Teaching my son how to drive seems like an endless, troublesome pursuit.
Blame it on Illinois, where we live. The state requires a huge amount of practice – fifty hours with your child. Like chaining ourselves together for months.
So my son and I grab some time here and there, and venture out on the streets. All the while I keep my eye peeled like a mother hen for unexpected situations.
“Should I go now, dad?” my son asks nervously as he pulls up to an intersection.
“You’re the driver,” I respond curtly. “You have to make the decision.”
But he learns. And although this rite of passage has its difficulties, it can be rewarding. As my son gains confidence behind the wheel over the months, we chat about more enjoyable things. His math homework, the video game club he’s starting at school, and music bands from the 80’s that he thinks I should recognize.
I shouldn’t feel too frustrated, however. These moments should be cherished. In a few years he’ll be off on his own, and all I will see of him is his empty bedroom.
From mundane to meaningful
There’s a parallel here with the work of a caregiver.
The caregiver carries out what are often mundane tasks for their client. Helping them get out of a chair. Washing dishes. Or maybe reassuring a troubled mind that all is well.
And yes, this has meaning, too.
Caring for an elderly person involves being present during the humdrum hours of the day. Or facing the frustrations of a person afflicted with dementia. Or standing by in silent support as they give their attention to a forlorn past, or sometimes unfortunately, to a fearful future.
The older person also realizes how limited his health is, and they see how needy they are of the help of others.
Yet caring for an elderly person brings life full circle. Like the parent, the caregiver supplies a needed personal element that enriches the lives of both of them.
And the caregiver’s realm is the familiar surroundings of their client’s home. If the client has been living a long time in their home, and raised their family there, the walls can tell a thousand stories. The later years of the elderly are enriched by happy memories, carried forward with the help of the caregiver.
The caregiver ties together today’s needs with yesterday’s memories.
Tugs at your heart?
Now, I ask the home care agency owner, if the story above about my son tugs at your heart, just think of what the letter could do if it was your story, and sent to your clients and prospects?
If the story prompted a truth about life and life’s struggles, as did the story above?
Your audience would instantly recognize that you are a real person with hopes, dreams and memories – just like them, in fact.
Right away they would feel an emotional connection with you. You would no longer be an impersonal business owner, a service provider, but someone who has endured the challenges of life. And reaped the rewards despite the difficulties.
Personal stories can build your home care brand.
Why not put them into the hands of your clients, prospects and even caregivers?
We know a home care agency owner who sends a printed newsletter through the mail each month. He tells a story of his own family in each issue.
“People tell me that they remember the story about my family,” he says. “That’s often the one thing they remember.”
Your story has power
You can build that same connection with your clients, prospects and caregivers. Send them an email – or even a mailed letter – on a regular basis. They will open it because they know it is personal. You can relate your own experiences, talk about the local sports teams, thoughts about life, or events happening within your agency.
The real you will build your brand.
“I don’t have time,” you might be saying.
I hear you. I know how difficult it is to write on a regular basis. Putting words on a screen seems simple. And yet it seems to take so much effort.
We here at Savvy Senior Marketing can overcome this hurdle. We can make this happen for you. We will work out a monthly promotion plan with you. Then call you once a month, get a personal story idea, and then craft a meaningful email or printed letter that is sure to bond you with your audience.
The benefits will be many:
- You will get more feedback – both friendly and maybe challenging.
- You will get more service with your clients.
- You will get more referrals.
Promotion seems to be an onerous task that gets pushed to the back of the burner. I know – I’ve talked to so many business owners. That’s why you should hand it over to the experts, such as those at Savvy Senior Marketing.
It’s not enough to give good caregiving service. You must make a real, personal connection with people.
The storytelling newsletter
That’s why we suggest the use of the storytelling newsletter.
Then your brand will become as strong and as flourishing as the oak tree on the corner.
We at Savvy Senior Marketing can take the load off your back by doing the heavy lifting. We have the writing chops. We know copywriting. We will plan out our story ideas ahead of time with you each month, and then follow through with a quality product that will tie your audience close to you. All with the storytelling newsletter. When they think of home care, they’ll think of you.
When the storytelling emails or letters hit the inbox or mailbox, they will draw your audience to yourself in pleasant and surprising ways. A strong brand means a strong business.
Why not use this marketing method to bring in more clients and customers? Get in touch with us at Savvy Senior Marketing by making an appointment for a free 20-minute phone consult, or by sending us an email.
