Just starting out

RE: Just starting out

hi Rachel

well done for completing your diploma...... exciting times for you

how about:-

formulating a business plan .................. designing your literature (leaflets and business cards etc)

if working from home find out the regulations in your area for working from home

if wanting to work in a salon..... find yourself a room to rent

talk to LOTS of people letting them know about your new career.............. but until you know where you are working from and get your insurance you can't charge for treatments ......... but you could offer freebies

I might think of something else later..............and I am sure others will add suggestions

good luck with everything and every success

blessings, Marcie

RE: Just starting out

This was suggested to me by my life coach and seems a fantastic way to get some free advertising!!!

Ring up the local paper and ask to speak to someone who would possibly be interested in writing an article on a new loacl business - offer to give the reporter a free treatment - in return for the article! Once article is written and put in paper you could also think of offering one free treatment to the first three readers who contact you! Free publicity and advertising!

Laura

RE: Just starting out

Hi Marcie and Laura

Thanks for the advice, I thought I would be mobile as I don't have anywhere in my house to change into a treatment room and two small children, so it would be more practicle for me to be mobile.
I have already got business cards, but I will work on leflets and posters to advertise. I love the idea of talking to a local paper will give that a go.

thanks again

RE: Just starting out

Hi Rachel, just wanted to say hello and wish you teh very best of luck with your new business. Like you i have recently qualified and have been a bit in limbo, while i wait to move house and plan to set up a treatment room. I have just read your post and it has given me some great ideas to get started on things in the meantime, as I am getting very frustrated as i wnat to move quicker that its taking so i can set up.

An idea i have had is to leaflet through letterboxes or place an ad in a local newsletter for any residents of yoru particular area to come to you at a reduced rate - this would also be good for you as you woudlnt have to travel as far. I have also offered reduced price treatments through another website i am on to people who are going through fertility issues - thsi is an important thing for me, as i needed to have IVf to get pg, so i always said that i would like to help others. I also saw in a local hotel the other day, a therapist had left some leaflets there, maybe you could offer reflexology to hotel residents (if they dont have a spa attached of course).

It would be good to stay in touch, so we can compare how we are getting on - on this next stage of our journey!

Jess x

RE: Just starting out

Hi all

I am due to qualify in Reflexology in march and already qualified in IHM. I found this book, Marketing Tips for Complementary Therapists 101 Tried and tested ways to attract and retain clients - by Steven A Harold ISBN 1-84528-076-8 absolutely fantastic. I think i got it from amazon £9.99.

It mentions putting leaflets in supermarket carparks - not great on a cold day but good on a warmer day - get permission from store manager just in case you are on CCTV!! Go on different days say a Monday and a Sat - some people go shopping regularly every Sat - so try different days, different stores.

Try putting up adverts in shop windows, post offices, libraries, clinics, community centres.

Speak to local GPs in your local area, speak to teachers and suggest that massage is good to help prevent staff related absence.............call the school first so you can get the name of headteacher and that makes it more personal. How about hand delivering it so they see you in person in uniform, looking smart and hand over business cards too. Offer 3 treatments for the price of 2. Offer pamper parties and mention the hostess gets the treatment free and maybe a free lotion or oil. Speak to local council and ask if you can put leaflets up inside their bus stops, on bill boards, on the buses itself.

When dropping off children at school hand out leaflets on to cars at the carpark...........smile just in case they may think you are giving them a parking ticket...............!! Any more info I can PM you.
Bye and good luck.

Hi to every one

I finished my Reflexology diploma at the beginning of December and I am awaiting my certificate before I can get my insurance so I can start practicing. Desprate to start using my new skills and I am trying to keep my skills up by offering treatments free to family and freinds in the hope that they will put my name out there.(Spoke to a potential client to day, so cross fingers there.)

Is there anything else that I could do, whilst I wait for my certificate, to increase potential business.

Any advise would be great
Rachel

My advice would be to ask local venues if you can work for a small fee.
In my clinic I always love to see newly good qualified therapists and help them including with new knowledge and explanation, give understanding and even teach them some important tips. So, if you are in London and still trying to stand up then let me know and maybe I can help you with a place where to treat your clients or other help you may need