a community of practitioners

Newly Licensed?

WOW! Wow! Neat! I'm in!

Now what? Tell me what your plans are and what you feel you need now to be a success?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michelle Tullous on October 14, 2009 at 6:34pm

Now what? That is the question I've been asking for the last month (I am in my last 6 hours of the 500 hour program and will take my exam before December). I thought I had it all figured out, I was going to start my own private practice, maybe it's just nerves but I'm doubting that decision. My practice was originally going to be from my home but after careful consideration, I don't want strangers in my home. Now, I need to decide where to office and consider rent. Do continue my full time job and try to kick off my practice on the evenings and weekends? Or do I quit or work part-time in order to devote my time to my new career? Recently, I've even been considering working in a day spa or other commercial massage retailer. Am I on the right track or do I just need to relax and let it happen as it should?

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on October 14, 2009 at 7:59pm

Hi Michelle,

Welcome! Ok, first off, financially are you able to support yourself, if you quit that first (in hand) job? Answer yes, proceed to build massage career. Answer, no or not really, keep day job and go a little slower, but eat.

Most therapists work massage part time, especially at first. Strangers in your home can have all sorts of twists to it. I know how anxious you are getting. Go to every establishment around your area. The first time, just look and decide if you would like to work there. The next time ask questions of those that do work there. That should keep you going until you test. Breathe, it will happen whether you are tense or not, it's your choice....

Think about this and get back to us. Everyone is here for you.

Permalink Reply by Ruth M. Schopper-Hughes on October 26, 2009 at 11:56am

Hi. I am not newly licensed, but I am brand new to working for myself. I am working on a website, got cards and magnets for my car. I went to the bank to open a checking account. I was told I need a business tax reciept and a ficticious name. The bank would not tell me how. Can someone answer who do I get a business tax reciept and ficticious name from? Thanks, Ruth

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on October 26, 2009 at 10:35pm

So what do you want to do?

Cathleen McCauley said:

Ahh! I've been asking myself that same question. Now what?? I started a private practice in my home taking only clients that I personally know or have been referred to me by someone I know. It's been OK, but I like my home being my home and not a place of business. I recently interviewed for a position at a spa, although I'm not certain I want to do spa work. I feel like I can be picky (this is MY dream career, no one else's) but I also feel like getting hands on time is a MUST at this point.

So while it sounds like I know where I'm headed with this, I sure have no clue! My goal is to do a little bit every day that will keep me headed in the right direction. I read up on massage, keep in touch with other therapists, check the job boards, read the forums and get massages. IAll of this helps!

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on October 26, 2009 at 10:37pm

For your tax reciept, go to your local county tax assessor's office. DBAs are usually handled through your local newspaper, check with them. If you need more help, holler!~

Ruth M. Schopper-Hughes said:

Hi. I am not newly licensed, but I am brand new to working for myself. I am working on a website, got cards and magnets for my car. I went to the bank to open a checking account. I was told I need a business tax reciept and a ficticious name. The bank would not tell me how. Can someone answer who do I get a business tax reciept and ficticious name from? Thanks, Ruth

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on October 26, 2009 at 11:04pm

Ruth, my tax ID number is my social security number.

Ruth M. Schopper-Hughes said:

Hi. I am not newly licensed, but I am brand new to working for myself. I am working on a website, got cards and magnets for my car. I went to the bank to open a checking account. I was told I need a business tax reciept and a ficticious name. The bank would not tell me how. Can someone answer who do I get a business tax reciept and ficticious name from? Thanks, Ruth

Permalink Reply by Ramilton Franco on November 10, 2009 at 5:38pm

I just opened my business checking account in oregon. I had to register my business name with the state and that was enough proof to the bank. They used my SS# for EIN but said that if i need to change later i can just get one from the government later.
My business is part time right and brand new. I'm still trying to get my first client in and I know it will take time to build it so I'm considering working for someone at least once a week since i still have a full time job that fortunately allows 3 to 4 days off every week.
Right now i feel a bit overwhelmed with all the little things that i need to get in place but at the same i'm relishing the excitement of starting my own little practice.

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on November 20, 2009 at 11:26am

That's great Ramilton! Have you had that first one yet?

Ramilton Franco said:

I just opened my business checking account in oregon. I had to register my business name with the state and that was enough proof to the bank. They used my SS# for EIN but said that if i need to change later i can just get one from the government later.
My business is part time right and brand new. I'm still trying to get my first client in and I know it will take time to build it so I'm considering working for someone at least once a week since i still have a full time job that fortunately allows 3 to 4 days off every week.
Right now i feel a bit overwhelmed with all the little things that i need to get in place but at the same i'm relishing the excitement of starting my own little practice.

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on December 29, 2009 at 9:00pm

Where I work when a client refers someone and they come in, they get a free massage.

Rick Britton said:

For all new therapists I would recommend offering the first consultation and treatment entirely at no cost.

this has the powerful effect of reversing the risk involved in going to a new therapist for the first time... the unconscious objection that people make and that stops them from calling to book an appointment is:

what if I end up wasting my money? what if it's no good?

By assuming the risk yourself your response to promotion may increase 3 or 4 fold. You may object to giving free sessions and that is understandable. it is the fastest way to get people in the door.... and

when you get them in you have the perfect opportunity to ask for referrals. Pretty much every body knows someone who has pain. So, ask them 1) would you refer people to me? and 2) great thanks, can you think of someone you know, give my card and refer them to me? I would really appreciate your help in building my practice. Asking directly at the end of the session is the best way to get a referral... when they are feeling good.

Then get a referral reward scheme going. Thank and reward your clients when they refer... give them stuff (you decide what)...

I found this approach the fastest way to get new clients in to get the ball rolling.

Ramilton Franco said:
I just opened my business checking account in oregon. I had to register my business name with the state and that was enough proof to the bank. They used my SS# for EIN but said that if i need to change later i can just get one from the government later.
My business is part time right and brand new. I'm still trying to get my first client in and I know it will take time to build it so I'm considering working for someone at least once a week since i still have a full time job that fortunately allows 3 to 4 days off every week. Right now i feel a bit overwhelmed with all the little things that i need to get in place but at the same i'm relishing the excitement of starting my own little practice.

Permalink Reply by Mark Lechtner on January 22, 2010 at 9:58pm

As a recently licensed therapist, I have struggled in which direction I want to pursue, I work at a day spa 4 days a week in Statesville and to pursue a private practice in my home town of Hickory. I have been offering out call service or in my home. Both have been going slowly so far. Trying to market both but in different ways. In my practice more a clinical based as compared to the day spa. However with limited income from both I am afraid I may have to sacrifice one for alternative income from a job outside this field. I know I need money to pay my bills and look to rent an office. Is this the right path to take?

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on January 22, 2010 at 10:57pm

Hi Mark,

I am right down the road from Hickory in Elkin. If finances are tight, it is not the time to rent. Wait until you have a nest egg to fall back on. I have seen a lot of therapists just barely get their foot in the door and when business does not rush through the door, they are out in 6 months. Plan and work and you will make it. Pay those bills and you will be fine.

There are options like group establishments, but that's another story!

Mark Lechtner said:

As a recently licensed therapist, I have struggled in which direction I want to pursue, I work at a day spa 4 days a week in Statesville and to pursue a private practice in my home town of Hickory. I have been offering out call service or in my home. Both have been going slowly so far. Trying to market both but in different ways. In my practice more a clinical based as compared to the day spa. However with limited income from both I am afraid I may have to sacrifice one for alternative income from a job outside this field. I know I need money to pay my bills and look to rent an office. Is this the right path to take?

Permalink Reply by Mark Lechtner on January 24, 2010 at 9:20pm

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the advice. I am definately not rushing into renting a place and leavong the Spa just yet. Need more of a nest egg before venturing out in an office setting. Have some success with my out call service from family and friends. The spa has picked here in the last couple of weeks.
Mark

Mike Hinkle said:

Hi Mark,

I am right down the road from Hickory in Elkin. If finances are tight, it is not the time to rent. Wait until you have a nest egg to fall back on. I have seen a lot of therapists just barely get their foot in the door and when business does not rush through the door, they are out in 6 months. Plan and work and you will make it. Pay those bills and you will be fine.

There are options like group establishments, but that's another story!

Mark Lechtner said:
As a recently licensed therapist, I have struggled in which direction I want to pursue, I work at a day spa 4 days a week in Statesville and to pursue a private practice in my home town of Hickory. I have been offering out call service or in my home. Both have been going slowly so far. Trying to market both but in different ways. In my practice more a clinical based as compared to the day spa. However with limited income from both I am afraid I may have to sacrifice one for alternative income from a job outside this field. I know I need money to pay my bills and look to rent an office. Is this the right path to take?