A reader left a great New Year's resolution comment in another article. I'm reposting it in this new thread so we can all share our intentions for 2009. Here's Devra's:

"Burn-out can be a big problem for people like me who work alone. My new year resolution (other than the usual...less wine, more water etc.) is to sign up for reformer classes with John Garey in Long Beach. I always do two big conventions or continuing ed classes, but I feel a regular weekly work-out will do me good...even with my revenues down this past year."

My resolution is to check out at least one Pilates studio I've never been to each month.

What's yours?

Here's wishing everyone a great 2009!

Amy

To stay on stop of my marketing plans for 2009!

To hit the pavement and network with chiros, PT's, orthos and yoga studios in my area and help them to see how adding Pilates to their class schedules or treatment plans can help us both.

Luann:

I am interested in finding out how your venture with chiros, PTS and yoga studios is going. I visited several of these places before Christmas carrying a big box of cookies, a stack of cards and a smile that would put any soap star to shame. So far no takers which is discouraging.

I am finding that in these tough times people are a bit less willing to share their clientele. Of course I don't see it as sharing, but as perhaps 'curing' or 'expanding horizons' or heck, maybe it is sharing but with the exception of one chiropractor office, I did not get a very nice reception anywhere I went.

I'm not easily discouraged so I'll keep it up. I may leave the cookies at home this time, but I am also wondering if perhaps things may be a bit different in other places? Maybe the door-to-door sales approach is a bad one? I don't know. I would think that a relationship with others in the bodywork business would be healthy, but my experience is that there is a sense of competition where there is no room for more than one practitioner. Who knows?

Keep us posted. Maybe you are having better luck than I am.

Devra,

I have found building a reputation with your existing clients is the best way to start. Every profession is protective of their clients because they are concerned for their welfare and are looking out for their best interests. I am sure you do your homework before referring any of your clients to another service that you feel they would benefit from.

Going door to door should sound harmless, but to a professional it looks like you may not be good at what you do or you wouldn't have the time. I am sure your intentions are good, but showing up with a basket of cookies is not an approach a professional would use. It kind of follows the quote "dress for the job you want, not for the job you have"

Of course, we all want to partner with the best, so how do you get around this? I will pass on this tip that I learned from one of my clients.

We get checked out on the web more than we think. Google yourself and see what comes up. Also, if you have a website, does it reflect your point of view? The people you want to get to may not read your information, but their support staff is most likely going to check you out.

I am still surprised how many doctors do not understand the benefits of Pilates. It took years for me to get it together and figure out how to make my work fit into the big picture of wellness.

It is difficult to get to doctors when many of them are invested in their own wellness centers. They try to refer within their own network. I do get referrals from yoga teachers, nutritionists, personal trainers and doctors, but that was after years of laying the ground work.

In marketing there is a saying "find a need and fill it" What do you offer that no other Pilates teacher in the entire area can offer. Now might be the perfect time to reinvent yourself.

Good Luck!

Devra,
I agree with Stacey that the door to door approach might be the way to go, but if you do make a personal visit, instead of bringing cookies, bring some literature about Pilates and your background information, certifications, education, etc and offer a free session at your studio.
And before you ask for referrals you might let the Chiro's, Massage therapists, Pt's and Doc's know that you are interested in finding places to refer your clients who have problems or issues that are beyond your scope and that you want to work in conjunction with them to help your clients and then mention how Pilates can benefit their patients, or clients. (especially with PT's after health benefits have run out. some policy's allow for only so many PT sessions in one calandar year).This may assuage any fears they might have about you trying to muscle in on their turf.

LA:

Thank you for making your suggestions in a less condescending manner. After all, I have been doing this awhile and at one time I had a very successful and busy practice. Unfortunately, at times you have to move or start over and no matter how good you once were, you still have to start from scratch and prove yourself once again. Trust me, I wouldn't wish this on anyone, especially in this down market.

I did think to bring more than cookies I always bring information and an invitation to come by for a private session. I admit the cookies were a dumb idea, but it was Christmas and it seemed like a smart thing at the time. I also discuss doing trades or helping each other with client referrals. This has always worked well for me in the past. I think the current recession has people a bit in a panic and maybe they are not are responsive as they once are.

One thing you can say about marketing: If an idea works, it was a good idea. If it doesn't work, it was a stupid idea.

Devra,
I try to not be condensending toward anyone. I respect you and what you have to say and did not intend to imply that you had not thought of those things already. These are tough times. We, as a country, not just Pilates professionals are seeing a downturn in business, Even Stacey who I am sure would not admit to it, but I know I have seen my bottom line soften and I live in a very affulent area and many of my clients are wealthy, but have lost a considerable amount of money and so are cutting back by taking classes rather than privates, or only coming in twice a week rather than 3x, and this affects me in a big way, as a business owner. So yes, I guess we are more protective of and not willing to share clients-

Devra,

I don't think anyone on this forum is intentionally condescending. Too many teachers are over sensitive to constructive feedback and take comments as a personal attack. We all want to see each other succeed in this industry or we won't survive.

La, I have not experienced an economic downturn in my business. (you don't live far I'd be happy to show you my books) I structure my studio a bit differently than the traditional Pilates studio to avoid becoming too dependant on the private hour to make my rent. If you go to my website you will see I work primarily on a class format. I use my private hours as a pipeline to feed into my class schedule. Classes are more affordable, I make more money per class hour than private hour, and I get to have lunch with my husband every so often when my privates slow down.

Nice reply Stacey. I do think everyone in this conversation has the right intention and that is to help each other out. It is nice to see that in our community. All very valuable information too. I find client word of mouth,and making the first step - in other words referring my clients to another professional (you get back what you give) really works well for me. We have a very tight sharing network with PTs, Chiropractors, Drs. as well as personal trainers who do things other than pilates (cardio and wts).

I should add that I get most of my referrals from dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Find doctors that you can complement. Both of those fields attract people that are invested in their bodies. A patient looking for breast implants will get a much better result if their chest is open and their posture is more upright.

Talk to makeup artists and bridal consultants. I was just quoted in a bridal magazine by a makeup artist about the importance of posture for that "big day".

La:

Thanks for your kind reply. Yes, we are in an economic downturn that has affected everyone. Usually it's the middle class, but this time everybody lost money and lots of it

By the way, where are you? I'm in Orange County, Calif. which is an affluent area too, but even here I see studios shutting their doors and letting people go.

Thanks again and I never thought you were condescending to me. I like your thoughts and opinions!

Stacey, thanks but I don't need to see your books, I will take your word for it that you are not seeing a downturn and I am very happy for you