Word of mouth Advertising

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Permalink Reply by Roger Moore on November 25, 2008 at 7:16pm

If you mean by suggestion that it was part of the therapy - I think that it is unethical. Having said that, I do offer a complimentary session to my weight loss clients who refer someone who becomes a weight loss client. Most of my clients are word of mouth and I make it appoint to thank the person who made the referral.

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Gruber - www. ask-the-hypnotist.com on November 25, 2008 at 9:44pm

Referrals (and a web site) are the only way clients come to me ( I will do the odd presentation when requested).

I always give the client a few cards at the end of the last session. I tell them that referring is how I gain clients and would they give a card to someone if they think they would benefit from it. Telling them to tell the person to "Just ask them to visit the web site and then they can decide if they want to phone me" takes the pressure of them to feel like I am asking them to be my sales person.

I also have a framed notice on the back of my door saying something to the effect that "the biggest complement that I can receive is when someone passes on the word about my work to friends or family." This is the last thing a client sees as they leave.

Invariably they will pass on the cards. Seems to work, I am fully booked through next April right now.

I would never say anything to them "while they were in hypnosis" though as Richard notes. However, there is the interesting question of when are they not in hypnosis? I consider the post formal part of the session as an important opportunity for backing up direct suggestion as people remain in hypnosis for a while after they open their eyes!

Stephen

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Permalink Reply by Andreas Tenhagen on November 26, 2008 at 3:40am

Hello Stephen, hallo Roger,

always great and refreshing to read your postings.

Greetings

Andreas

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Gruber - www. ask-the-hypnotist.com on November 26, 2008 at 5:25am

thank you Andreas: always hope they're helpful in some way to someone!
Stephen

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Permalink Reply by James Hazlerig - HypnosisAustin on November 26, 2008 at 7:20am

I have to agree with Roger. (Really, he hypnotized me to agree with him. *grin*) Okay, I don't have to agree, but I do.


Your client is paying you to help, not to advertise. But that shouldn't keep you from giving your client some cards and asking for referrals.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Hill on November 26, 2008 at 12:26pm

I agree during the session it is unethical to give a suggestion of this kind. It is a shame this happens to unsuspecting people. I have had two clients that have had this happen to them. It took some reassuring and the fact I record sessions so if there is any questions, I can review the tape with the client. I let them know up front I will be recording the session and if they have a problem with it, I refuse to do the session. I feel it protects them and me.

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Permalink Reply by Stephen Gruber - www. ask-the-hypnotist.com on November 26, 2008 at 6:15pm

just to clarify in case there is some misunderstanding - I do NOT request the referral during the hypnosis session per se: it is after the last session is over and they are leaving the office. The comment about clients being still be in hypnosis was attempted humour. They are in hypnosis for a few minutes when you emerge them - Not by the time I ask them for referrals!
Stephen

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Permalink Reply by HYPNOJADE on November 26, 2008 at 9:46pm

The fur on my neck when I heard the "suggestiopn" that someone might actually incorporate a suggestion like that to a client in a trance state. UNETHICAL Offering a referral discount option is totally different. Business cards at different locations. I did send out letters to doctors in my area advertising for smoking cessation, stress reduction, the usual. I only got one referral from one doctor. But I would do it again if I had a full time practice interest. I am more interested in targeting groups. So, I do things a bit differently.

Word of mouth, giving low cost classes at a metaphysical booksotre, library, local low cost universitites, colleges, speaking engagements, lots of ways to promote yourself rather then just on paper., there are free newspapers with low cost or free advertising in some cases, like for a free smoke out.
Online community forums that list events in your town, I give workshops. I know who I want to target, so I buildmy flyers around that and hit all the health food stores, restraunts, any place I know that has an area for that.

I am a firm believer in pictures. there are people in town I have never met or gone to in business, but I would know them if I saw them, vecasue I see their picture in the paper all the time.
Getting a really nice photo every year or two, let your picture be everywhere. I have done flyers to put in coffee shops, book stores, depends on the venue. I have not had sucess with newspaper ads. If you do,it has to be statigically placed.
Prosperity and Abundance is coming toyou right now! KISS JADE

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