Is Your Facility Missing This One Crucial Marketing Element? Find Out Now!
If you’re running a facility today, there’s one crucial marketing element you might be overlooking: building relationships. Establishing a clear path and a solid plan is essential for your success, and today, I want to share a powerful tool that can help you in this journey: creating a hit list.
What is a Hit List?
A hit list is more than just a collection of names; it’s a targeted list of individuals and organizations you want to build relationships with. These contacts have the potential to refer residents to your facility, making this list a vital component in filling your beds and ensuring your facility thrives.
Who Should Be on Your Hit List?
So, who should you include on your hit list? Here are some key groups to consider:
- Placement Agencies: These agencies are invaluable resources for leads. Identify all the placement agencies in your area, as they play a significant role in resident referrals.
- Social Workers: Both nursing home and hospital social workers frequently refer residents in need of placement. Their inclusion on your hit list is essential for tapping into their network.
- Other Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs): This may come as a surprise, but other ALFs in your area are not your competition—they can be your allies! When they reach capacity, they can send leads your way, and you can do the same for them. Building friendly relationships with them can create a win-win situation for everyone involved.
The Importance of Research
Creating your hit list is just the beginning. Conducting thorough research on each contact is equally important. Here’s what you should focus on gathering:
- Phone Numbers: Direct phone lines allow for immediate communication, which is crucial for building rapport.
- Email Addresses: This is essential for sending personalized updates and maintaining contact over time.
- Social Media Profiles: Follow them on social platforms to engage with their content and stay connected.
- Events They Frequent: Knowing the events they attend gives you opportunities to meet them in person, strengthening your relationship further.
Building Relationships: The Key to Success
Now that you’ve identified your target individuals and organizations, and gathered their contact information, the real work begins: building relationships. This process doesn’t happen overnight; it requires time, effort, and consistency.
Start by reaching out to those on your hit list, focusing on establishing genuine connections. Show interest in their work, engage in meaningful conversations, and nurture these relationships over time.
Next Steps
To summarize, if your facility is missing this crucial marketing element, it’s time to take action. Your first step is to create your hit list by identifying individuals and organizations that could be beneficial to your facility. Conduct thorough research to gather essential contact information. This foundational step will set you on the path to building valuable relationships that can lead to resident referrals.