Everyone knows the way to grow your studio is through REFERRALS, right?
But how?
That’s the big question, isn’t it? HOW do I get referrals???
Let me ask you something…
WHAT MAKES YOU give a referral?
When is the last time you told a friend about a restaurant or vacation spot? What prompted you to say something? Have you given a referral for a plumber or handyman? Why THAT person, and not another? Chances are there was a connection, there was something about that person or business that stuck out in your mind. The food AND service were both fantastic, the vacation destination was MORE than you expected, the plumber did the job, and was clean, courteous, and respectful. You received something we might call “value”, you got your money’s worth, and more. And it’s the “more” I want to talk about.
Why do you think people refer for piano lessons?
Perhaps you are a highly accredited and credentialed teacher. Maybe you are a world class pianist who regularly performs with well-known symphonies.
And maybe not.
If you’re like me, just a guy (or gal) with a B.A. in Music and a few friends who like what you do, how do you get the few students you DO have to refer to THEIR friends?
And while we’re talking, who do you think gives the most referrals? Parents? Or students? Well, it’s both, of course. Parents talk. They talk at swim and soccer practice, they talk at track meets, and PTA meetings. And GRANDparents talk.
AND SO DO THE KIDS.
So what makes them talk about YOU!?? If and when they talk about you, what are they saying? Let me give you a hint: It better be GOOD!
I can tell you why they talk about ME: I’m FUN, I’m silly. I’m really 10 years old and I relate to the kids.
Yes, I require that they practice. Yes, I require they get it right.
And when they do?
I hit the YES button. No, for reals, I have this exact button, and it says “yes” about 10 different ways, you never know which you’re going to get, but it’s always fun to push it anyway!
And when they play it their way instead of what’s written?
I have this button too! 😀 And it makes them laugh, even though I just told them “You’re doing it wrong.”
In short, I let my eccentricities loose. When a student has struggled with a piece of music and finally gets it?
We do jumping jacks saying “I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT!” Parents laugh, endorphins flow and…they talk about it. Sometimes I’m so relieved they FINALLY got it, I want to give them a hug, but instead, we do a handshake, and then I tell them to go hug their parents. They remember piano lessons are fun.
Encouragement takes many, many forms, and must be tailored to the student. The very young may need only a gentle smile and a “That’s IT! You GOT it!” and a big “Congratulations!” stamp on their music.
Yes, I have several, and I let the students stamp their own music. They can stamp all over it if they want. They’ve mastered that and they’re moving on. Let ‘em have at it.
Music is hard fun! Emphasis on the FUN.
You know it’s true, people talk about their hairdresser, or their plumber, because they got more than they expected.
What are your students and parents saying about you?
What “more” do you give your students?
beckerpiano 