Growing your home care agency can be challenging as you compete with other area companies, manage daily operations, and network for every referral. Especially if you have a new business, finding new clients can feel like hitting a brick wall.
The good news is that as the Baby Boomer generation ages, there will be more people needing care than ever, so the customers are out there.
Home care is an industry of and for the community, and the best way to bring in new business is to be among the customers. Your job isn’t just to attract people and explain the benefits of home care from your agency, but also to get to know the community you serve and its needs so that you can be ready to meet them. There are several ways to successfully network with potential clients and referral sources for new business.
Your job isn’t just to attract people and explain the benefits of home care from your agency, but also to get to know the community you serve and its needs so that you can be ready to meet them.
Hold an Open House
Invite the community into your business, and allow them to see what your company is truly about. Open houses are invaluable opportunities to connect with potential customers that are considering home care and may not know where to start, or who may have questions or concerns. Not only can you and your staff allay these fears, but your clients can also decide if you’re a good fit for them. Even community members who cannot attend may be motivated to call you for more information at later time, simply by hearing about your open house.
Be a Guest Speaker at a Nursing Home, Senior Center, or Community Center
As a knowledgeable home care professional, you are in the unique position of being able to explain the process of home care to those who may need it for the short or long term. By booking a guest speaking opportunity at nursing homes or senior centers, you are branding yourself as a credible expert, and therefore, your business becomes known to your audience. Again, you have the important chance to explain home care to those who are new to the concept and gain an early connection to potential clients that will help you meet their needs.
Get to Know Social Workers and Hospital Workers
It is vital to network with social workers and hospital staff that are in the position to recommend your services or place patients in your care. Make it easy for them to refer clients to you; just not right away. Build a relationship with them, prove that your company is reputable, and explain your services in a clear and concise way. Once that relationship is established, then you can request referrals.
Participate In or Sponsor Community Events
Immersing yourself and your business in community activities and events is the perfect way to get to know those you serve and give back to the area. If your home care agency participates in or sponsors entities that are important to residents, you are generating an important type of visibility; that you care about where you live, and are committed to serving it outside of your industry. That builds a crucial sense of trust, and makes potential clients feel good about using your services.
Are you looking for exciting ways to attract new clients? Home Care Marketing Pros provides marketing services to home care agencies to help them stand out as providers of choice in their markets.
