Massage Therapy Business Tips At the beginning of your massage therapy career, you may enjoy the security of steady employment in a spa or salon. But as you grow in experience, you may want to branch out and build your own independent massage therapy business. Since 92 percent of massage therapists identify themselves as sole practitioners or independent contractors, according to a recent survey by the American Massage Therapy Association, you won't be alone. This means that it's important to market yourself to set your massage therapy business apart from the crowd. Not sure how to get started spreading the word? Below are just a few easy and helpful suggestions for any new massage therapy business owner: Networking – Your new massage therapy business is dependent upon clients. However you go about it, you must let people know who you are and what you do. Get out and meet people. You may want to join a special interest group or volunteer your services. When you've established yourself in the community, you can expect referrals. But in your first year or two of owning a new massage therapy business, you have to spread the word. Advertising – Investing in advertising is another effective way to keeping your business humming. There are many ways to advertise, but many of them can be pricey. It's important to remember that you don't have to cast a wide net to bring in the right clients. Advertise in publications where the readership is made up of people with whom you'd like to work. If you can identify your audience, you can tailor your ads to them. A good website can also be a great marketing tool. Business Cards – Since nothing beats word-of-mouth advertising, business cards are possibly one of the most cost-effective tools for spreading the word about your massage therapy business. Remember that in addition to being a massage therapist, you are a business owner. Always carry cards for your business with you. You never know when or where your services might be needed. You can purchase business cards online or directly through a printer. Don't scrimp on one of the most important and effective marketing tools you have. There are many ways to spread the word about your massage therapy business, and most massage schools will mentor you in the basics. However you decide to tackle the task of marketing, think like a business person. While a love of business administration may not top the list of reasons you chose to become a massage therapist, if you're serious about being a business owner, cultivate repeat business at the beginning of your career and enjoy its rewards for years to come.  Equipment for Your Massage Therapy Business As you start your massage therapy business, you'll find that there are certain supplies you'll need. Here are some of the basics: - Linens
- Massage chair
- Massage lotion
- Massage oil
- Massage table
Although you can practice massage without any of these products, most massage therapists use them. The good news is that for a start-up massage therapy business, a table, oil and linens are pretty low overhead. If you specialize in certain aspects of massage therapy, you may need additional supplies. For example, in aromatherapy, there are countless oils and scents to choose from. Perhaps your biggest expense will be work space. There are many creative ways to save money on work space. Many massage therapists rent space as a group. Others work from home or take their practice to their clients. Avoiding Injury Proper technique is the key to avoiding injury on the job. Repetitive stress injuries are a common concern. There are a number of physical exercises you can perform to keep you healthy and working. Massage therapy schools often incorporate this into their curriculum. Wearing supportive footwear and practicing good posture will help you avoid fatigue from standing for long periods of time. Scheduling time between clients is another way that massage therapists stay healthy, so give yourself a break. Finally, get a massage. Once you're in the industry, perhaps you can swap services with another therapist.  |
