Looking for ideas

[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!