First impressions count, as the saying goes. It's true on the first date, or when a student is to be interviewed by a college and it certainly is true in our profession for Holistic Practitioners. We need to have an eye for the small details that make a big difference and positive impression.

Don't worry you don't have to roll out the red carpet!  This isn't about being showy or pretentious. It's about making small touches that make a big difference when a new patient or clients begins to work with us.

It's these small touches that make people feel,"he/she knows what they're doing, I'm in good hands." One of the first steps to ensure this loyal fan base is by making sure to welcome them from your first point of contact.

The other reason it's important to have welcoming signs out for your clients is after they have booked a session or treatment they might hang up the phone and think to themselves:

"Did I make the right decision?" Yes, good ol' buyers remorse that kicks in! Even though they aren't buying a house or car, all of us get that niggly little doubt wondering if we're doing the right thing or choosing the right Practitioner.

Here are some ideas that you can implement to make a new clients feel welcomed and affirm that they've made the right decision in choosing to work with you.

Being personable via e-mail
Potential clients will often e-mail me since I have a strong online presence and ask about sessions. I usually greet them warmly in one sentence, "Priscilla, thank you for requesting information to work with me.." OR "Priscilla, nice to meet you! I'm happy to see how I can assist you..." and of course I tell them the next steps to working with me. I'm brief, but cordial and warm.


Your first verbal contact
When you have a new client on the phone for the first time. Be cordial, warm but of course always be the leader. Start by telling them you've been looking forward to connecting with them or ask them how they got to know about you.


A welcome packet
Don't be daunted by the word 'packet.' This doesn't have to be loads of paperwork or a binder of information. This could simply be one or two sheets of paper giving them tips of how to get the most out of your sessions. (By the way, if you're wondering what you should be giving your new clients, I cover this in detail in my popular class: Policies, Procedures and Forms.) It could be a page of FAQ's from new clients. Or you can give them a magnetic business card to put on the refrigerator.


Your office
If you have a physical office where you see your clients I want you to take look from their viewpoint- the waiting room. I highly encourage you every once in a while to sit down in the waiting room and take a look around. Are their cobwebs in the corners? Is the waiting room inviting and warm? Would the atmosphere enhanced by some soft music? It's important that the space is inviting as well as clean and orderly.


Your staff
Remember your staff is an extension of you. How does your staff greet your clients? Are they helpful and warm when the patient asked questions? Did he look refreshed, energetic and eager to help? If not have a conversation with your staff about the importance of making each new patient and returning client feel welcomed.

Just like putting out a welcome mat on a front door, putting in place these small signs of welcome are subtle yet powerful ways to create loyal, satisfied fans for you and your Practice.

Try them and see the results yourself!

By the way, if you want to boost your Practice you'll definately want to check out the upcoming special tele-class How to Attract More Referrals so You Can Expand Your Practice Now. Jobie Summer known as "the Referral Queen"  will be sharing her strategies and what she's learned over the many years assisting service professionals. Getting referrals is one of the easiest ways to develop their practice but it also does it also can be frustrating if you don't know how to ask for referrals properly. I highly recommend attending this class you will learn strategies you can use right away.  Check out details here.

I'd love to know how this resonates with you and your comments. Please leave your thoughts - and thanks!

(c) 2010 AnaMaria Herrera

About the author: AnaMaria Herrera, Online Marketer and Director of Practice Building Institute publishes 'Practice Building Success' teaching Holistic Practitioners how to get clients and build their practice. For a f*ree audio and resources go to: http://www.PracticeBuildingInstitute.com