To increase knowledge about your services among existing and potential clients or sources of clients, use the following techniques:
Informational cards. An inexpensive card that lists the services and products you offer is a very cost-effective way to provide your clients with information when they come for a visit. Staff members can give the cards to clients toward the end of their visit and point out specific services on the card that would meet their other needs. Clients can also pass the cards on to family members and friends.
Public flyers. Develop simply written, one-page flyers with specific information that your target populations need in order to use your services. Let them know what services you offer, the address of your clinics, their hours of operation, whether you charge for services and, if so, your prices. To reach large numbers of people with this information, distribute flyers in places where your populations spend time, such as the marketplace, schools, companies, farms, fairs, social clubs, and local businesses. Community health workers can distribute them and speak to semi-literate potential clients at the same time.
Contact with referral sources. Identify providers and businesses that provide related services to your populations, such as private physicians and nurses, public and nonprofit health services, traditional healers, agricultural agents, schools and teachers, clergy, laboratories, pharmacies, trade unions, and professional organizations. Find out what they know and don't know about your services and develop materials to address gaps in their information. Maintain regular contact with them to ensure that their information is current, listen to what they have to say about your services, and encourage them to make referrals when appropriate. Above all, let them know the results of their referrals.
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