Marketing my business...

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Comment by Jacob Kelly on July 23, 2009 at 10:52pm

Hi Kelly,

I stumbled upon a great concept on Youtube, and it has been working well for me.
It is so simple: You first take the strategy of booking yourself to do chair massge at events (I found a great little wine bar that has live music on Friday nights, as well as a bi-annual metaphysical fair -psychics and healers and such).
Then, instead of just having your materials there and giving them to people (passively), you get active and start asking every person that you talk to, even those who you do not give massage to at the event, if they will give you their info -name, phone# and e-mail. If you want to, you can offer a free massage or some other give-away as an incentive to have them give their info. I prefer not to, though, as the people that really are interested in purchasing my service will be the only people I am dealing with -instead of people who just want free stuff.

Sometimes you can just see that people are really excited about what you just did for them that they are even ready to book an appointment right there.(so usually wait to spring it on them til after the massage!). Make sure to have your appointment book handy as well.
It does not have to be fancy, just a notebook and a pen are what have gotten me more clients this year than ever before.

Best of efforts to you,
In Peace,
Jacob

Comment by Kelly Wadford on July 23, 2009 at 5:03am

Great info Christie... I will consider what I want my "signature massage" to be - great idea! I thank everyone for their suggestions!

Comment by Christie W. Naeher on July 22, 2009 at 9:12pm

Hi Kelly, I agree with Shar, I am also in the process of advertising my business in the Northern Virginia area and I have found numerous ad sites for massage therapists, also Spa Finder, Spa Addicts and Spa Emergency are good ones as well if you do more than just massage. I do the Bellanina Facial Massage which is a facial and massage. I also use products just for men so I can do spa packages such as the facial and massage packages which also includes a hand and foot treatment. So if you do any type of massage/facial/hot stone, etc that is similar to spa treatments, those sites work really well. Put up a Fan Page on Facebook and let everyone you know that you are a massage therapist. A business plan is also a great tool. We did one in school, but I revised mine for how I want my business to grow. Have lots of modalities under your belt. Pregnancy massage, is a good one to use for advertising on mom to be websites. Spa parties are great to advertise for bridal sites. If you can hook up with another therapist and you can both do the Bellanina facial massage, you can also find a manicurest and out call hairdresser and you have everything you will need for the Spa Parties! I think a lot of that will set you apart. I also specialize in Esalen massage, which is not in this area. If you can find a modality that is not done by every massage therapist or come up with a "signature massage", you will also set yourself apart. My signature massage is a massage/Reiki session and I use Hot Stone for any stubborn muscles. I also incorporate Esalen strokes in as well. So it is really nice, relaxing and non invasive. I use only soft cotton flannel sheets, candles, a scented head rest, heating pad on the bed, only organic products and jojoba oil. You know that horrible stale smell that sheets get time after time and will not wash out? Jojoba oil is an oil that washes out and your sheets don't smell and stay oily. The small details are what clients come back for along with your skills. I hope that helps some. Good luck with your business.

I wish you lots of luck in your business

Comment by Ruthellen Wood on July 22, 2009 at 8:27am

HI Kelly,
I'm also from Jax but not in chiro. I think Shar is right about some of her stuff. But what I didn't see is any strategy. Or any analysis of how you got where you are or what your goals are. All are "mission critical." Give me a shout if you'd like and I'll help you get moving on solid footing.

Comment by Kelly Wadford on July 22, 2009 at 5:21am

Thanks so much for each of your responses. I will take all your comments and consider what I need to do to move more aggressively forward. Best regards, Kelly.

Comment by Shar Nagle on July 21, 2009 at 9:18pm

hi kelly, maybe a change in your vision of yourself would be a way to stand out...I started working for a chiro 16 yrs ago and morphed myself into my own boss..the chiro was willing to work with my concepts..I received referrals from the chiro patients (not everyone received immediate chiro care, but eventually did get chiro care) the chiro should be receptive to new potential patients coming to the office...you need to market yourself...website, blog, facebook, health fairs (chair massage), speak at local business groups, rotary clubs, join the chamber of commerce, talk to everyone you come in contact with and be handing out business cards, have brochures or flyers at any other "events" u do, get yourself out there...be creative...http://balancedlivingbalancedlife.blogspot.com good luck Shar