Do You Have Your Massage Business Plan Mapped Out?

So here you are, finally graduated from massage school.  You’ve made a decision to open your own business, be your own boss.  You’re ready to go!  Ready to accomplish your goals of being a self employed massage therapist.   But what next?  Where do you start?  How do you find clients?  Where are you going to provide massage? What should you name your business?  You have a million questions in your head and no answers.  You’re confused, scared, anxious, excited, motivated and yet, have no idea where to begin.  Rest assured, you are by no means alone and you will make it through this.

The most important part of starting a business is to have a plan of action mapped out before you begin.  Having a map will ensure that you will arrive at your destination of “success city” on time!  Like a road trip across the country, you must map out your planned route to ensure that you are on the right track as you go.   Below are the 6 stops I recommend you put on your “business map” and take to ensure you arrive at your destination on time and ready to go!

One of the most important steps in starting your business will be choosing a business name.  This is the starting point of your road map.  Many therapists will spend extra time on this step as it is an important one.  Don’t get stuck too long at this top and let it stress you out.  While choosing a business name is truly important, this isn’t something you want to hold you back for months and months.  Make a decision and move forward once you do.  Brainstorm by making a list of different names that come to your mind and interchange them in different, unique ways.  Meditate and brainstorm in a quiet place and listen to what comes to your mind once it quiets down.  One other option is that you can always brand your business around your own name.  After all, your unique massage session comes directly from you, why not utilize and brand your own name as your business name.  You can always expand and add on a new DBA (doing business as) later on.  Nothing is ever set in stone…remember that!

The next stop on your map should be to brand your business with your vision, beliefs, mission and the specialized work that you do.  I believe this to be the most important step in building your business because this is what makes you unique and helps you stand out from the rest.  Do this right and you will have a brand that is unique and without competition.  Take time to mold and cultivate this step.  This is what is going to attract your clients to you like a magnet.  Those that resonate with your message and vision will be banging down the door to get a massage from you!

Another very important aspect of your business and the next stop on the map is where you will actually be providing your massage sessions.  This can range anywhere from a chiropractic clinic, to a spa, mobile massage, seated/chair/onsite or a fitness club.   Keep an open mind to the opportunities that present themselves and make sure you set up shop in a place that you energetically feel good about.  Make sure your space is visually appealing, clean and clutter free.  As much as your clients love your massage, if your location doesn’t make them feel good, they just might end up going somewhere else.  Take some time to find the right location before you make a final decision.

The next stop should be the marketing efforts you put forth to begin attracting clients into your massage business.  Things like creating your attraction marketing website, setting up a marketing funnel, target marketing to specific demographics and joint venture agreements.  These are all things that, when done correctly and without desperation will begin attracting clients into your business.  Make sure you position your marketing towards solving your potential clients problems and/or offering a solution to an issue they are looking for a resolution to.  This is the time where you will reach out to your marketplace in a creative manner and stand tall, with posture as an expert in solving unique problems.

The second to last stop on your map is to provide world class customer service from start to finish each and every time you interact with your clients.  This includes your phone conversation, the greeting your client receives when they arrive, the consultation, the massage (and all of the details that go into your session), the closing of your massage, waiting outside the door after the session to ask how they are feeling, providing homework or feedback, discussing future sessions and asking if they would like to reschedule with you before they leave.  Each and every moment of interaction with you needs to be very detailed, thorough and focused on your client and their needs.  Master this stop on the map and you won’t have an issue with maintaining loyal clients for life.

And last but not least, the final destination on your massage business plan road map is to maintain your business with the highest level of massage therapy, customer service, education, dedication and sincerity that is necessary to continue to stay in business.  You have to always be aiming to achieve higher and higher, never getting complacent or lazy about the success that you have achieved.  Make sure that you treat your clients with the respect that they deserve at all times and never take their patronage for granted.  Nurture you existing clients while constantly attracting new clients and you will see your business thrive in no time.

Now that you have a road map that, if followed and studied correctly will lead you to “success city”, make sure you commit to making your dream of owning a massage business come true.  Dedicate most of your time towards taking action and don’t give up.  Just knowing how to do it isn’t enough, you have to actually implement the things you learn on a consistent basis to make your dream come true.  Take baby steps and spend 1-2 hours of action every day towards building your business and maintaining.  Never stop learning and taking action and in less than 1 year you can have the massage business of your dreams!

About this author: : Ann Ross currently owns her own massage practice in Seattle, WA. She is also the founder of www.massagemarketingmentor.com, a valuable, free resource for self employed massage therapists looking for help in creating their own successful massage business.