Simpedia

Robin T., Tennessee

Most piano stores and music stores in your area have a website and will list piano teachers. I can not stress enough the importance of making relationships with these places. I have even offered to do a “kick back” to them if I get a student who says they have heard about me from that store. Interestingly enough, though, they have all declined the “referral gift” and referred anyway because they love the program. Of course, when my student needs a piano or some music, I send them to those stores. Many will also offer a discount to your students! It never ever hurts to ask!

Sure… that is one thing that I do really well is TALK!!!! I have a marketing and sales background, so this is what I live for! Typically I will call them and ask for the owner or manager. Then I tell them that I am a new teacher in the area and am teaching a remarkable new piano method called Simply Music. “I would love the opportunity to stop in and tell you about it. Is there a time that is most convenient?” This is just common courtesy. Don’t go on a Saturday or after school hours if you can help it. That is when they are really busy, so try to go during school hours and during the week.

Then, you just go in and tell them about it. Pretty much like an FIS, but without the video, etc. SHOW THEM how it works. Teach them Ode to Joy. SHOW THEM how the chords are taught. That is VERY IMPRESSIVE to people who were trained traditionally. They never thought of the chords as shapes. Then, ask them if they have any ideas or ways that you could do additional marketing. Ask them if they will allow you to leave fliers or hang up a sign in their store. Tell them that you can even put a stamp or something on the flyer to let you know where it comes from. Then, if you get a student who says they got it from there, you will give them $10 or a gas card, or whatever you feel you can do.

If they teach lessons there, they may not be as open, but the store I teach at has traditional teachers and me. But, they keep sending people to me because they like SM. Also, I sponsored a lunch for all their employees to tell them about SM. I basically did an FIS. They only have five employees, so it was very reasonable. Now, I’m getting leads from them every week.

Also, if you are in need of instruments, they can help there too. The store I teach at sells Roland and they have a teacher lab program where they supply you with keyboards for FREE. Then, they will sell them to your students at a discounted price. You can also tell them that if they recommend you, you will send your students to them. You just have to get in there. Take them cookies or donuts occasionally and they’ll be eating out of the palm of your hand!

If you start teaching out of a store, you can do a press release. Something like, “Miller Piano has a new sound” or something like that. The store will love you for that because they also get free advertising.