Open House Idea's for a Massage School

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Permalink Reply by Michael Huber on February 4, 2011 at 10:10am

The program has been around for a while and the point is to draw in new potential students for the program.  Our clinic is almost always booked so we do not need to generate interest for that at this time.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Huber on February 9, 2011 at 8:47am

Thank you Samantha for all the ideas and information, I appreciate the amount of time you put into your reply.  I have tried most of the idea's you put forth, the others, unfortunately, our admissions process does  not allow.  With the big investigation into education using hard sales tactics,  many schools are trying to go beyond a shadow of a doubt that they do  not use  hard techniques.

 

Providing gift certificates, free massage, classroom observations or even having a free class on general massage techniques all are not allowed under our admissions process.  Again, thank you for energy you put into your reply, you gave me some angles I had not thought of, but unfortunately our rules regarding admissions can be a bit strict at times, in my view.

Samantha J. Bennett said:

Hi Michael, So sorry I didn't get back to ya sooner! I would think that the "open house" ideas would be important but not the most important because you'd already need to have their attention some how to even get them to attend the open house...right? Or am I wrong?

 

If that's the case put out the word to your local radio/ news stations and see if they wouldn't allow you time to say a little something on air before your open houses to help draw some peoples attention. Contact local high schools- sometimes they have like a career / college day where people can set up tables so their students can know their options to further education (or they did back when i was in school- not sure now...what's the harm in asking though right? Maybe see if a local mall would help out and have a table and some of your students set up giving short free chair massages (with a massage chair or a reg. chair) and get contact info first so you can do some follow up after and hand out info. pertaining to your open house. If you don't want to do free massages- team up with a charity and say profits will go to that cause while still getting a good deal on the massage. Do press releases to get some media coverage.You said you have plently of the community involved/ your schedules full of appointments so be sending flyers home to those people that are already in your offices- maybe they have a son or daughter or grandchild, etc that is trying to figure out what they want to do in life!  

 

hmm...as for options and things you can do for the open house itself- esp.ly have your students or some of the more successful alumni students there ...allow them to answer questions one on one 'bout the program and let them put in their personal experiences with how massage has touched their lives....you said you have done open forum/question&answers in the past maybe to larger crowds?- but sometimes more of the shy types won't ask questions if in front of a large crowd. Plus if your students are faithful enough to your program and have benefited greatly from the program- others will take notice of that and respect them to answer questions- not just the instructor/workers of that school/program that will benefit from them choosing to go to school there. If that makes sence? Have some free chair massages, or tables set up to do some foot or hand quick reflexology sessions ....When I was thinking 'bout going to massage school- what got me was after talking to a rep and them telling me to call the clinic to get a free massage for myself and feel what you can do for others. And I thought yes this is what i want to do with my life and help others this way! Because it felt so good! If you all can afford to do the same after they have a sit down and talk with a rep 'bout the program- go for it! They gave out a full hour, but even a 30 minute table massage, etc. can do wonders for people and they'll fully understand what and how they can help others! So either a program person in charge or have one of your reps there or a schedule at your open house so people can book appt.s to learn more about your program and then offer them that experience.

 

If you can't do all of the free massages- at least have a couple sessions to raffle of some sort of those that attend the open house. Maybe try cross promoting businesses and find a caterer or restaurant willing to provide appetizers and drinks of some sort for the people that attend. Have a couple of treatment rooms open so people can see where they might work one day. Depending on your program level/ training : If you have any "skeletons" hiding in the closet (hehehe) bring them out to play ! Tell them how detailed massage therapy can be and how much they can learn 'bout the body with A&P, etc. Maybe see how experienced in their training with the body, etc. they already are and make up a little quiz for those that want to play when they get there by labeling charts or bones on the skeletons, etc. asking them if they know what things are- have a place for contact info on that as well maybe and tell them to leave them in a box of another raffle type thing. If you don't do this or what to make it easier- make up a game where each of the people there (students and instructors can help in answering information for people to be writing down and interact that way....then they'd need to meet and talk with more of you).

 

Of course do your powerpoint presentations with some stats of massage therapy and massage therapists! The growth and knowledge involved in your program to become a certified or licensed MT. Go over the types and benefits of massage. Etc. And I know this is getting way long! So i'll shut up now  :)  Most importantly it's all about taking each person that comes to your open houses and making them feel comfortable with the surroundings and the staff, etc. Be warm and open minded to each of their needs or wants. Make them feel included in the process. If you have any more questions or want input on anything else- feel free to email me on here! I'd be happy to help. tc

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