Summer Events: Checklist for Success
Summertime means plenty of opportunities for massage therapists to participate in events. Networking, open houses, fundraisers, and community sports and recreation are just some of the reasons people get together. It’s a good idea to get out of your studio to meet and greet people, but how about hosting your very own event?
Maybe you would like to co-host a picnic in your business’s neighborhood, sponsor a lunch to network with other professionals, or host an evening of spa services at your business. These are the kinds of gatherings that can pay off — if you get your ducks in a row ahead of time.
Take the time to map out what you need to accomplish to host a successful occasion.
1. Determine the purpose and type of your event. Meeting and greeting prospective clients? Showcasing your services? Making contacts and exchanging ideas?
2. Pick a date. How much advance preparation will you need? When do you think you could get a good turn out? (If there are people you are counting on being there, make sure you invite them far enough in advance.)
3. Determine a budget. How many people would you like to attend? Will you need to rent a space? Will you provide food or drink? What other supplies do you need to buy?
4. Settle on a location. Do you have to reserve the space ahead of time? Will your event be indoor or outdoor? If outdoor, what is your plan for rain?
5. Decide if you will provide music or a microphone for speaking. What kind of system can you arrange that will be easy to set up and operate?
6. Make a list of supplies you need. Are you going to provide chair massage? Do you need utensils and other supplies for food or beverages? Do you need indoor or outdoor furniture? Do you want decorations?
7. Find event staff. How many others do you need to help you
pull this off? Will you pay them? Trade for massage?
8. Create publicity materials. Do you want to make a flyer
to post or mail? Put together a postcard advertisement
that you can mail or leave in other practitioner’s offices, fitness
centers and salons? Create a newsletter to
send ahead of time that includes an invitation to the event? All of the above?
Make or order your materials with plenty of time to spare.
9. Make sure you have business
cards, brochures or other marketing materials
you would like participants to take with them. Will you have an information
table with brochures and newsletters? Will you hand out business cards
with a special message that rewards participants for scheduling or referring
others to you?
10. Be prepared to follow up afterward. Have a way to collect the names of prospective clients, such as a free raffle or newsletter sign-up. Afterward, send them, and anyone who helped you with the event, a thank you note and an optional special offer.
Now write up your plan, including a realistic calendar for accomplishing all the tasks involved. When the day of your event rolls around, enjoy experiencing success and satisfaction! |
Clearance Sale
