More Great Tips from our Phone Bridge on Sep 20th 2007

We had a few minutes to hear some great ideas from Imago Workshop Presenters about how they market their workshops.  There was so much great information that we plan to hold more meetings like this throughout the year, following the format of ideas from a lead couple, and then hearing feedback and ideas from others.

Package your offerings!

Bruce and Betsy Bergquist have hired a marketing coach to help them develop their business.  As a result they don't just offer the workshop - they offer complete packages:

• Workshop + 5 x 90 minutes sessions
• Workshop + 12 90 minute sessions

They also provide CD recordings of the sessions, and unlimited email and phone calls in-between sessions.  Its a complete package to help a couple get onto a great path.

They also provide a monthly phone-bridge which couples can call into to find out more about the workshop.  That's a great way to help indecisive couples overcome their resistance, and sign-up. 

Join Business Networking International  www.Bni.com

It's where business people go to pick up referrals.  Why not get your local doctors and car salesmen to carry fliers.  "Arguing over the SVU or the Prius?  Try an Imago worksop!". 

Use Internet Yellow Pages

Paula Pile and others have learned that advertising in the printed yellow pages is a poor investment nowadays.  But for relatively little money she finds she can be pulled up near the top of the list for marriage counseling

Mail Brochures to other therapists, doctors and clergy

Loius Macleod believes that mailing brochures to therapists on his list in the area has kept the workshops he runs with Linda vibrant, even when other referral sources flag.  He has also learned a lot about great presentations and attracting people to workshops from Bill O'Hanlon  www.billohanlon.com.   Bill Brennan has a list which also includes local doctors and clergy - and he uses it before every workshop.  He also mails his workshop dates to every workshop graduate before every workshop.  For him - this has paid off in good attendance.

Here's the list of tips that Louis Macleod sent me after the phone call:

1. Mail brochures 4 times a year about 6-8 weeks before workshop.

2. Design and have great brochure.

3. Design and have great website.

4. Offer free 3 hour workshop for therapists who have referred to workshop, such as Imago Relationship Therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology

5. Offer free consultation session with referring therapist with the focus on their clients that they referred.

6. Check out Bill O'hanlon at brieftherapy.com for his presenter bootcamp and ideas about presenting multimedia presentations.

Psychology Today   www.psychologytoday.com

Many therapists report this is a good place for referrals

Write for your local magazines

Cathy Battle has found that her local women's magazine is hungry for great content, and it has been a wonderful way to get her name better known at no cost.

Don't forget the note of Thanks

Dave McKeon says how a really personal note of thanks to a referring therapist makes all the difference, when it comes to being thought of in the future