1. Wherever you feel comfortable - This is a basic one, but of the following (and beyond) choose the places you will be most comfortable as it will help you build a rapport early!
2. Wherever you can find your niche - We all have or develop areas of interest and particular success, find these people!! Most of the following relate to specific niches so think about who you enjoy working with and get the best results with!
3. Wherever you shop/belong/frequent! - Chances are there's a relationship waiting to happen with an owner or other frequenter of each establishment. Focus on asking questions and getting to know them, you are in each 'network' for the long haul. Let them get to know you and trust you. The referrals will be that much stronger.
5. Rehab-focused clinics - Theses could be DC or PT clinics or they could be multidisciplinary shops, just focus on what you do differently to help people progress once they have clearance to exercise with intensity and ask them about their specialties.
6. Hospital/Medical programs - This really applies if you have a niche in a community like people dealing with Parkinson Disease or Diabetes where there are existing programs on the go that you can observe and get involved.
7. Hair/nail/beauty salons/spas - Again with the niche comment, there are opportunities to leave information or host little workshops or whatever your creative brain can come up with and enjoy (see number 1).
8. Local schools - Secondary, post-secondary, public or private, schools offer a great opportunity to engage youth and perhaps reach their parent with the importance of your message. Sports teams or athletic departments are a great place to start.
9. Semi-private networking groups - Whether it is Toastmasters, BNI or networking groups the opportunity here is to get to know other people and have them get to know you and your expertise.
10. Chamber of Commerce - Often these local groups have regular networking meetings and the chance to speak publicly and position yourself as an expert in the group and meet people from the area in many different industries.
11. Wherever feel the chance to truly express your you-ness (see 1, 2 and 3!) - If you want to partner with a local volunteer organization and create or help with an exercise or wellness-related program because that is you passion, do it. Speak at a clothing stores who's stuff you love, do it... (you get the idea I hope). It may not turn into an immediate referral, but it will give you something to passionately speak about in your other circles and with your clients, and passion sells.
