly. And, if their sister happens to be mentioning to them she has always wanted to try a tri, they'll have a couple of your cards to give her, but you'd never know about that would-be client if you hadn't stopped in.

Talk about your business everywhere you go. It is not selling...it is talking enthusiastically with conviction and passion about loving what you do. I've had people call me up just to talk who don't really need what I have right now, but just to have a positive conversation, if you can believe that! They've told me that! :-)

Good luck. I believe you will be a very successful coach!