the big leap of faith

[mom tree]

I just decided to quit my job at a retail store (where I've been for the past 7 years), and focus fully on my massage business. I was finishing up my maternity leave, and the closer it got to the time for me to go back to work, the more I was dreading it. I just could not justify it to myself to go back to work at a job I no longer enjoy. My husband is very supportive of my decision, and has been encouraging me for a while to quit and focus on massage. However, I am not yet making much money doing massage. The business growth is REALLY slow, and I have a hard time marketing myself (I am horribly shy). I have a home studio, so at least I don't have rent to pay each month. This is very scary for me, not bringing in income to our household. I know that massage is what I am meant to be doing (I love it!!!), but it is still a frightening thought that I have no stable income. I could just use a little reassurance from the lot of you! How did you get yourself known to your community? (We live in a very small town, but only know a few people since we haven't lived here long.) What was the best way you found to network? Help!!! :
I appreciate any and all advice you can send my way, along with any positive energies!

 

[apples]

Hi Blissed Out,

Congratulations on starting this next part of your career! I know it's scary...I'm close to that same seforum.xxxe, only being on my own for about 6 months now. There are so many wonderful people on this board who have much better advice than I do, and a lot more experience, but I know that going out on my own was the right decision for me. I also have a studio in my home, and so far it's been great. There's something so great about committing yourself to your own business...you'll do great!! These days just before the holidays can be slow...I think we're all feeling it, but keep going. Do your marketing. There is so much wisdom on this forum. Set your goals, figure out what you want for your business, and it will happen! (I'm telling this to myself as much as to you!) Let us know how you are doing, and feel free to vent here...that's another great thing about this forum. Good luck in your new venture, and keep us updated. And, P.S., congrats on your new family member!

 

[Nes S]

It IS scary leaving behind a steady paycheck for the unknown! Follow your heart! I, too, live in a small town. I began local marketing by doing a few things. Find a manicurist to do your nails. Talk about your business, ask if you can leave cards there in exchange for making hers available to your clients. She talks to people ALL DAY LONG! Find a local massageplanete you like to frequent. Make friends with the owner or wait staff. People in small towns like to do one thing more than ANYthing...they like to TALK! Put up cards or flyers wherever theres a space. Oue little pharmacy and post office both have message boards to put info up on. Talk to any chiros or doctors in the area about leaving your cards there. Introduce yourself all around, and people will start to talk. Once you get a few locals in to see you, they WILL tell friends & family. Dont be afraid to ask your clients for referrals, that is the BEST marketing. Wish you the best of luck!

 

[Ashley]

Hi blissed out. I've been on my own for about a year. It's had its scary moments, but it has been worth it. It will take some time, but you will be able to cultivate your business. It sounds like you really love massage, so bodymovers' suggestion of just talking to people you meet will let your natural enthusiasm about your work shine through (and get passed on). Good luck!

 

[GERSON]

Congratulations, blissed out!

Being on your own is awesome. Sure it's a little scary like some others have said. And it's rewarding, too. Just know that you'll have ups and downs, but it all evens out in the end. After 3 years of working both for ourselves and at another place, we finally decided to go it alone this last summer. For us, this season is a lot slower than it was this time last year, but that's OK (we probably need to focus on a couple other things right now anyway). We try not to panic, especially since we can't control the client flow But it really IS worth it! I'd rather make less money and be able to work within the comfort (and short commute) of our home, schedule how we see fit, treat clients the way they really deserve and take that little extra time with them instead of processing them through like cattle, and then have our own earned money to show for it at the end of the day instead of waiting for a check 2 weeks from now. I'm really glad you decided to take the plunge--I think you'll really like it!

As for advice, just remember everything happens for a reason, so if you start out at the beginning of one day with 3 appts and they all cancel and you end up not having anything that day, just know that eventually, you'll get 3 unexpected appts (usually when you really ARE going to need the $) that come as a happy surprise you hadn't planned on. Just be ready to roll with the punches, and just be yourself--give the great massage you know how to give. Give your clients that little extra--they'll stick with you for years. Also know that if you have someone who is posing a problem and forcing you to expend undue energy, simply shed them if it comes to that, and don't worry--their spot on your schedule will be replaced with those who are a joy to serve.

Good luck, I know you can do this

As for sending you warm energies, consider it VERY done!

Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[xEmmywemix]

Thank you all so much for the encouragement. I really needed it today, after doing bills last night (oh, so scary!). : I know in my heart that this is what I am meant to be doing, and that eventually I will be making a living at it. This is such a big change for me, being on my own. I am more motivated to market myself, knowing that if I don't, nobody else will. But it is still tough! (okay, enough whining, I know ) This forum is definately a huge help with all of the great ideas floating around. You are the best!!!

 

[parkcaitlan]

My wife did the same thing that you are now doing. She quit her dental hygeine job of twenty years to do bodywork. Anyways it hasn't always been easy. But at least she is doing what she loves. Also it beats getting sick from doing something you can't stand.

Think of the great example your setting for your child by pursuing your passion.

The main advice I would give is to develop a style or technique that you really enjoy. Swedish deep tissue, Thai, Shiatsu ect. And really go for it. You'll then attract the right clients because they'll be attracted to you and your work.

Jason

 

[L.T.M.]

Dear blissed out,
I am in the exact same situation as you! I am freaking out because my business is starting so slowly. I love this forum! Thanks to whoever gave the advice to talk myself up in the small town. I have very limited funds to advertise with, and it's been frustrating trying to get my name out there. I am inside an OB/GYN/PED office. Everything has been set up piece-meal. I have an exam room that I made into a massage room. The noise level is high, so I have a space heater (it's also cold) I just got a fountain, and I am waiting to get some artwork on the walls. I have a fake ficus tree and put down carpet, and there's of course, music.

I am there only 3 days a week. I have signs and cards in the check in/out windows. So I go into the waiting room and introduce myself, offer free 5-minute chair, and mention gift cert. I hand those who want one a brochure and card. I have only booked one appt. for Feb.

I have given all the staff who want it free 10 min. chair. The OB who is supporting me being there bought GC's for 1/2 hour massage for the staff for Christmas. It's just really tough when the staff is running around all stressed out and busy, and I am sitting in my serene, beautiful room reading!

I am putting a blurb in the local paper to announce my business, I am going to go around town and ask to put my flyers and cards(as soon as I print some up) but.....everytime I try to do something, it costs money! I am working part-time doing something I love for the cash flow, and on call doing massage in a salon, and have a steady weekly home-massage client.

I just feel like I'm not putting enough energy into building my business, then I feel guilty, but it's so horrible to go there and pour my soul out on the waiting room floor every 1/2 hour and fend off the poison arrows the staff shoot at me everytime they walk by me sitting in my sweet little room!!

so......long-winded as usual, I feel better, and would appreciate any advice all you wonderful veterens might have for me!!!

 

[ericaaaalhk]

Here to help

Hi everyone

I'm only fairly new here so I can't say too much being the new dog etc. I hear you all and feel for your situations being new to the game and all the goes with that. To step out like that takes courage and if I had a hat I'd take it off to you.

It seems to me that there must be some therapists here who have been doing this thing for a long time and could give you good advice. But I don't see you asking specific questions to them. Maybe that's it. You may not know the right Q's to ask?

If you are in a small town trying to do it, it's double hard. But maybe we could all work it out together?

Maybe I could begin by asking you a Q. Do you have a hospital close to you of any size? How many doctors in your area and do you know any personally?

 

[cralyn]

I am approx. 25 min. from the nearest hospital. I am working with an obstretician, but he does not want to give actual referrals.(don't know why) he has offered to buy 15 min. blocks of time to give to his new patients. He is very supportive of my success, and is fronting me the money to get my certification in infant massage instruction. I do have a contact that is trying to put something together in a hospital, I need to call on her.

specific questions? I guess I don't know exactly what to ask, I think I just needed to hear the different ideas and know that I'm not the only one who is having a hard time!

Thanks!

 

[M and E !]

On track

Hey, that's great. Sounds like you're already onto it. The reason I asked is, a hospital is quite a good place to start because there are some people who need you there. The doctor's support is a bonus. Could he introduce you to other doctors? They need you too, they just don't realize it yet.

Take a heart surgeon for example if one is in fact on staff. He or she spends a lot of time slightly bent forward at the waist peering through magified glasses. C4 to C7 is under a tremendous amount of pressure. That extends all the way down both arms. Two other related trouble spots are between the shoulder blades and lower back.

This is just one example?

I look at every human as individual with individual problems. My first Q is always, what do you do for a living? From that info I've learned to make a quick assessment and plan my therapy accordingly. This I have personally found is the key to being special and moving ahead.

I spent the first 5 years as a relaxation therapist. Not only did the candles and harp music put me to sleep, I found I was always chasing work. Then someone introduced me to therapeutic massage. I've never looked back.

I hope there are some others out there who could throw some ideas around also?