Can you believe there are only 10 working weeks left until 2018?! Crazy, right! It seems like we have only just said bye to our summer business plan, and now the new year is right around the corner.

10 weeks is the perfect amount of time to start planning for the new year and really make it our own (sorry for the cliché!)

So, over the next 10 weeks, I’m going to focus our blog articles on preparing for 2018 and ensuring your business is 100% ready!

The first thing I want to look at is bringing in more clients. Typically, January is a huge month for the mainstream fitness gyms, with ‘Getting Fit’ being one of the most common new year resolutions. But, as a Personal Trainer or small fitness business, you need to try a little harder to ensure your clientbase grows come new year.

As small fitness business owners, you have to build your clientbase in different ways – one of the best ways to do this is through client referral campaigns…

 

Client Referral


Asking for referrals can be pretty nerve-wracking. The good news: If you do it right, you only have to do it once (per client).

But before we go into the FREE email templates, we need to set some ground rules when it comes to building your referral campaign:

Before getting into role plays and email templates, here are some general rules around building a referral process to keep in mind.

Referrals are not a quick scheme
Referrals can be an extremely effective way to grow a business, but don’t fall into the mistake of thinking referrals will be the quick scheme you’ve been looking for. I have a rule where I try to avoid quick schemes, because in the long run they aren’t very effective. Take your time with referrals.

Be a Beast in your field
Remember, referrals are coming from current clients, so you need to ensure your current customers adore your services. You will have zero referrals if they’re not currently happy with your service. Go above and beyond with your customers to reap the referral rewards.

Referrals are not cold calls
When you’re having a conversation with a referral, you want to have a much friendlier tone. Act like you’re already good friends with them and have a relationship with them. This way you will keep them long-term.

 

Client referral email templates

Email 1

==

Dear

client
,

As you know I have been providing [fitness service] for a while now. As I look to expand my practice over the next year, I’m reaching out to people that I trust within my network to help me grow my business.

Much like how I’ve helped you with [insert your client’s needs here], it’s my goal to help as many [insert your type of target client here] as I can to [insert your mission or what you hope to achieve].

Are there one or two people you know that could use my help? If so, can you please send me their contact information?

4 Ways to Refer:

  • Hit reply to this email with the contact info of 1 to 2 friends
  • Click here to tweet this link [link this to your twitter]
  • Refer them on Facebook through my page [page link]

I know how scarce time can be, so thank you in advance for your time and referrals. As your accountant I’d be extremely grateful. And of course, as your friend, they’d get the royal treatment.

==

 

Email 2

==

Dear

client
,

The new year is only a few weeks away and as I look to expand my practice, I’d like to reach out to you for help in generating more business.

When I started my business, my goal was (and still is) to help as many [insert your type of target client here] as I can to [insert your mission or what you hope to achieve]. Are there one or two people you know that could use my help in the new year to reach their goals? If so, can you please send me their contact information?

4 Ways to Refer:

  • Hit reply to this email with the contact info of 1 to 2 friends
  • Send the attached virtual business card to your friends
  • Click here to tweet this link

I know how scarce time can be, so thank you in advance for your time and referrals. As your [personal trainer] I am extremely grateful. And of course, as your friend, they’d get the royal treatment.

Sincerely,

==

 

What are your goals for 2018? Comment below and I’ll do my best to help point you in the right direction for success.