Reaching my full clientele, in a nutshell.

In March I’ll reach my seven year anniversary of graduating from massage school. I started my business the very next day and last week I officially announced that I’m no longer taking new clients. (We’ll discuss the ins and outs of that another time)

In a nutshell, here’s how I did it:

I knew I wanted massage to be my full time job, so I treated it that way from Day 1. If I didn’t have clients scheduled, I still went to the office as if I had a full schedule, and I used that time to learn about marketing.

I hustled at chair massage, working oodles of Friday nights massaging women who get together to scrapbook.

I asked for help from my family to take the load off at home. I let them help me.

I sent thank you notes to new clients.

I sent thank you notes to regular clients, at least annually.

I never settled for an empty appointment book. In the beginning, I would woo friends in with a discount, or offer complimentary massage to great referral partners.

I embraced new marketing methods, like websites, email, and social media when they became available. I got excited about change, not pissy about it.

I started out small, renting a tiny room and a sliver of desk space in a local chiropractic office and kept my expenses low.

I treated every client like royalty. 

I asked for help from my mentor to guide me though difficult situations. I let him help me.

I kept my day job, part time in a local pharmacy. It was great for connecting with potential clients, and keeping me sane, and putting a cushion in my savings account.

I quit my day job. Too many of us slack on Plan A because we have a Plan B. Losing that safety net made me hustle even harder.

I considered my ideal clients and adjusted my schedule to make their convenience my priority.

I listened to my business-owner clients, and read every book they recommended.

I asked for help from my colleagues when I struggled to treat a tough pathology or client. I let them help me.

When I started to feel stifled in my tiny rented room, I moved out into my own office space.

I learned new techniques regularly and advertised that to my clients.

I got active in my local massage community to keep me abreast of new ideas and to keep me passionate about the industry.

I taught a community massage class, to practice my speaking and educating skills.

I asked for help from my friends, to warn me when I overwork. I let them help me.

I set goals.

I rewarded myself when I reached goals, usually with new beautiful artwork for the office or a great massage tool or product.

I got lots and lots of massage. It greatly improved my techniques and allowed me to meet my colleagues.

I rested. A few times a year, two days on a couch watching movies is a great way to recharge (for me).

That’s my nutshell. It’s a great place to be right now.

What’s worked for you?

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