Be Prepared

When you get a new client in your studio there are a lot of butterflies on both ends. Your new client is wondering if this, Pilates, Yoga, Fitness with you is going to be what they need to meet their goals or take away their aches and pains. And, you’ve got butterflies because you know you need more clients in your books to help you earn more money and help more people. So, how do you feel more confident when you have a new client coming in? Here are my go-to tips for when I have a new client.

Tips for Preparation

1) Know your numbers! I’m very clear on my rates, my packages, and what each package equates to when it comes to helping a client hit their goals. If they are coming in for a specific goal and they have a date they want to achieve it by I know which package to offer them in order to help them achieve it. Of course, I hope they stay longer and truth be told they will but in the beginning their why is all they care about. Beyond their why is something I can tackle while they are a client?

2) Be clear on who your ideal client is. This is soo key, my friends. Sometimes I get a new client that I am not the right teacher for. Generally, I am able to weed them out and refer them to someone else before they come in for a first-time session but occasionally it happens. And, it’s important to be able to say no to them after the session. Because, if you are not the right person for them eventually it will not work out. So better to save both your times. And, also clients who are not your ideal client will not refer you more of your ideal client.

3) Tell them what to expect. I love to make sure they know everything about how to find my studio, where to park, where not to park, what to wear, how early to show up, how long the session is! EVERYTHING! I have a pre-written letter that I send out and I even link to it in a confirmation. This helps them feel more comfortable before they even come in. The more you can communicate like you’re already in a relationship the higher the chances of them feeling confident that they can trust you and buy future sessions with you.

4) Tell them when you will follow up with them. And, then make sure you do! No matter how the session goes I always follow up with my first-time client. I remind them of their goals, how Pilates will help them and if they scheduled another session I remind them of when it is, what the cancellation policy is etc. If they didn’t and I want them as a client I offer them times to come in, how long it will take to feel the benefits and ask them a question that requires a response.

5) I have everything ready for them when they arrive. Think of a first date. If the date was late would that make you feel good about how much they value your time? If the date was disorganized would that make you feel like they were an expert? That they could keep all your needs in order? That they could take you where you want to go? Pull out the red carpet for new clients. And by red carpet, I don’t mean discount signs.

I could go on and on but I don’t want to overwhelm you! Pick one or two of these that you are not doing and give them a try. Then add in another one or two. Until they become a habit and you have your own system. And, then, write it down! Then you can review your system before every new client comes in.

Which tip will you try? Post in the comments below.

xx~LL