By far, the most cost-effective way to secure clients is by talking directly with your potential clients. As you well know, everyone needs to exercise, and a large percentage of the population is currently dieting, or has the desire to lose weight. Use this knowledge to your advantage, and make it a point to talk to people. Always carry you business cards with you, and never pass up the opportunity to speak to a person that you feel may need your help. For most people, it is extremely difficult to start a conversation with a total stranger, but you will find that the bulk of the people you speak to are quite pleasant.
When prospecting in public places, never approach the person by directly soliciting your services. Merely start the conversation by commenting on something that both of you may have in common; the weather seems to be the most common icebreaker. After you have established a rapport with your prospect, ask what the person does for a living, and find out if he/she is into fitness or wants to change his/her body. Ask questions and let your prospect do much of the talking. People usually enjoy talking about themselves, and feel more at ease when given the opportunity to share their interests. EXCHANGE BUSINESS CARDS and ask if the person would be interested in a fitness consultation. If he or she responds positively, schedule a time when you can sit down with the person and go over their fitness goals. It is imperative that you exchange business cards. Your business card is probably the most effective marketing tool that you have. It is the one marketing resource that your prospect can take with him/her and be reminded of your services. Most of the time, your potential client won’t be immediately interested in your services. However, he/she may have second thoughts and want your services in the future. It is then that your business card becomes invaluable.
By obtaining your prospects business card, you have created a sales lead that you can exploit in the future. Take some notes about your meeting and the date on the back of the card, and put it in a card file with the rest of your sales leads. Within a couple of days, call the prospect, remind him/her of your previous meeting, and once again solicit your services.
With regard to the business cards, it is most effective to file them by date, and make follow up phone calls to your prospects on a monthly basis. The goals and desires of people change, and many times, what you think is a dead lead will turn into a sale.