Starting business at home and out-calls

[Military Gurl Condria]

Ok fellow therapists! I think I will put away my resumes, and stop looking for work at spas, and just do my own thing! I currently have 1 client that i see at her house, but am desparate to add clientel. I want to work by referral only, to weed out weirdos. I also do chair 2x month at a business office. I set out to find work at a spa so I could have consistant hrs, and $. I also live 4 houses down from a neighbor who is an estetition (sp?) out of her home. (she also has 6 kids). I am also a stay at home mom, so we need the $.
Could anyone lend me some advice at how to start? Do I pass out my menu to all my friends and family with maybe a special offer like refer 3 and get 30 min free? whacha all think?
(sorry if this has already been addressed!)
polorolo

 

[iluvemocharlybrown]

You don't really specify if you will be doing strictly outcalls or having clients come to your home. If you will be having them come to your home, do you have a dedicated, quiet space for that? Will your children be out of the house at the time of the massage? If you're doing it at home, I would definitely recommend that the space be quiet and professional.

As far as attracting clients, a good place to start is with your family and friends. Hopefuly, they are happy to help spread the word for you without incentive, but offering incentive is also a good idea. Make sure to give them your business cards and a menu of services so that they can give them to their friends and co-workers. Be sure to explain to them that they shouldn't leave them in the lounge at work, as you don't want just anybody picking up the information, but to pass them to people that they would feel comfortable with themselves.

I would send out letters of introduction to people who you know in the community that are maybe involved with your church, your children's school, parents of your children's friends......just about anybody who you have had some sort of connection with in the past. Let them know that you are now available to do massages at their home or in your home office or wherever you are focusing. Have some sort of introductory offer......put a time limit on it so that you prompt them to act right away.

How about the folks at the business where you do chair massage? They are already familiar with you and you with them.....this is a good source to get full session clients from.

The starting out part is always the hardest. Once you get going, it is important to have a referral program......be sure to thank each of your clients who sends you a new client. This is crucial since you are depending on referrals to build your business.

Good luck!

 

[Horse Lover]

I just successfully branched off completely on my own working primarily at home (with a few out-calls).

I got a lot of regular business from going to friends or clients offices and doing chair massage. Usually for health fairs, or for special talks. Out of all the times I have done it, I got a regular chair job from it. While chair is not my favorite, it is regular income and I have also gotten a lot of table clients from it. Make sure to bring all your information to hand out.

Treat your business like a business from day one!

It takes time to build up with just word of mouth - but I can say that it has been worth it! I don't have near the issues of no-shows and late arrivals that I had working in offices. My clients are great.

I have done open houses, raffels and maintenance plans to help gain clients. A lot have come from some friends that could sell anything to anyone. You will eventually figure out what works for you.

Check out this site too:
http://www.massage-marketing-tips.com/index.html
It have been very useful.

Remember to pay attention to the small details:
Is the massage room quiet, clean, with minimal distractions?
Keep all areas that the clients come into contact with clean and clutter free.
Pay attention to odd smells and pets.
Is the massage room too bright?
What do your sheets smell like when you are face down in them?

Do everything you can to keep your clients happy and comfortable and they will come back.

Here is another thread you might what to look at:
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1535&highlight=business

Best of luck!