Hello.....Just out of school - how do I find clients?

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Permalink Reply by Kelly LeFevre on July 14, 2009 at 12:21pm

Congratualtions! I remember how excited I was to get started back in the day...

All of these suggestions are really good and remember everyone has their own path so trust your intuition as you find the way that's perfect for you.

Although I am in the process of revamping my website, you can still get a free (draft) electronic copy of my upcoming book, "101 Ways to Market Your Massage Therapy Practice". Go to www.massageandprosper.com

Keep in touch (sorry about the pun)! :0)
~ Kelly

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Permalink Reply by Desiree Golub on July 16, 2009 at 7:36am

Starting your own business is really hard. If you dream of owning your own business I would suggest find an existing one for sale. As you can see the amount of massage businesses are increasing by the dozens, while the massage envy corporation gets bigger. It is not easy to market yourself in the massage business, but keep marketing and make yourself known in the area and it should help start the fire.

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Permalink Reply by Robin Wiggs on July 16, 2009 at 8:13pm

YOu are sooo lucky! What excitement to be fresh out of school and that excited/nervous/go-get-em feeling. i'll tell you what works for me Behnam....give it away. Some say dont give your work away, it's too valuable. However, anytime I have given a discount or occasionally even a free massage, it comes back to me over and over. Vista Print is a valuable asset for you. Design a small post card announcing your practice and give a small discount. Hand them out all over town. Then have another card for when they do come in (and they will) to give to someone else new, giving them both a small discount if the new person books. My clients LOVE those. I pass them out when my business starts to slow down. Have your client write their name on the card so you know who to reward!. They love this special perk with the current economy. Also, look to your community. I am actively involved with our local SPCA. I donate gift certificates several times a year (also to the local medical clinic when they have a raffle for the Heart Assoc or Breast Cancer). Remember your clients birthdays, send them a postcard with a $5.00 discount. It's not much, but you remembered them! These all work well for me. I know you'll do great and BE EXCITED! It's an amazing work and your life will be blessed beyond your expectations.

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Permalink Reply by Laurie Patrick on July 17, 2009 at 10:37am

When I first opened my private practice (Just a Room) it was Valentines Day of this year. The business next door to me is costume jewlery and has alot of traffic so I ask if I could put a box for a free massage on the counter. They said yes, so I made a pretty box and entry forms with name, add, ph, and e-mail. About 200 people signed up to win the free 1 hr. swedish massage. I had the drawing wittnessed by the store owner and called the lady. You would have thought she won a million dollars. The ones that didnt win I sent a 10% off and my business card. Just that one thing that cost me the price of a few rose and heart stickers for the box has brought me alot of business. The main thing is to use your imagination because that truley is the only thing that will limit you. Good fortune to you in your new bisness.

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Permalink Reply by Victoria Jenkins on September 20, 2010 at 6:33pm

What a great idea!!! I too am a new therapist and trying to bring more business to the spa I work at. Thank you all for the great advice.

Laurie Patrick said:

When I first opened my private practice (Just a Room) it was Valentines Day of this year. The business next door to me is costume jewlery and has alot of traffic so I ask if I could put a box for a free massage on the counter. They said yes, so I made a pretty box and entry forms with name, add, ph, and e-mail. About 200 people signed up to win the free 1 hr. swedish massage. I had the drawing wittnessed by the store owner and called the lady. You would have thought she won a million dollars. The ones that didnt win I sent a 10% off and my business card. Just that one thing that cost me the price of a few rose and heart stickers for the box has brought me alot of business. The main thing is to use your imagination because that truley is the only thing that will limit you. Good fortune to you in your new bisness.

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Permalink Reply by Kelli Dougan on September 27, 2010 at 9:39am

Hello and wishing you all the best in your new career as a LMT. Everyone on here offers useful advice for getting started.
However, I think everyone needs to find what works for you as a individual. You may find some avenues you don't care for doing and others work great for you.
Yes, get your face out there and meet as many people as possible. I believe in networking groups that you attend weekly so a group of people really get to know you & your services...from there you are recommended to their contacts and so forth. Word of mouth has always been the best form of marketing. Also create a strong image: business cards, flyers, website that has your logo as a common thread that people will recognize. Going the extra distance w/ your new clients as mentioned is paramount. Send thank you cards to all new clients and occasionally give them a little extra for their patronage. You also have to find out what's out there in your market and how to set yourself apart from them.
I offer packages: buy 5 and get 1 free. (for your potential regulars this is a great incentive for them)
There are so many different options for you as a therapist, its just finding what works for you and what you enjoy. I would also look into seeing if there is a local massage chapter that offers meetings in your area that you can connect w/ other therapists monthly. Good luck.

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