Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

[DaveC]

I was thinking about putting an ad out (craigslist health/beauty or sm. business?) that would target people who may have thought about massage before, but dismissed it because they just didn't know enough about it or were too afraid/embarrassed to try it. I'd offer a free session where they could come see me in my office and just ask questions without fear of being judged or thought inappropriate. I'd show them everything that a massage session with me entails, from the intake form to the equipment, so they wouldn't be left wondering about anything. I'm in a medical office building and share an office with two other LMT's. I figure I could do this on Saturdays when there are plenty of people coming and going and if needed my boyfriend would be able to hangout nearby.

I'm not doing anything else right now, and with my fear of approaching other people and businesses to promote myself, I thought this would be a good way for me to use my time with the possibility of getting some clients out of it. At the very least, anyone who does come will have a better image/understanding of massage therapy.

My first Swedish massage was, to me, very uncomfortable and I would not go back. Not because the work was bad, it wasn't, but because of how impersonal the whole atmosphere felt. The therapist knew I had never had massage before and was going to school for it, and tried to be informative. She even used some hot stones to show me how they felt. But then asking me if I wanted water afterward yet not giving me any even after I finally ventured out of the room to find her, and the receptionist giving me a chilly attitude when I didn't offer to add a tip (I had no idea about the whole "tip" thing back then) I had been incredibly anxious before the session because of my own body image issues, and afterward my frustration and embarrassment gave me a headache every time I thought about the whole experience. That is what I want to avoid with my clients. They say that you tend to attract people to your business who are similar to yourself and that is what I want!

Now, I have no problem with spending unpaid time with a person if it means they will leave with a better idea of what I do and what massage therapy in general can do. When I had my practice in NY, it was not unheard of for me to spend 2 hours with a new client for a 1hr table session if that was what it took for that person to be comfortable (obviously I didn't have an appointment directly afterward). I just LOVED working with "massage newbies" so much and helping them to feel comfortable and experience how good it felt to be worked on. I want to attract people who will be comfortable with me as their MT, and they'll know I am there for them.

I recently moved to NH and opened my practice a couple of months ago. Of my 2 regular clients, one had received my contact info along with a special offer for a session with me, via a mutual friend right when I opened my doors. I never heard from her until our mutual friend introduced us over lunch and we spent the whole time talking massage. She has since given up her ME membership and has started seeing me for 90 minute sessions. I was offering a first time special rate that was the same as she would pay at ME, I was 2 minutes from her home instead of 1/2 hour, she had all my contact info, and I was referred by a friend. Yet she never even contacted me until after we met face to face! Now, what about those who haven't ever had a massage? t017

I have joined a small business networking group, which was very difficult for me, and I am staying optimistic about it for now. However, I would really like to have a practice based on quality, not quantity and I think it may take a while for me to get referrals like that out of the networking group.

Thanks for reading and I'd love some feedback on the idea. Am I missing something that would make it blowup in my face? Does it sounds like a viable plan for what I want to do? Thoughts?

 

[j_ody]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

I love how you are really thinking this through and analyzing the situation. It sounds like you are on to something, so go with your instincts and let us know what you decide to do and how things go!

 

[ZenYouDoIt]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

Most people just call it a free consultation.

It is perfectly appropriate to go over questions and offer suggestions as to how your work might benefit them.

It's hard to get clients in the door initially anyway - if they can commit to coming in and meeting you with no strings attached, that opens the door to a future booking - especially if they feel comfortable with you and confident in your knowledge and skills.

If you schedule enough time at consult then you can offer then the opportunity to book a session right then.

 

[Psychodelic Chicken]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

Most people just call it a free consultation.

True. I just want to stay away from that specific wording. I already offer the free "consultation" on my website but I think that gives people the impression that they need to have a specific medical issue to come in and that that will be what the consult will be focused on. Basically what I want to do is advertise myself as someone who can answer any questions they may have about massage in general so they feel more comfortable about the idea of trying massage/bodywork. I guess more of an informal informational meeting... t017

Thanks for the replies so far!

 

[Arafat]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

akashafive, could you set out some cookies and some tea.. maybe get a bouquet of flowers, and call it an "open house?"

I think the purpose could still be the same, but it might get a more "positive vibe" or "buzz" going if it's a celebration or perhaps for a cause? Ask people to bring in a non perishable food item that you can donate to a local food bank... and offer them a coupon for $10 off their first massage when they visit and tour your office? Don't forget to have a framed sign regarding GCs for sale in plain sight! :altwink:

 

[Pompal 09.]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

Maybe you could call it a "workshop"?

Free 'Introduction to Massage' Workshop... for multiple people at one time. Like a group setting.

 

[Eva S]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

Ooooh! I love the idea of an open house or workshop! The wheels in my head are turning.

Thank you for the ideas!

 

[cutiee:)]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

A workshop is a great idea because there's always someone else who has a great question you never would have thought of!

 

[Javanoob]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

We belong to a good handful of networking groups ourselves. Some of them *really really encourage* something called "one-on-one's": meeting for lunch of coffee, somewhere, to just sit and talk with someone you might otherwise *never* have connected with. Get to know them and what they do and why they do it a little, and vice-versa.

These "one-on-one's" have been astronomically helpful for us! There are SO many people who have misconceptions about massage. Getting to talk to them and share not only WHAT we do, but WHY, has been amazing. (It's also been helpful for debunking a few misconceptions about others' lines of work for us, as well).

It sounds like that's sort of what you're wanting to do. Holding an "open house" would also be a good idea, but remember that there will always be questions that some people just won't ask in a group setting. I suggest that you start "working your networking group" by initiating some 'one-on-one's", and then after you've gotten to know a few other members, schedule your open house, and announce it in your networking meeting for a few weeks prior. I'd bet that at least some of the folks you'll have "one-on-one's with" will decide not only to attend your open house, but will also take it upon themselves to invite others (both from the group and outside).

Good luck! Remember, too, something we learned in holding our first "Grand Opening" party, where we had two clients show up, as compared with our "First Anniversary Party", where we had 45 people in attendance. Your parties are only as good as they are marketed, as well.

 

[pumpernickel o]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

We belong to a good handful of networking groups ourselves. Some of them *really really encourage* something called "one-on-one's": meeting for lunch of coffee, somewhere, to just sit and talk with someone you might otherwise *never* have connected with. Get to know them and what they do and why they do it a little, and vice-versa.

These "one-on-one's" have been astronomically helpful for us! There are SO many people who have misconceptions about massage. Getting to talk to them and share not only WHAT we do, but WHY, has been amazing. (It's also been helpful for debunking a few misconceptions about others' lines of work for us, as well).

It sounds like that's sort of what you're wanting to do. Holding an "open house" would also be a good idea, but remember that there will always be questions that some people just won't ask in a group setting. I suggest that you start "working your networking group" by initiating some 'one-on-one's", and then after you've gotten to know a few other members, schedule your open house, and announce it in your networking meeting for a few weeks prior. I'd bet that at least some of the folks you'll have "one-on-one's with" will decide not only to attend your open house, but will also take it upon themselves to invite others (both from the group and outside).

Good luck! Remember, too, something we learned in holding our first "Grand Opening" party, where we had two clients show up, as compared with our "First Anniversary Party", where we had 45 people in attendance. Your parties are only as good as they are marketed, as well.

Great advice! I think you really captured what I'd like to do as I had also been thinking of the questions they might not get addressed in a group situation. My networking group meets once a month and every other month will have a "member spotlight". Since we only have about a dozen members, I am hoping that during my presentation I will be able to address many misconceptions, take questions and also invite (maybe hand out an actual invitation) them/people they know to come visit me for the one-on-ones, as well as be able to announce an open house.

Thanks!

 

[phillip b]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

Great advice! I think you really captured what I'd like to do as I had also been thinking of the questions they might not get addressed in a group situation. My networking group meets once a month and every other month will have a "member spotlight". Since we only have about a dozen members, I am hoping that during my presentation I will be able to address many misconceptions, take questions and also invite (maybe hand out an actual invitation) them/people they know to come visit me for the one-on-ones, as well as be able to announce an open house.

Thanks!

You are most welcome. If I can help *someone* not have to go through and make some of the hilarious, stupid, and/or regrettable mistakes we have made with regard to networking and marketing, then I'll feel like those experiences will not have been in vain!

I think you have a great idea there. Our groups vary between 5-10 minutes for the "spotlight", and you have to get signed up well in advance in order to get in "line" to give one. We're doing one for our local Chamber on April 6th-- I am nervous and excited about it! I'm hoping that Hubby will consent to let me do this one, since he did the last one (at our larger Chamber back last... September, I think).

I have heard and do believe (now more than ever) that taking up every possible opportunity to do "public speaking" is a *very* good idea; even if the attendees do not wind up coming to see *you*, at least you've helped prepare them for seeing *someone* (hopefully), and helped to correct some of those all-too-common massage misconceptions.

(Can you believe that we have a few clients who, after having seen us for a year or more, still tell people they see a "masseuse" or go to a "massage parlor"? We have tried.... to no avail... to change their language. Maybe someday they'll get it, LOL!)

 

[Pompal 09.]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

(Can you believe that we have a few clients who, after having seen us for a year or more, still tell people they see a "masseuse" or go to a "massage parlor"? We have tried.... to no avail... to change their language. Maybe someday they'll get it, LOL!)

Timedess, how about a re-write of that article I posted under the Dear Abby thread. And, then have it as a hand-out in the new facility.

Something like this (I paraphrased to cut it back a bit):

• • "Is there a difference between a masseuse and a massage therapist?"
    
    “Masseuse” and “masseur” are outdated terms referring to male and female massage practitioners and nowadays it is often used to refer to a less skilled or less professional massage practitioner. The preferred term these days is massage therapist (MT) – which takes the emphasis off of the gender of the practitioner so it can be placed on what really matters; their competence. The gender of the MT is not nearly as important as their ability to address the needs of their client; a good MT will make a client feel safe, respected, welcome, and cared for.
    
    Masseuse has connotations with the shady side of massage – bath houses, parlors, etc. Every day massage therapists have to deal with people who illegitimize or invalidate what we do. We have to justify our profession and refute misconceptions. The terms masseuse and masseur simply serve to reinforce those outdated misconceptions about massage and the people who practice it.
    
    Calling an MT a masseuse is often received as a degrading, dismissive or insulting comment to the MT. Often we patiently educate but inside may feel the frustration of having to fight the battle one more time. It can truly be exhausting. All MTs dream of the day when stating you are an MT is a badge of honor, a profession that is understood and esteemed instead of joked about. We work towards it one conversation at a time and hope that we can get through to people such as yourself who are curious and desire to know. I hope that the next time you hear someone say “masseuse” or deride our profession that you can be an advocate on our behalf and change another mind.
    
    Please pass this on to someone you know.
    
    Paraphrased from Mike Wolnick's article "Is there a difference between a masseuse and a massage therapist?".

 

[Pompal 09.]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

That's a good idea, pueppi. I could put that on our web site somewhere, as well as having it in our office. Thanks!

 

[Chad Warden is ballin]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

I used to do free consults, both as an LMT and now as a Functional Medicine doc. yyyyeaaahhhh.....it got frustrating, which is something I can't hide from my tone, even the nonverbal type-written word.

At least with massage therapy they had already scheduled their first appointment, so you knew they weren't just going to meet with you, take an hour or two of your time, and then say, "OK, thanks for the info, I'll check my calendar and call you, bye!" But I did consult with them in a decent amount of depth the first visit before actually getting started. Those first visits with new clients took at least an extra hour. Maybe that was bad time management on my part, who knows?

My Mistakes...

When we opened our clinic and I started with my current path, most people don't know what Functional Medicine is, so I offered my first appointment free. Appointments were supposed to be 30 mins each, and I know I mentioned "and your first 30-min appt is on me" but all they hear is "free appointment". So I would get these patients that, relieved at finally having found a doctor who will LISTEN to them (a good thing), will tell you their life story. Detail is good! And very useful. I'm also really glad they're comfortable enough with me to open up to me like that. Cool. But *not* an hour and 20 mins later!

Giving away the first appointment was a disaster. I ended up with needy people who talked my ear off and NEVER started under my care. All were after quick fixes, simple single magic bullets, cheap testing/treatment options, and insurance coverage. No, no, no, and no. By giving away that much time for free, I was teaching them to NOT value my time. So I stopped giving away the first appointment. And then, people did the same thing on the phone. First they'd call to ask some generic questions and if insurance covered it and then once they realized they were talking to the doc, it was verbal overload on the phone! And asking, "can you maybe recommend something I can do?..." Some, understandably wanted to know every nuance before they made a paid appointment (which I totally understand - money's tight - I just didn't figure it'd take a half hour to decide to make an appointment).

What works for me (!)

So, I changed things again. Since my appointments take anywhere from 15 mins to 2 hours, I set my rate at a certain amount per 15 min so that I can easily pro-rate the time. Then I tell people that the first few visits usually take 1-2 hours, depending widely. Then I tell them that the first 15 mins is on me - that way, they can ask a few urgent make-or-break questions to see if I'm what they're looking for. It also gives me enough time to size them up and see if 1) their case is appropriate for my type of care and 2) if we LIKE each other. That way, they can have some of my time risk-free/no-charge, and yet we establish an understanding that anything after that is compensated for.

So far? Pretty good! People schedule an actual appointment, show up, end up taking about an hour or so, and they keep themselves on topic the whole time. If they start to stray, they snap themselves back. Not only that, but they're much more likely to follow through and actually start care versus looking for a quick fix or freebie advice. They're dedicated. And once they meet with you and get a feel for you, they like you. When you say "my consult fee is [x] amount", they gladly pay it, because they know it's worth it. This way REALLY works for me.

I might do the same thing if I were you. Set a consult rate - if your massage therapy is $60-70/hr, set your consult rate at, say $15 every $15 mins and maybe give those first 10-15 mins on the house, and then GET PAID for anything after that That way, it's risk-free for a question or two, but if they want to talk for an hour, you'll at least have something to show for that occupied time in your schedule at the end of the day.

I LOVE the idea of a workshop - it's much more time-efficient for you! One hour, multiple people at once! (Just beware those who want to stay looooong after you've ended the workshop and gab - had that happen countless times too, same type of people as described above - all interested and then poof, never to be seen again.)

Gosh, I really have some time-setting boundary issues, don't I? Looking back at this, it seems like I have pent-up frustration because I can't take the initiative to politely cut the conversation off. I've got to role-play some more

Please don't make my mistakes!

 

[DIESEL]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

jyoti,

Thank you for sharing your experiences! Reading that has confirmed my desire to require an appointment be made, and I think I will seriously consider a fee structure, now. As much as I am willing to be available to inform others, I would like to be sure that they are somewhat serious about/interested in receiving bodywork, and not just wanting some free quick fixes. :roll:

I'm thinking of posting a flyer advertising these sessions, in the basement of my building where several Weight Watchers groups meet. Being in the same building will hopefully be an incentive for them to go ahead and make an appointment since they would be there anyway.

I'll update once I manage to get it created and posted.

Thanks again!

 

[Grumple]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

This got me to thinking and I am going to TRY offering a free consult with a 15 minute massage. I rarely get out to do chair massage anymore and to be honest never felt it was worth it, unless I was doing it for money.

I am going to book it for 30 minutes, giving the potential client time to fill out a form, ask questions and tell me what is going on and get a quick feel for what my work is like.

I will let you know how it works! I printed out cards for my current clients to hand out, reminding them of my $10 referral bonus to make it worth their time. Of course they only get the bonus is a paying appointment is then booked.

Oh yes, on the card I also give the option of $15 off a hour long session incase they don't want just a free 15 minute.

 

[Bubbles]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

Jyoti, thanks for posting. I always love reading your posts-- I always learn some new way of dealing with something. I *love* the idea of paid consultations, with "the first 15 minutes free". I think that might go *nicely* with our one-on-one type meetings. It'd help keep the one-on-ones to the topic of "who you are/what do you do/why do you do what you do", and leave the "what do you think about THIS out of the picture... We could offer coupons for that free 15-minutes (or so, whatever DH feels worth it) at those meetings and encourage them to schedule an appointment to discuss "aggravated body part # 5,392" in privacy. The hard part will be getting HIM to remember that they're paying for his time!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? Update

Well, after a ton of procrastination, I finally got the flyer made up, printed, and posted by the Weight Watchers meeting room. I have a "cheerleader client" who spoke to her WW group leader about me posting the sign near their room, and who also suggested using the phrase "REWARD YOURSELF - YOU"VE EARNED IT!" since WW is always saying to reward yourself (with non-edible things). So that phrase is right across the top with my details and offer below.

I made a "pocket" out of some card stock with some benefits of massage printed on the front and put my business cards inside. The pocket sits just below the flyer which ended up becoming 8.5x14 in size (horizontal layout). I decided to offer a discount off their first session with me if they make an appointment for a free consultation.

I just put it up on Sunday, and I'll be in for an appointment tomorrow so hopefully it will still be up. I haven't heard from anyone yet, but I'll keep my fingers crossed. If this doesn't get me any clients I may revisit the other ideas you guys came up with like the workshop or open house, and especially the fee structure for the consult itself.

Thanks again for all of your replies and ideas, and I will surely update if I get any bites from this!

 

[Raga]

Free face2face Q&A sessions? (kinda long)

Good luck with it, Lauren! I hoe to hear great news from you about this, soon!