scottbradentx
|
I suspect you're uncomfortable with "selling" and you feel "pushy" or "aggressive" when you do those things. Lots of people have the same problem (me included, which is funny since I'm a marketing geek).
And, maybe you hope there's a better way that fits your personality better. Well, there is.
When your product is YOU, sales and marketing is not a "one size fits all" deal - you are not laundry soap or a dry cleaner or a life insurance broker. Your customers to a large degree are buying YOU. So leverage that.
Here are some ideas, no particular order:
- what do other (successful) dance teachers do? copy what you feel comfortable with, ignore the rest
- whatever you write / say / do, make sure it feels right - the language / approach etc you use reflects who you are, and will attract clients that you're more likely to enjoy working with and who will stay with you for a long time.
- don't force yourself to be "sales-ey" - just talk normally, about why people come to you, your philosphy, background, goals for your students, how you run classes, etc. Just like you were telling your Mom or your best friend how much you love your job and how rewarding it is to see a client dance well.
- One great thing to do this is ask your clients to record testimonials for you - for example after a big event like the last lesson in a series or whatever, when they're feeling great about you, whip out a digital camera that has a video recording feature (most do) and say, "hey, can you do me a favor and say the first thing that comes to mind about why you signed up and how you feel about it now, and would you recommend somebody else do the same? " then hit the record button and hold the camera steady. From this, you can put 'em on the website, you can capture a still pic and type out their words, etc. Testimonials are the most powerful sales tool, and they are so under-used.
- the most likely person to sign up for dance lessons is... someone who recently signed up for dance lessons. So: work hard to find ways to move your current students into "advanced" or "special inner circle" classes (higher fees, exclusivity, etc. )Study frequent flyer programs and "snob appeal" marketing for ideas.
- The 2nd most likely customer is a past customer of your own. Send a nice simple letter to your past students, saying "here's what I'm teaching now, I really enjoyed working with you would love to see you back again so here's a coupon for you and 3 friends so you can double-date. Also, here's a survey - will you let me know how I did last time and what you'd like to see improved?"
- Finally, another source is other people's customers who bought the same thing. Go to other instructors, say, "hey, I have a number of students who for whatever reason aren't signed up anymore, and you probably do too. Instead of considering them lost forever, let's each send a letter to our lists, saying, "if you didn't like me, that's ok, here's a friend who does good work, try her out with my regards and here's a coupon" that way it's found money for each of us. Of course... only do this after you have exhausted the previous efforts.
Good luck,
Scott |
Homepage 
Financial
Forum 
Advertising & Marketing 
No Spam
Adult 
Gambling
Unfinished
Deception
Plagiarism
Not English
