Would you like to get more referrals from other professionals? One effective approach is to give talks and presentations on topics of interest to them. It's a great way for them to get to know you, and for you to demonstrate your value.
In your local region there are probably associations and networks of medical professionals, attorneys, business executives, educators, financial planners, youth coaches and other interest groups. Many of them invite speakers to their meetings.
If you're the guest speaker at one of these meetings you'll have the opportunity to not only give a sample of your expertise in your presentation, but also chat informally with members before and afterwards - which helps you build relationships with them. These are people who are in a position to refer clients or patients to you.
How to find groups of professionals
Ask around. Let's say you want to give a talk to a group of obstetricians. Ask your own doctor for information about when and where obstetricians meet, and whom to contact. For other groups ask someone whom you think either has the contact information or who may know someone who does. That "six degrees of separation" thing really works!
Search online. Add the following syntax to your search: site:org
For example, I ran the following search in my home town:
accountants harrisburg site:org
The search results included the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs, which lists upcoming conferences, regional chapters and contact information.
Browse associations. At the Gateway to Associations page of the American Society of Association Executives, you can search for associations by keyword or by state/province.
Contact local corporations. Many companies are open to "lunch and learn" sessions for their employees, especially if the topic can help with overall productivity.
Pitch your idea for a talk
First, find out whom to contact about presenting your talk. Larger organizations typically have formal topic submission forms. Most local groups have a program chairperson, or no designated person at all.
For local groups contact the person by phone or email. If you were referred by a mutual acquaintance, say so - it gives you added credibility.
Be specific. Rather than saying "I can talk to your group about any issue with a psychological angle," suggest a couple of topics that you can talk about, and why these topics might appeal to their members.
For example, your local bar association might be interested in learning how to deal with unreasonable clients; or about new research on the emotional impact of motor vehicle accidents.
If the person is interested, followup within 24 hours with a brief description of 50-100 words.
If the person is not interested, move on to the next organization. Eventually you should get a "yes." If you don't, you'll probably need to tweak your approach.
When you give your presentation...
Get there early. Mingle with the members, so that they get to know you.
Pace yourself. It's better to present a few points well than to try to cram in a lot of content.
Provide a handout with your key points, along with your contact information.
Afterwards, don't rush off. Stick around for questions. Thank the host. Walk out with other members, chatting as you leave the premises.
Follow up
Write a thank you note to the organization, and personalize it by mentioning a couple of things that you learned or enjoyed.
Offer to write an article for their newsletter or website on the topic you presented.
Related Blog Posts:
Community Presentations – A Great Way to Get Referrals