Starting over in a small town...

[Pompal 09.]

WOW...It took me a long time to figure out how to get to these message boards!  ???  I've been away awhile and things have changed!  Well, my question is directed at those of you who are in small towns, and who've moved their practices out of state.  I am facing closing the practice I've spent the past 4 years building in order to follow my heart and join the love of my life in another state, in a small town, where there are only three other competing massage therapists listed in the local yellow pages!  I have lived in a town where tourism is a big business, and my marketing strategies have been fabulous for here, but where I'm going is completely different; no local free papers to advertise in (just the local daily paper), and I don't know my way around the town at all.  How have any of you managed to restart your careers in a new city?  And how do those of you market your businesses in a small town?  Fortunately, my living expenses will be taken care of, but I want to begin rebuilding my practice soon after arriving.  Are there any good suggestions out there?   Thanks....Traci

 

[Stacieee]

Traci, congrats on the move.  Hopefully, before you even move, you've considered selling your current practice to alleviate the financial hit from moving but that's another thread that's been discussed before.  Although I live in a big city, I did move here after having a successful practice in another state.  Like anywhere else, it's going to be spaghetti time for a few months.  By that I mean (from a marketing stance), throw it on the wall and see what sticks.  See what the other therapists are doing.  The boyfriend's address book might be a start too.  If he's lived there a while, he must know some folks that you could send an announcement too.  Put an offer in the announcement to pass it on if they're not interested and receive a discount for referring.  Might get two for one.  Believe it or not, when I moved to L.A., I sat in Starbucks reading a Shiatsu book.  I made some good contacts by people starting up conversations with me because of the subject matter.  One is still a client today!  See if you can find an old thread from Jill (sagetherapist) about door hangers/flyers.  That might be an option for you as well so long as there is no local ordinance against it.  Small towns are tricky, you want to get the word out but not overwhelm the locals.  I know I came from one.  Get out there and meet people, join some organizations that you might be interested in since you'll have a little free time on your hands.  Exercise classes, tennis lessons, anything that someone might want/need a massage after.  Use the time to have a little fun and market yourself at the same time.  I guess what I'm saying is, mix it up as much as you can.  I would even consider Eric's "Give to Get" Strategy and those who know me on this board know I never give it away.  *smile*   It'll all work out over time.  Enjoy your new surroundings and get the lay of the land and everything else should follow.  That's my 2cents, anyone got anything more specific from small town America!  Again, congrats on your move.  Joe E.

 

[justanordinarygirl]

Starting over in a small town...

Thanks for the great suggestions!  I do intend to try a lot of different approaches, and sling lots of spaghetti.     I already know it's more than likely that I will have to reduce my fees in order to remain competetive in the area, and I've checked into some things, already.  I'm looking forward to the move and starting over, but leaving behind a business I spent the last 4 years developing is scary.    However, I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't have a darn good reason to, so I hope it's a good decision.Networking should help me a lot.   I have found putting money into mass advertising to work for me very well, but without the usual mass advertising mediums available there that I have here, I'll most likely have to resort to smaller and more time consuming methods until I get a feel for the town and my new surroundings.  Thank goodness I won't have to pay for living expenses!  Traci

 

[MyCheMicALmuse]

Starting over in a small town...

Probably a bit too early to think this scale, but gives you some advaneforum.xxxes of being in a small town..... http://www.americanspamag.com/americanspa/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=168534Good luck

 

[bloomorningglory]

Starting over in a small town...

I found a short article that may give you a few ideas

http://www.frugalmarketing.com/dtb/new-business-small-town.shtml

 

[danibuoy]

Starting over in a small town...

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!This is a big issue. I know that a good location are more expensive BUT it´s worth every dollar!I know a few therapists (me included) who moovedto a better location (more visible, better area etc) and their (and my) buisness exploded ;DPeco

 

[Justified]

The daily newpaper might be a good idea for regular ads simply to get your name in front of the townspeople on a regular basis.  I keep a small headline ad in the daily local paper of the small town I live in (but am not from) and it seems to help.  That way people have seen my name around.  You might consider joining the chamber and going to their after hours if they have those (my town does) and schmooze with other business people.  I think mostly for small towns it's improtant to be part of the community the way the other business people are.  Because sometimes if your not FROM there it's hard to get in on it.  Hopefully it'll help that you're in love with a local.  Good luck, let us know what works!