So we have talked about why building a relationship with a potential new client is the best way to get a client to sign up for your services and great ways to market for more comp sessions, but we need to take a step back! The first step to having a successful comp session is having a successful first conversation with the potential new client and many times this happens over the phone.
It’s imperative to understand how we can use the phone to our advantage to help us sell our services. Here are some guidelines that we ask our trainers to follow:
- Move the phone and physically put it in a place where it is the center of attention. It is difficult to perform well on the phone when distractions and disruptions are occurring around you.
- Pay attention to your posture on the phone. It is difficult to sound energetic if you’re reclined back in an easy-chair or slouched on the couch. Try putting a long cord on the phone or use a cordless headset so you can move around while talking. Remember your body language can be heard!
- Consciously attempt to add more tone, animation, and energy to your voice.
- Make important calls when you’re feeling most upbeat and energetic. Perhaps you’ll find making calls right after a workout or first thing in the morning works for you. Get yourself psyched up.
Now that you are in the write place, at the right time and in the right mood…here are a couple tips on how to conduct a first call with a client that has shown interest in Personal Training.
Introduction
Hi is Sandy there? Hi Sandy, this is Sherri calling from Northwest Personal Training. I understand you’re interested in Personal Training. Do you have a few moments to chat? Great, I’d like to ask you a few questions.
If it’s not a great time (they are just running out the door, their kids are screaming in the background) ask for a better time to call and then call back later. This will go over much better than trying to force a call when the timing is not right.
History
During this stage you want to get as much information about the client as possible. Discuss their fitness background. Determine what exercise they’re doing, how often, how long and how much. Be sure to get as much information on all parts of their fitness program – cardio, muscle conditioning and flexibility. Discuss their nutrition, injury status, sleeping habits and stress levels. Listen for key pieces of information. Are they a beginner? Is there an injury we need to address? Are they neglecting key components of their fitness program that we can address?
Tip: This stage is similar to a conversation you might have at a cocktail party. If you’re at a party and you want someone to like you, ask them a ton of questions about themselves. People love to talk about themselves. They will leave that interaction thinking you are just an amazing person even though you haven’t told them anything about yourself. So engage your potential client in interactive conversation. Be sure to be interested in what they’re saying.
Goals
Find out exactly why they need you. Be sure to probe so you are very clear on their expectations. Paraphrase to ensure you’ve understood what they’re looking for.
Action Plan
Here’s where you get to tell them how we can help them. Be sure to relate everything you tell them back to what they’ve told you. Focus on the benefits they will achieve versus listing the features of your program
Tie Up Loose Ends
You now want to determine how you will work together. Book the first appointment. Tell them what they can expect during the first session and what they should wear. Ask them to pick up and return the completed client information package or email it to them and ask them to fill it out and email it back to you. Provide directions and parking instructions. Be sure to ask them to call if they need to reschedule.
Thank them!
Taking these important steps during a first call with a potential new client will help them remember why they reached out to you in the first place. They will know that you are really there to help them and they will be more likely to book a first session (Comp Session) with you.
We have all of the forms, documents and systems you need to run an organized and ultra successful fitness business. This even includes scripts for phone calls, comp sessions, facility tours and more. Email kari@nwfitnesseducation.com or go HERE to learn more.
Need some help with closing the sale once you have a potential new client in front of you?
Take a look at this quick 4 min video where I outline some of the important things that you need to do during a first session with a prospective new client.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/HIXc68X9Oko[/youtube]
You can get the full scoop on how we conduct our first session with a prospective new client (and how we focus on servicing their needs) with my 2 hour streaming “Make or Break Your 1st Session With a Prospective Client” eVideo. It comes with all of the documents you need, you can watch it as many times as you would like and you can use it as a training tool.
AUTOMATICALLY GET 20% OFF ($20 savings) THIS EVIDEO THROUGH THE MONTH OF JANUARY.
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Just click HERE.
Want to talk with us about your business and goals? We do FREE phone assessments. Just fill out our FREE online assessment and we will set up a time to review it with you over the phone! CLICK HERE for the FREE Online Assessment.
Yours in Health, Fitness & Business,
Sherri McMillan
Also, sign up right here on my blog to receive my FREE 20 min streaming video where I reveal my top 5 revenue generating secrets. This video WILL help you bring in more clients and more revenue. Don’t miss it!
