Networking Groups

[heart.picklez]

I've been to a few and usually bring a few things----bus. cards a sheet with available times in case someone needs to book and a few prepared statements on the benefits of chair massage for business and for regular massage. Make sure all you prepare rolls off your tongue and you feel that your work is vital for everyone-good luck !!!!

 

[SMOOCHIE GRANDMA]

[quote author=mimi link=board=bus;num=1092700738;start=0#2 date=08/16/04 at 21:42:20]I don't know if this is anything like a business expo, but once, when I did a business expo, we brought a "regular" person with us (someone not dressed like us), to sit on the massage chair and "act" like an interested client. آ It makes passersby feel more secure in walking up to you. آ  [/quote]That's so true.  When I do chair massage, if someone's in the chair then people will stop and look and get in line.  If nobody's in the chair, they just keep on walking.  Nobody wants to be "first" for some reason.I don't know why I didn't think of that at the business expo I did the other day.  My helper was helping me pass out brochures and such.  (I'm sure he would've rather been in the chair...)

 

[theShinning]

i was attending a weekly networking group for lunches. we all had to go around the room and give a one minute comercial about our self and business. in my comercial i would offer ten dollars off for that night if anyone came to see me that evening. nobody ever came.  for a month i tried this but i stoped going. and i was the only MT there it was kinda frustrating. im not sure it was worth my time(but the lunch was good ;D) natalie

 

[Dorf1701]

I just got invited to a networking group last week. I'd have to be there for breakfast at 6:30 am every Wednesday.  I was flattered to be invited, but I don't think I'll go.Any success stories about networking groups?Katykangaroo

 

[Massage Lady]

I was a member of a 'leads' group for about a year.  While I was a member I received numerous appointments from the group.  What I found was that the members would do business with each other, but not a lot of outside referrals.  Most of the time they would not do business with you until you did business with them.  Once my schedule made it impossible to continue going to the meetings, they quit coming in and started with the new therapist.   They have been back on three different occasions to ask me back into the group.  Somethings to think about:How much is this going to cost me? (think about the meal, products you buy from the other members, time away from office.)How much time is going to take? (How many appointments will I miss over this)How will I approach an unethical situation?  (I throw this in because we had a DC who was real unethical and I refused to be associated with him.  Just something to think about before you decide.)As for the Chamber of Commerce, you get out of it what you put into it.  If you just pay your due and hope that people will come to you because you are a chamber member, then save your money.  If you plan on getting involved and getting your name out there, then go for it.  I happen to be on the Board of Directors for my Chamber.  We have groups like the "Ambassadors" who put on a networking breakfast every month were the members gather and each gets to talk about their business to other business people.If you want to work with larger companies, then the chamber is a great way to get your foot in the door.  Most major employers join the chamber for their 'civic duty' and this gives you a contact inside the business.Just my thoughts on the issue, you get out of it what you put into it.  Dale

 

[Ryan]

Networking Groups

You definitely do get what you put into it. I joined the local Chamber of Commerce in May and I got about 12 clients out of it so far. But I didn't just join and wait for people to come. I have been to every event that I can manage in my schedule, which isn't too bad since they happen early morning, evening and lunchtime. I also joined the Women in Business Council to connect with some more people on a smaller scale. I was nervous about going since I didn't know anyone, but after a couple of events, I got to know the regulars and feel more at ease about meeting other people. We usually get 30 seconds to talk about what we do, so I think it helps to have something prepared. I also bring lots of business cards and give them to everyone I speak to even if it doesn't look like they are interested in massage. They always know someone else that might. I spoke to another massage therapist that has been a member for a couple of years, and he told me that I was the first MT that he has seen at more than one event and the other MTs only stick around for a year. One piece of advice I have is to go into the events with the intention of just meeting new people and talking about your business. I have noticed that when people try too hard to sell what they do to get clients, a lot of people are turned off by it. People want to do business with people they make a connection with and feel good about, especially in our field. I hope this information helps.Michelle

 

[Josephine]

Networking Groups

I was a member of a referrals group in my area for a little over 2 years. It was WONDERFUL! I had referrals coming in often, and my name was getting out in the area.I would definitely suggest that if you have Gift Certificates, bring them. Someone may not want to be first, but they may want to look good to someone else by giving a creative gift. I hope that you have great results at your Networking event. Most important - smile! Your talent will come through your work.Good Luck!

 

[smokeyarmadillo]

Networking Groups

How about taking a massage chair. You may only have three minutes to speak but if you are doing chair massage you'll be the hit of the meeting and everone will want to know who you are and will listen to what you have to say. Just a thought, I live in a very small community, and the one and only chiropractor here has put together a team of healthcare workers here to go to the businesses and talk to the employees. Besides him, there is a dentist, family doctor, Naturopath, and ME! I'm definately taking my chair.Tracy

 

[Barbiee?]

Networking is the way to go!  you need to make an effort to speak to the group about what massage is and the benefits of it.  As well as your techniques, styles, hours and fees.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime.   Make up a brochure and hand it out.  Ask for referrals from everyone.I attended one for several months last year and although I didn't get any solid leads, I was able to learn the skill of speaking about our profession, professionally.  Something we all need to do.Congratulations and welcome to the marketing world!Remember, word of mouth is the biggest seller!

 

[AaronTassle]

Networking Groups

These are all GREAT posts....here's my $.02 on the topic:I have been to a "OPEN-HOUSE" where small businesses gather in someone's home, bringing samples of their products/services. An ad was placed in the local newspaper(s) for the upcoming Saturday and folks could stop in during the open-house hours to see what the vendors were selling. It was a pretty good way to get the word out and exchange business cards with the other vendors for future trading or to simply pass on to other interested friends/family members of theirs. I brought to the openhouse my massage chair, appointment book, a mailing list form for prospective clients to add their name/address to, business cards, and a couple of informative handouts/brochures regarding the benefits of massage.I tried to get another one the following year, but it fell through as no one who was interested in doing it had a large enough house. I live in Texas and this isn't something that could or should be done outside, especially during the summer/fall months. Be well, Jen

 

[kittyfreek]

Hey Folks I belong to a networking referrals group that meetins every Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m.  That's great for me because it's before my business horus.  The group I belong to allows one of each profession.  So I am the only MT there.  It's been great for me.  I've sold 6 gift certificates to group members and I've also gotten a corporate chair massage contract out of it as well as several personal clients.  This group, like some of the ones described above, gives you 60 seconds of fame each week to talk about what's going on with your business.  We've also created a Yahoo Group to keep up with each other via e-mail and each week a different member of the group presents.  I had the opportunity to speak during International Massage Week which was last month.  I brought my chair and gave complimentary 7 minute sessions.  Brought plenty of business cards and a hand out on stress.  Something most of us have way to much of.The fee to join the group was $120 for the year.  For $10 a month - I couldn't get that kind of exposure for that little bit of money if I choose other avenues.I highly recommend joining a networking/referral group.  But the key to netowrking is - what can you do for them.  I keep all of their business cards in my planner so that I can have a card to hand out at a moments notice.Hope that helps.Scot