Best Ways to Build a Practice?

In the absence of other suggestions, I think I'll jump right in here.
First, I am not a massage therapist. Second, I HAVE started and built up a
service business before (to $1M /yr if that is important to you). With
those two things in mind (so you know whether you want to take this with a
grain of salt <g>😉, I'd suggest:

1) I wouldn't waste my money on any online course, BUT you do need to figure out some things about
marketing or read them or talk to people or take an in-person class (adult education or a junior
college will do)
2) THINK about how YOU find providers of professional services (doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc). I
believe MOST people ask around hoping to hear about good experiences others have had. Lesson #1
-- word of mouth advertising will get you more clients (or lose you more clients) than anything
else. So, do your best to make your clients happy...be professional, talk to them before and
after the massage. Even some perks for referring new clients may be in order. Also, realize that
once you have built up your business and it becomes harder and harder for a client to book a
massage with you the referrals will drop off and you will become a "carefully guarded secret" --
don't despair, you've just advanced to "precious commodity" status.
3) When many people look for professional referrals, they often look first to other professional
providers that they use and are happy with. So, don't overlook marketing efforts to doctors,
dentists, lawyers, etc. Start with the ones you are using personally first. Maybe offer a
"professional courtesy" discount to them. Extend the offer to their staffs (you'll probably see
them first anyway).
4) THINK about who might appreciate a good massage. Beyond stressful occupations consider
physically demanding occupations: firefighters, construction workers, fitness instructors and
their classes, etc. Stop in, talk to them, ask if you can leave flyers (maybe on a reciprocal
basis) with some sort of special offer (first time discount, 10% off Mondays, ???, be creative).
5) Invest the time to set up a database of your clients (it is easier to keep an existing client
than it is to find a new one) so you can keep them updated on any changes in your practice. You
could even do your own version of a "frequent flier" reward program using a database.
6) DO advertise but do so wisely. Obviously, a large yellow pages ad won't do you much good over a
1" or 2" ad. Look at free publications as they could be a good place to put an ad as long as it
doesn't put your name in the middle of a bunch of questionable providers.
7) Make business cards and carry them. Wherever you see a bulletin board, post one of your cards.
8) Every person you know should know that you are a massage therapist. Tell them.
9) Produce and distribute educational material on massage...it is an excellent way to turn doubters
into clients AND to prescreen clients of dubious value (those really looking for "other"
services).
10) Actually sit down and write a business plan...there is a lot to be said for seeing where you
want to be and working backwards from it to figure out how to get there.

Good luck.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What are some of the ways any of you have built a successful massage therapy practice?

Do any of these online courses help at all, or are they just a waste?

Thanks

"George" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In the absence of other suggestions, I think I'll jump right in here. First, I am not a massage
therapist. Second, I HAVE started and built up

a

Quoted message said:

service business before (to $1M /yr if that is important to you). With those two things in mind
(so you know whether you want to take this with a grain of salt <g>😉, I'd suggest:

1) I wouldn't waste my money on any online course, BUT you do need to

figure

Quoted message said:

out some things about marketing or read them or talk to people or take an in-person class (adult
education or a junior college will do)
2) THINK about how YOU find providers of professional services (doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc).
I believe MOST people ask around hoping to hear about good experiences others have had. Lesson
#1 -- word of mouth advertising will get you more clients (or lose you more clients) than
anything else. So, do your best to make your clients happy...be professional, talk to them
before and after the massage. Even some perks for referring new clients may be in order. Also,
realize that once you

have

Quoted message said:

built up your business and it becomes harder and harder for a client to

book

Quoted message said:

a massage with you the referrals will drop off and you will become a "carefully guarded secret" --
don't despair, you've just advanced to "precious commodity" status.
3) When many people look for professional referrals, they often look first to other professional
providers that they use and are happy with. So,

don't

Quoted message said:

overlook marketing efforts to doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. Start with the ones you are using
personally first. Maybe offer a "professional courtesy" discount to them. Extend the offer to
their staffs (you'll probably see them first anyway).
4) THINK about who might appreciate a good massage. Beyond stressful occupations consider
physically demanding occupations: firefighters, construction workers, fitness instructors and
their classes, etc. Stop

in,

Quoted message said:

talk to them, ask if you can leave flyers (maybe on a reciprocal basis)

with

Quoted message said:

some sort of special offer (first time discount, 10% off Mondays, ???, be creative).
5) Invest the time to set up a database of your clients (it is easier to keep an existing client
than it is to find a new one) so you can keep them updated on any changes in your practice.
You could even do your own

version

Quoted message said:

of a "frequent flier" reward program using a database.
6) DO advertise but do so wisely. Obviously, a large yellow pages ad

won't

Quoted message said:

do you much good over a 1" or 2" ad. Look at free publications as they could be a good place to
put an ad as long as it doesn't put your name in the middle of a bunch of questionable providers.
7) Make business cards and carry them. Wherever you see a bulletin board, post one of your cards.
8) Every person you know should know that you are a massage therapist.

Tell

Quoted message said:

them.
9) Produce and distribute educational material on massage...it is an excellent way to turn
doubters into clients AND to prescreen clients of dubious value (those really looking for
"other" services).
10) Actually sit down and write a business plan...there is a lot to be

said

Quoted message said:

for seeing where you want to be and working backwards from it to figure

out

Quoted message said:

how to get there.

Good luck.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What are some of the ways any of you have built a successful massage therapy practice?

Do any of these online courses help at all, or are they just a waste?

Thanks

I didn't ask the question, but it's been in the back of my mind. Just reading posts before digging
into the books tonight.. I REALLY appreciate what you've written here and will put it to good use..
Thank you very much!!

Mj (soon to be finishing up school and testing for national certification)

Thanks for taking the time foy your thoughtful and helpful reply.

Much appreciated.

George said:

In the absence of other suggestions, I think I'll jump right in here. First, I am not a massage
therapist. Second, I HAVE started and built up a service business before (to $1M /yr if that is
important to you). With those two things in mind (so you know whether you want to take this with a
grain of salt <g>😉, I'd suggest:

1) I wouldn't waste my money on any online course, BUT you do need to figure out some things about
marketing or read them or talk to people or take an in-person class (adult education or a
junior college will do)
2) THINK about how YOU find providers of professional services (doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc).
I believe MOST people ask around hoping to hear about good experiences others have had. Lesson
#1 -- word of mouth advertising will get you more clients (or lose you more clients) than
anything else. So, do your best to make your clients happy...be professional, talk to them
before and after the massage. Even some perks for referring new clients may be in order. Also,
realize that once you have built up your business and it becomes harder and harder for a client
to book a massage with you the referrals will drop off and you will become a "carefully guarded
secret" -- don't despair, you've just advanced to "precious commodity" status.
3) When many people look for professional referrals, they often look first to other professional
providers that they use and are happy with. So, don't overlook marketing efforts to doctors,
dentists, lawyers, etc. Start with the ones you are using personally first. Maybe offer a
"professional courtesy" discount to them. Extend the offer to their staffs (you'll probably see
them first anyway).
4) THINK about who might appreciate a good massage. Beyond stressful occupations consider
physically demanding occupations: firefighters, construction workers, fitness instructors and
their classes, etc. Stop in, talk to them, ask if you can leave flyers (maybe on a reciprocal
basis) with some sort of special offer (first time discount, 10% off Mondays, ???, be
creative).
5) Invest the time to set up a database of your clients (it is easier to keep an existing client
than it is to find a new one) so you can keep them updated on any changes in your practice. You
could even do your own version of a "frequent flier" reward program using a database.
6) DO advertise but do so wisely. Obviously, a large yellow pages ad won't do you much good over a
1" or 2" ad. Look at free publications as they could be a good place to put an ad as long as it
doesn't put your name in the middle of a bunch of questionable providers.
7) Make business cards and carry them. Wherever you see a bulletin board, post one of your cards.
8) Every person you know should know that you are a massage therapist. Tell them.
9) Produce and distribute educational material on massage...it is an excellent way to turn
doubters into clients AND to prescreen clients of dubious value (those really looking for
"other" services).
10) Actually sit down and write a business plan...there is a lot to be said for seeing where you
want to be and working backwards from it to figure out how to get there.

Good luck.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What are some of the ways any of you have built a successful massage therapy practice?

Do any of these online courses help at all, or are they just a waste?

Thanks

You're certainly welcome. (I hope it is helpful.) I'm also a bit disappointed that there were no
other suggestions...lots of people on this board have built up a practice.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Thanks for taking the time foy your thoughtful and helpful reply.

Much appreciated.

George said:

In the absence of other suggestions, I think I'll jump right in here. First, I am not a massage
therapist. Second, I HAVE started and built up

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

service business before (to $1M /yr if that is important to you). With those two things in mind
(so you know whether you want to take this with

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

grain of salt <g>😉, I'd suggest:

1) I wouldn't waste my money on any online course, BUT you do need to

figure

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

out some things about marketing or read them or talk to people or take an in-person class (adult
education or a junior college will do)
2) THINK about how YOU find providers of professional services (doctors, dentists, lawyers,
etc). I believe MOST people ask around hoping to hear about good experiences others have had.
Lesson #1 -- word of mouth advertising will get you more clients (or lose you more clients)
than anything else. So, do your best to make your clients happy...be professional, talk to
them before and after the massage. Even some perks for referring new clients may be in order.
Also, realize that once you

have

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

built up your business and it becomes harder and harder for a client to

book

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a massage with you the referrals will drop off and you will become a "carefully guarded secret"
-- don't despair, you've just advanced to "precious commodity" status.
3) When many people look for professional referrals, they often look

first

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to other professional providers that they use and are happy with. So,

don't

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

overlook marketing efforts to doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. Start

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the ones you are using personally first. Maybe offer a "professional courtesy" discount to them.
Extend the offer to their staffs (you'll probably see them first anyway).
4) THINK about who might appreciate a good massage. Beyond stressful occupations consider
physically demanding occupations: firefighters, construction workers, fitness instructors and
their classes, etc. Stop

in,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

talk to them, ask if you can leave flyers (maybe on a reciprocal basis)

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

some sort of special offer (first time discount, 10% off Mondays, ???, be creative).
5) Invest the time to set up a database of your clients (it is easier to keep an existing client
than it is to find a new one) so you can keep

them

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

updated on any changes in your practice. You could even do your own

version

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

of a "frequent flier" reward program using a database.
6) DO advertise but do so wisely. Obviously, a large yellow pages ad

won't

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

do you much good over a 1" or 2" ad. Look at free publications as they could be a good place to
put an ad as long as it doesn't put your name in the middle of a bunch of questionable providers.
7) Make business cards and carry them. Wherever you see a bulletin

board,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

post one of your cards.
8) Every person you know should know that you are a massage therapist.

Tell

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

them.
9) Produce and distribute educational material on massage...it is an excellent way to turn
doubters into clients AND to prescreen clients of dubious value (those really looking for
"other" services).
10) Actually sit down and write a business plan...there is a lot to be

said

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for seeing where you want to be and working backwards from it to figure

out

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

how to get there.

Good luck.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What are some of the ways any of you have built a successful massage therapy practice?

Do any of these online courses help at all, or are they just a waste?

Thanks

And busy with those practices! 🙂

I liked your ideas, they covered the main things that would be taught to a upcoming therapist. One I
would add would be to take your expertise to the public. Do chair massage at sporting events or
health fair or at a local store, ect.

Tiffany

George <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

You're certainly welcome. (I hope it is helpful.) I'm also a bit disappointed that there were no
other suggestions...lots of people on this board have built up a practice.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Thanks for taking the time foy your thoughtful and helpful reply.

Much appreciated.

George said:

In the absence of other suggestions, I think I'll jump right in here. First, I am not a massage
therapist. Second, I HAVE started and built

up

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

service business before (to $1M /yr if that is important to you). With those two things in mind
(so you know whether you want to take this

with

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

grain of salt <g>😉, I'd suggest:

1) I wouldn't waste my money on any online course, BUT you do need to

figure

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

out some things about marketing or read them or talk to people or take

an

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

in-person class (adult education or a junior college will do)
2) THINK about how YOU find providers of professional services

(doctors,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

dentists, lawyers, etc). I believe MOST people ask around hoping to

hear

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

about good experiences others have had. Lesson #1 -- word of mouth advertising will get you
more clients (or lose you more clients) than anything else. So, do your best to make your
clients happy...be professional, talk to them before and after the massage. Even some

perks

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for referring new clients may be in order. Also, realize that once you

have

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

built up your business and it becomes harder and harder for a client to

book

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a massage with you the referrals will drop off and you will become a "carefully guarded secret"
-- don't despair, you've just advanced to "precious commodity" status.
3) When many people look for professional referrals, they often look

first

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to other professional providers that they use and are happy with. So,

don't

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

overlook marketing efforts to doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. Start

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the ones you are using personally first. Maybe offer a "professional courtesy" discount to
them. Extend the offer to their staffs (you'll probably see them first anyway).
4) THINK about who might appreciate a good massage. Beyond stressful occupations consider
physically demanding occupations: firefighters, construction workers, fitness instructors
and their classes, etc. Stop

in,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

talk to them, ask if you can leave flyers (maybe on a reciprocal basis)

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

some sort of special offer (first time discount, 10% off Mondays, ???,

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

creative).
5) Invest the time to set up a database of your clients (it is easier

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

keep an existing client than it is to find a new one) so you can keep

them

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

updated on any changes in your practice. You could even do your own

version

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

of a "frequent flier" reward program using a database.
6) DO advertise but do so wisely. Obviously, a large yellow pages ad

won't

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

do you much good over a 1" or 2" ad. Look at free publications as they could be a good place to
put an ad as long as it doesn't put your name

in

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the middle of a bunch of questionable providers.
7) Make business cards and carry them. Wherever you see a bulletin

board,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

post one of your cards.
8) Every person you know should know that you are a massage therapist.

Tell

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

them.
9) Produce and distribute educational material on massage...it is an excellent way to turn
doubters into clients AND to prescreen clients of dubious value (those really looking for
"other" services).
10) Actually sit down and write a business plan...there is a lot to be

said

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for seeing where you want to be and working backwards from it to figure

out

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

how to get there.

Good luck.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
> What are some of the ways any of you have built a successful massage therapy practice?
>
> Do any of these online courses help at all, or are they just a waste?
>
> Thanks

I think I can agree with Tiffany, you certainly covered all the bases. Business Plans are crucial
to the success of any business. And please do not skimp on the information, especially the
planning, marketing segments, and financial planning. Be realistic, and be prepared to have make
hard decisions. The road towards success in any start-up venture can be slow and painful especially
if you are not prepared and if you haven't accepted the hardships and level of committment it is
going to take.

If you can start out with some help, it makes life easier. Try looking for a new DC in your area,
one who hasn't added massage to his practice yet and who would be willing to sub-let space to you.
Also, you might try to find other therapists to go into a practice with you, especially if working
with insurance related cases is not your thing. Beauty Salons are another nice avenue that will
allow you to start the biz with less overhead, and immediate exposure.

Get involved with a local small business group, and target the leaders. It will help you learn how
to network. It also gives you a chance to meet other people who have struggled and succeeded,
providing for some mentoring or atleast exposure to a group of like-minded folks who understand the
rigors of starting a new business. Once you get a chance to work on a couple of those Alpha-types,
the social group leaders, they'll start to nudge the others to try out a massage or two.

Volunteer locally. Tiffany is absolutely right!! Chair massage is the easiest, cheapest, and most
effective form of marketing we have. Just make sure it is an event local to your business. Working
at a convention center or on some bigger gathering will probably only expose you to people who are
traveling through town

"George" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

You're certainly welcome. (I hope it is helpful.) I'm also a bit disappointed that there were no
other suggestions...lots of people on this board have built up a practice.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Thanks for taking the time foy your thoughtful and helpful reply.

Much appreciated.

George said:

In the absence of other suggestions, I think I'll jump right in here. First, I am not a massage
therapist. Second, I HAVE started and built

up

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

service business before (to $1M /yr if that is important to you). With those two things in mind
(so you know whether you want to take this

with

Quoted message said:

a

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

grain of salt <g>😉, I'd suggest:

1) I wouldn't waste my money on any online course, BUT you do need to

figure

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

out some things about marketing or read them or talk to people or take

an

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

in-person class (adult education or a junior college will do)
2) THINK about how YOU find providers of professional services

(doctors,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

dentists, lawyers, etc). I believe MOST people ask around hoping to

hear

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

about good experiences others have had. Lesson #1 -- word of mouth advertising will get you
more clients (or lose you more clients) than anything else. So, do your best to make your
clients happy...be professional, talk to them before and after the massage. Even some

perks

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for referring new clients may be in order. Also, realize that once you

have

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

built up your business and it becomes harder and harder for a client to

book

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

a massage with you the referrals will drop off and you will become a "carefully guarded secret"
-- don't despair, you've just advanced to "precious commodity" status.
3) When many people look for professional referrals, they often look

first

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to other professional providers that they use and are happy with. So,

don't

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

overlook marketing efforts to doctors, dentists, lawyers, etc. Start

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the ones you are using personally first. Maybe offer a "professional courtesy" discount to
them. Extend the offer to their staffs (you'll probably see them first anyway).
4) THINK about who might appreciate a good massage. Beyond stressful occupations consider
physically demanding occupations: firefighters, construction workers, fitness instructors
and their classes, etc. Stop

in,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

talk to them, ask if you can leave flyers (maybe on a reciprocal basis)

with

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

some sort of special offer (first time discount, 10% off Mondays, ???,

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

creative).
5) Invest the time to set up a database of your clients (it is easier

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

keep an existing client than it is to find a new one) so you can keep

them

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

updated on any changes in your practice. You could even do your own

version

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

of a "frequent flier" reward program using a database.
6) DO advertise but do so wisely. Obviously, a large yellow pages ad

won't

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

do you much good over a 1" or 2" ad. Look at free publications as they could be a good place to
put an ad as long as it doesn't put your name

in

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the middle of a bunch of questionable providers.
7) Make business cards and carry them. Wherever you see a bulletin

board,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

post one of your cards.
8) Every person you know should know that you are a massage therapist.

Tell

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

them.
9) Produce and distribute educational material on massage...it is an excellent way to turn
doubters into clients AND to prescreen clients of dubious value (those really looking for
"other" services).
10) Actually sit down and write a business plan...there is a lot to be

said

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

for seeing where you want to be and working backwards from it to figure

out

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

how to get there.

Good luck.

"new ni" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
> What are some of the ways any of you have built a successful massage therapy practice?
>
> Do any of these online courses help at all, or are they just a waste?
>
> Thanks

A little more on business plans: I would suggest to someone who hasn't started a business before
that he/she write a 3 year business plan (that should be hard enough on them) and don't be shy about
reviewing and adjusting it quarterly, if you find that you grossly under/over-estimated some aspect
of the business. Some companies, like Matsushita and their 500 year business plan, are (in)famous
for their planning(?)...but most people are much better off with something that closely resembles
reality or what he/she can turn into reality. Be sure to also plan worst-case and best-case
scenarios and scope out any competition or other factors that could adversely affect you (zoning,
new licensing requirements, education requirements, economic downturns, etc) and do your best to
plan how you would deal with these situations in advance of them occurring. Doing your homework
thoroughly not only helps to prepare you for whatever lies ahead but also makes others (banks,
suppliers) more confident in your abilities and more likely to extend credit to you.

"tim, the instructor, not that other guy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I think I can agree with Tiffany, you certainly covered all the bases. Business Plans are crucial
to the success of any business. And please do not skimp on the information, especially the
planning, marketing segments, and financial planning. Be realistic, and be prepared to have make
hard decisions. The road towards success in any start-up venture can be slow

and

Quoted message said:

painful especially if you are not prepared and if you haven't accepted the hardships and level of
committment it is going to take.

<<<SNIP>

Giving a good hand job would sure build a practice.
"George" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

A little more on business plans: I would suggest to someone who hasn't started a business
before that

he/she

Quoted message said:

write a 3 year business plan (that should be hard enough on them) and

don't

Quoted message said:

be shy about reviewing and adjusting it quarterly, if you find that you grossly under/over-
estimated some aspect of the business. Some companies, like Matsushita and their 500 year business
plan, are (in)famous for their planning(?)...but most people are much better off with something
that closely resembles reality or what he/she can turn into reality. Be sure

to

Quoted message said:

also plan worst-case and best-case scenarios and scope out any competition or other factors that
could adversely affect you (zoning, new licensing requirements, education requirements, economic
downturns, etc) and do your best to plan how you would deal with these situations in advance of
them occurring. Doing your homework thoroughly not only helps to prepare you

for

Quoted message said:

whatever lies ahead but also makes others (banks, suppliers) more

confident

Quoted message said:

in your abilities and more likely to extend credit to you.

"tim, the instructor, not that other guy" <[email hidden]> wrote in

message

Quoted message said:

"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I think I can agree with Tiffany, you certainly covered all the bases. Business Plans are
crucial to the success of any business. And please

do

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Quoted message said:

not skimp on the information, especially the planning, marketing

segments,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and financial planning. Be realistic, and be prepared to have make hard decisions. The road
towards success in any start-up venture can be slow

and

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painful especially if you are not prepared and if you haven't accepted

the

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Quoted message said:

hardships and level of committment it is going to take.

<<<SNIP>>

I am a student at the moment and am doing an entrepeneurship course as part of my massage therapy
program, and am in the process of building a business plan. A book we had to buy and is an amazing
book is Business Mastery3. It is by Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe, she is a massage therapist who also has an
interest in business. the book is geared towards health care professionals, and is easy to
understand. Just a thought and worth looking at.

myrrha

Quoted message said:

A little more on business plans: I would suggest to someone who hasn't started a business
before that

he/she

Quoted message said:

write a 3 year business plan (that should be hard enough on them) and

don't

Quoted message said:

be shy about reviewing and adjusting it quarterly, if you find that you grossly under/over-
estimated some aspect of the business. Some companies, like Matsushita and their 500 year business
plan, are (in)famous for their planning(?)...but most people are much better off with something
that closely resembles reality or what he/she can turn into reality. Be sure

to

Quoted message said:

also plan worst-case and best-case scenarios and scope out any competition or other factors that
could adversely affect you (zoning, new licensing requirements, education requirements, economic
downturns, etc) and do your best to plan how you would deal with these situations in advance of
them occurring. Doing your homework thoroughly not only helps to prepare you

for

Quoted message said:

whatever lies ahead but also makes others (banks, suppliers) more

confident

Quoted message said:

in your abilities and more likely to extend credit to you.

"tim, the instructor, not that other guy" <[email hidden]> wrote in

message

Cole said:

Giving a good hand job would sure build a practice.

Wrong kind... you'd get busted by the cops.

sue

Nothing builds a massage business like a happy ending. LOL

"myrrha" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I am a student at the moment and am doing an entrepeneurship course as

part

Quoted message said:

of my massage therapy program, and am in the process of building a

business

Quoted message said:

plan. A book we had to buy and is an amazing book is Business Mastery3.

It

Quoted message said:

is by Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe, she is a massage therapist who also has an interest in business. the
book is geared towards health care

professionals,

Quoted message said:

and is easy to understand. Just a thought and worth looking at.

myrrha

Quoted message said:

A little more on business plans: I would suggest to someone who hasn't started a business
before that

he/she

Quoted message said:

write a 3 year business plan (that should be hard enough on them) and

don't

Quoted message said:

be shy about reviewing and adjusting it quarterly, if you find that you grossly under/over-
estimated some aspect of the business. Some

companies,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

like Matsushita and their 500 year business plan, are (in)famous for

their

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

planning(?)...but most people are much better off with something that closely resembles reality
or what he/she can turn into reality. Be sure

to

Quoted message said:

also plan worst-case and best-case scenarios and scope out any

competition

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

or other factors that could adversely affect you (zoning, new licensing requirements, education
requirements, economic downturns, etc) and do

your

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

best to plan how you would deal with these situations in advance of them occurring. Doing your
homework thoroughly not only helps to prepare you

for

Quoted message said:

whatever lies ahead but also makes others (banks, suppliers) more

confident

Quoted message said:

in your abilities and more likely to extend credit to you.

"tim, the instructor, not that other guy" <[email hidden]> wrote in

message