Intuitouch, How do you do that?

[Darn]

In another post I didn't want to steal, Intuitouch SAID:  "I've a fairly large number of male clients calling for appts.  I don't have problems scheduling them for when I have appt openings even if the opening is two weeks from the day they call. "Did you mean new clients? If so, and they were hoping to get in that day, would you tell us what words you use?

 

[and_y_knot]

I will do my best!I find it works for either new or established clients -- male or female.When I get a phone call for an appt I usually swing the conversation towards finding out what type of work they are interested in -- do they have a problem?  -- are they looking for relaxation?  Especially if they are new clients.  I work quite hard to set them at ease while we are on the phone together.  (I'm a bit of a detective with people and I ask a lot of questions about whatever info they provide to me.  I also tend to make notes about what they are telling me so I am prepared for them when they do come in.)I then take a moment to briefly explain what I do.  Then I ask if they are interested in booking an appt and I say, "Hold on a moment and let me get my appointment book out to see what I have available."  Then I ask them if they prefer mornings or evenings.  Then based on their answer I offer them appointment times that are available for the time of day they indicated."Alright, I've got a 10:00 am this Tuesday or a 11:15 am on Thursday."  Then I'm quiet and let them tell me if either of these work.  If not, I then go to the next two appt times, "I've got a 10 next week on Monday or a 12:30 next week on Tuesday." and I'm quiet again until they speak.  Well, suddenly they realize we are talking about a whole week before they get in to see me.  There is usually a surprised, "Wow, you are really busy!" at which point I always agree and say, "Yes, I have quite a few regular weekly clients who come in so there are truly limited appts times available and "they" book up quite quickly."Then we get back to setting the appt.  I may then offer one of the evening appts as an alternative, "Well, I do have a 6:15 pm this Tuesday if you are available during the evening."  and then I'm quiet again till they answer.Very rarely do I get anyone saying they really wanted to see me that day and hang up because they couldn't get in.The key to my strategy is to offer two options that fit in "MY" schedule within the time frame they indicated.  I keep offering the options that are open and more often than not they will book -- even two weeks in advance.  I always say that I will give them a reminder call so they don't forget the appt.  I tell them my cancellation policy and I ask if they have any questions.  Then I always close with a very warm, "Thank you for calling me and I really look forward to meeting you on (and I repeat their appt date and time).I do get people who push me to change my schedule for them and I'm very nice but very firm about sticking to my schedule.  I've found that those people who push for me to accomodate their schedules tend to be the biggest "no-showers" and "late cancellers" (is that a word?) which, quite frankly, are not people I want as clients.I didn't use to schedule this way.  I use to be available at pretty much anytime someone called for an appt.  But I found out that you can be to available and that is when people take advaneforum.xxxe of you whether they mean to or not.  I've been doing it this way for about 5 years and my business has definitely increased since I've set firm hours.Alrighty jd....let me know if this helped.

 

[javier]

Intuitouch, How do you do that?

well, it helped ME too! Thanks!jill/sagetherapist

 

[Pokemon Fan]

Well, thank you. I'll give it a shot. I only recently began "talking" to  new clients, describing what I do, etc. Seems like I need to get over: they are in pain and need to get a massage sooner than next week.Sage, it helped You? I thought you were an expert. (not joking)

 

[zoetodman]

Intuitouch, How do you do that?

It is amazing how when a client knows or thinks you are busy they are more motivated to book.  " You must be good to be that busy" I book out 2 weeks in advance at the DC and almost 2 weeks out at home.  Clients find this out and they just have to book to get in with you for the next appointment! "Oh, I better schedule one now for your next opening".I always tell them to schedule ahead."If there is a specific time or day of the week you need, make sure to book it in advance since my schedule books up quickly."  "If you wait you may have to wait a few weeks longer to get in when you really need it"."Sticking to a regularly scheduled appointment will always guarantee that you will get an appointment that fits your schedule."  I am scheduled up till January with my therapist! ;DI tell my clients that too.

 

[Guru T]

Intuitouch, is exactly on the money.  When I first started my practice I had no bookings like everyone else.  That didn't stop me from telling callers that I didn't have availability until the following week.  The psychology of a client thinking you are in demand is going to make them realize that booking and keeping their appointment time is critical to seeing you.  Did I lose a few clients in that initial seforum.xxxe by saying I wasn't available - yes.  Did I retain the best of the clients though - yes.  The only thing that I would have changed is I would have set a schedule 9 - 6 (for example) and not booked the 6:30 or later requests.  Those clients only continued to want late appointments and appointments when I didn't work.  But it's all relative, I have one client that I make myself available to no matter when she wants an appointment but I know she's good for 6 appointments a month - prepaid in advance!  Good luck, don't overextend yourself and remember all those times you've called the hairdresser or doctor and didn't get your desired appointment.  You probably still booked an alternative and were sure not to miss it.  Joe E.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Intuitouch, How do you do that?

well, it helped ME too! Thanks!

jill/sagetherapist

Wow Sage!!  High praise indeed!  

 

[Cathy :)]

Intuitouch, How do you do that?

Same here. I never indicate that "Oh today is dead you name the time and I can get you in. I only give them two different time slots and only two days a week. It does work.They will usually book ahead before they leave.

 

[Chosen One]

Intuitouch,You are very insightful, Maybe that is why I'm not booked up I'm not sounding busy.  You have a lot of good ideas and to think I'm paying a guy in California $600 to help me with marketing.Thanks alot, Truly.Trish

 

[brokenlover381]

Hey Trish!!! آ You can send me that $600 and I'll make it worth your while!!! آ I promise!!!!  (((kidding folks...just kidding!)))

 

[cristal c]

Intuitouch, How do you do that?

Joe is right.The Mystique of Being in Demand.I called a new, hot restaurant down the street. They told me nothing until 9pm. We walked down at 7:15 and were seated immediately as walk ins.Those not lucky enough to live within walking distance probably booked next weekend, and added two to their original res figuring they needed to get some friends in on the deal!If you are always available and charge too little your clients will treat you accordingly.

 

[Mag]

Intuitouch,The money might have been better spent if I had sent it to you.  Oh well, I was desperate and it was before I found this board.  Otherwise I wouldn't had pay someone all the way in CA (I'm in TX) for some brochures and design business cards. BTW I still had to print them.  On the upside it does look very professional. (But $600  ) Oh well, live and learn. Trish