Getting new Clients

Peggyd7,



You really have to figure out who your audience is and where they're most likely to get information on your clinics and business. (1. Identify your Audience).



Then you need to see 1. about getting your clinics on a calender of events in the pub (remember magazines, even local run about 45-60 days out), then 2. advertise in those publications or websites.



My other suggestion is look at small papers in your area and contact them about your business (it's key to put together a little press kit - a press release announcing your business and a company backgounder/history). It is often much easier to get stories in smaller papers, unless your business is truly unique from your competitors.



I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me directly with any questions. I'm more than happy to help!



Best,

Jennifer

A couple of other ideas. Find ways to co-market with places that sell to or service horse owners.



For instance, the farmer's store where they purchase stall supplies, etc, might be happy to let you teach a get acquainted seminar to their customers at their store.



There are also rodeos, and races where horse owners will be. Visit with the operator of the facility to see if there are any ways to promote your firm in connection with one oft their activities. Caution, get permission first. The last thing you want to do is alienate yourself from potential customers and these facilities by just showing up at an event and handing out cards and flyers. Most event sponsors have rules about this.



You might also consider visiting the schools and teaching a short seminar or demonstration on what it takes to be a responsible horse owner or showcase an animal that you have trained and let the children pet it. If you included a coloring book about horse care, its an easy way to get your name in front of the kids' parents without breaking the schools' no "formal marketing of commercial firms" rules.



Consider reserving at booth at a fair or trade show. You'll need two people to man it effectively, but this can also be a good source of potential customers.



If you write a press release about your firm, many local papers will print it as long as it's under 100 words in length.



Rolaine

Thank you for your advice everyone!



So far I have gone everywhere I can online for free ( keeping cost low) to networking, forums and more that have anything to do with my line of business as well as fliers and post cards I made at vista.com and I took to tack and feed shops and asked about leaving some there and also keeping them updated...along the way I met a lot of people, got to tlaking and started setting up seminars. I handed door to door introducing to your area post cards I made and am putting together an intro fmaily fall day event where many vendors will be as well as a hrose rescue and I hold seminars and such.



I sent some press releases and put out a few small free or low cost ad's as well.



I also, since with a lack of clients have extra time on my hands, am donating my time and training to a large and well known horse rescue that is nearby and through that getting repuation and more.



Thanks!

Peggy, It sounds like you have made a great few first steps. I am running my own Homebased Travel Business, And am having the same issues of marketing. I have done all the steps you have done. If anyone has ideas for my business, I would love feedback....