Do you want to start a massage business? Many people who pursue a massage career want to work for themselves. That's one of the appeals of working in the massage industry.
Many massage therapists own their own businesses. When I first started attending massage school, that's something I looked forward to. I wanted the freedom that comes with working for myself.
Working for yourself has many benefits, but some people get so caught up in the dream of working for themselves that they forget to do the research and planning setting up your own business requires.
Many new businesses fail within the first year. You don't want your business to fall into that category so you need to make sure you're prepared. Just like you studied to become a massage therapist you need to study to start a business. You should research starting a business. You might want to take a class about starting your own business. Many communities offer business classes. Try checking your local Chamber of Commerce for resources. You might also want to find a mentor. Mentors can help you with the ins and outs of starting a business.
Before you start a massage business must consider where you'll get your clients. When I started working, I worked in a massage clinic. This was a good situation because even though I was technically working for someone else I got a lot of flexibility. As a new therapist in the clinic, new clients were assigned to me. As I worked on people they started coming back to see me. This is how I got regular clients. This is a good way to get regular customers. Once you build up a regular clientele you can open your own office.
A successful massage therapist friend of mine used a different method to attract clients to her new business. She purchased a mailing list and sent out post cards offering a grand opening special. This method helped her get a lot of initial clients. Her excellent technique and friendly nature turned those new clients into returning clients.
Another way to get clients when you start a massage business is to start a website. I used Site Build It! to make this website. Site Build It! can also be used to promote your own massage therapy business. Here's an example of a massage therapist using Site Build It! to promote her business. Here's her video about using Site Build It!
Do you have any advice for new therapists? How did you start your massage career? Let us know here.
(I used this book when I was started out and thought it was very useful.)
