The Marketing Handbook for Sports and Fitness Professionals by Nita A. Martin

Author:Nita A. Martin [Martin, Nita A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781408195949
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Getting referrals from family and friends

Many sports and fitness businesses that are just starting out get their first customers in this way. Don’t underestimate how important it can be to boost your morale to have some customers right from when you start your new business. This can be an easy way to help you get up and running. Simply let your family and friends know that you have started up a coaching business and what kinds of student you are looking for. Ask them if they can specifically recommend two or three people to your business. You will need to be able to explain your business or service offering in a simple way that they will be able to remember. Exercise 1.3 in chapter 1, on describing your business in no more than three sentences, should be of help here. It is important to take note of the relevant data protection legislation that applies to the way in which you decide to collect and use any information.

The great thing about asking your family and friends for referrals is that there is virtually no marketing expense associated with it. If you happen to have leaflets or a business card to hand out to them to give to potential customers, that may help them to pass on your information. Another advantage of this technique is that it will cost little in terms of your time as well.

An advantage of getting referrals is that it has the potential to secure customers very quickly. And if you are starting up a new business, this can help to get you started on the right track, build your confidence and try out your training and coaching methods. The main downside to this method is that your family and friends may run out of people whom they can refer to you, particularly if they are in an environment where they aren’t meeting new people all the time.

Table 9.4: Getting referrals from family and friends

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