My thoughts are that if your two separate services are two separate businesses, you should treat them as such.

Some people (ie: me) need clear delineation between one approach and another. Doing what I assume you’re doing is what I’d do, too.

By having two distinct businesses, you are able to use distinct language and advertising for each group of clients you are targeting.

As a rule, corporations want to know facts and figures to prove the benefits of your work. Individuals are more interested in emotional appeals, though, of course, they still want some facts.

By the bye, you can email me directly at marketingmatters@comcast.net

I haven’t found the whole “It will get your clients” argument to be true.
Fundraisers don’t really bring in clients by themselves.
They are a lot of work for not much immediate return.
People aren’t looking for *you* when they go.

On the other hand:
They give you public exposure.
They are one more point of contact and introduction.

If you are going to invest time and money then choose fundraisers that are either in the physical neighborhood you are targeting and/or the group of people you want to have as clients.
Obviously, if you have a child in school or your church/club/political cause is having a fundraiser, then go for it.
If someone is trying to bait you for a cross-town school or the Dufftown Coopers’ Tug-of-War Team Tour Fund, feel free to decline.

So here’s my general advice:
If you choose to participate, either go in the “giving” mindset or go ready to target your ideal clients.
Choose a venue that is likely to attract the kind of clients you *want.*
Learn who is going to be there — active moms of active kids, stay-at-home moms, working moms, single parent families, etc, etc. Learn as many specifics are you can.
When you know what kind of people will be there, tailor all your text (signage, vouchers, intake forms) to the clients you *WANT*.

(Read more about this at: http://www.naturaltouchmarketing.com/blog/marketing-matters/2009/12/fair-game-market-massage-fair/
and
http://www.naturaltouchmarketing.com/blog/marketing-matters/2009/05/dipping-in-your-oar/)

Get as much information as possible (but not in a creepy way) from the people who visit with you. Get their email if you can. Plan on following up with them.
Be the educator, be the authority.
Build trust by giving them information they can use (2 minute stress relief tips, desk stretches, lists of good area yoga-for-kids classes).
You responding to your potential clients’ needs is what will win you regular clients.
Don’t discount yourself. Your work — and you — have value.

Please respond if you have further questions or clarifications. This is important stuff you’ve brought up.

Eileen

“Hi Eileen, Just to clarify my question which you responded to on your blog as Make Spa Nights pay off.
The pamper nights are being promoted by local elementary schools who invite therapists along to provide discounted treatments.
The PTA is using the event to raise money for the elementary school. The argument is that therapists will gain clients from the event but talking to others, none of us seem to get any new clients.
I have given out cards and vouchers. (There are a range of different independent therapists promoting their services.)”