Steps
in Your New Career
Getting the experience you need
"Experience
is not what happens to man; it is what a man does
with
what happens to
him." — Aldous Huxley
If you are a new bodywork practitioner, plan to get experience working
in more than one kind of setting.
Experiencing different environments
- The more exposure to a variety of
businesses, the better you will know what kind of setting you will
be happiest working in.
- Maybe your skills and orientation fit best in a
clinical environment, or maybe you love the soothing ambience of a
spa.
- You'll also discover if having your own practice appeals to you more
or less than working as an employee or contractor for someone else.
Preparing to set up your own business
If you have an eye on establishing your own business, you can use the
time spent as an employee to note what you do or don't like about where
you work.
- How do you feel about the way clientele are treated?
- What
perks or discounts are offered that appeal to clients?
- What marketing
materials are used to attract them?
- See if you can analyze what brings
clientele to the business.
Taking the plunge
When you do strike off on your own, start small. Don't jump in with
a large investment in an expansive clinic or spa. Some alternativese:
- Some
practitioners start in their home
- Rent a one-room office
- Sublet a room from a group of health practitioners,
perhaps even part-time
Setting yourself apart from the crowd
Many industry gurus say it's important to set your business apart from
the crowd. Specialize in some way. If you do both pregnancy massage
and sports massage, decide to promote just one of them in the beginning.
- Focus your public relations efforts in that direction.
- Send out a press
release.
- Put up flyers in places your potential massage clients might
see them.
- Tell everyone you meet what you are doing,
why you believe in it and how they can contact you.
Finally, work to ensure your first clients become regular clients. Give
them the best sessions you can, and thank them for their business.
Offer them package deals and ask them to refer you to others.
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