Starting a new business

[massagewithjoy]

I now have the daunting yet exciting task of starting a new business and am wondering if there is anyone out there who is doing the same thing to talk, network and support each others new endevors. My business is massage therapy and it would be especially wonderful to find other M.T.'s that are doing the same. Blessings and good luck!
Joy

[Starspeaker]

I am not a massage therapist but I am getting my motivational speaking business up and running. There is a lot involved with the initial start up but it is so rewarding to see things take shape. I am working on my website, designing brochures, and doing a marketing plan. I would love to have someone to share success stories and ideas with. I pray you have much success in your venture. There are so many venues for marketing your business. Have you thought of offering lunchtime massages at local businesses, gift certificates, and/or participating in fairs and other community events to get your name out there? Tell everyone you know and everyone you meet about your business. It is amazing how well "word of mouth" works.

[danh603]

Hi Joy,

I have just up and quit my job and I am following my dream. I just started Massage Therapy school here in NE.

I am loving it already. I feel that I finally have found my calling.
My goal is to go through school and eventually open my own Day Spa, I say that now but we'll see what happens once I finish school. I am also interested in Prenatal Massage and Infant Massage. That would allow me to fulfill my dreams of working with children.

I would veyr much enjoy speaking with you about your schooling etc....
Good luck!!

Daryl

[massagewithjoy]

Wow it's nice to hear from other people. It is so much work but you're right it is well worth it. I have had a really rough day...you know one of those spend 7 hours and get NOWHERE...well I know that is not entirely true research and learning are vital to beginning your own business. I know it wasn't truly time wasted and I keep reminding myself of that. Wow Motivational speaking that is great. Everyone can use that kind of a boost. Gift certificates are a good idea. I am designing that and brochures but I am not that computer literate so it is slow going. Thanks for the support and good luck in your endeavors...keep me posted on how you are doing!!!

[darlam.com]

Hi Joy,

Congratulations on following your dreams! I am new to the boards. I have read all of Cheryl's books and love them. I am also starting a new business representing a line of Cosmeceutical skin care. I am very excited to make changes in my life.

One of the things I have done to market my line of skin care is a massage, mimosas and more Party. I have invited a massage therapist to the party to do chair massages and I have introduced my skin care. It is fun for everyone. More like a girls night out. It is great networking for the massage therapists. You might want to try a few of these for your own circle of friends and ask them to spread the word for you. I am sure they would also love to have one with their own group of friends. This would be a great way to introduce yourself. I wish you were in my area we could do one together. Good luck!

[Deirdre]

I was thinking yesterday, it would be so nice if I could pay for a massage that included an application of a sunless tanning product. We're all trying to be healthier, but also enjoy the look of tan skinn. I feel better and younger when I sport a tan. So, maybe the time for a new marketing strategy for a massage therapist would be to sell a sunless tanning product its first application could come with the massage. It would be a nurturing thing because I don't like to put it on myself for fear of blotching or not getting it on evenly. Anyone else like the idea??

Deirdre

[Deirdre]

Oh, and I like the idea of the massage therapist teaming up with a skin care product person who does the "parties" in a "host or hostesses" home with friends they invite. What a great way to get clients! Network, network, network!

Deirdre

[massagewithjoy]

Wow these are some great ideas. I thought of using sunsreen at the end because I am in Floriday and it is a necessity for anyone staying outside for any length of time. I am a little leery cuz I have had bad experiences with sunless tanning lotion? This was years ago though does anyone know a brand that works really well without turning people orange...I don't think that people would like that...oh maybe I can have people bring their own so I am not responsible for the outcome...any suggestions. Wow this is great I love it! Thanks everyone who's giving me some great ideas!
Joy

[Deirdre]

A woman I've been getting to know in my spinning class at the Y said she's using a sunless tanning product that's made by, I think, Coppertone. She was telling me that she likes it as much as anything more expensive she's tried and she looks great!

[massagewithjoy]

Thanks! I will check it out...I could use a tan w/o the sun! Take care!!!
Joy

[Martin Wilson]

Hi Joy

I am a business and life coach who specialises in coaching people in setting up businesses. I am also currently coaching a massage therapist / reiki practitioner and supporting her in the establishment of her business.

I realise that you may just wish to liaise with other massage therapists in order to get some answers but if you would like to discuss coaching (first half hour session free) please let me know. My email address is martin@selfmade.co.nz

Kind regards
Martin Wilson

[massagewithjoy]

I am always interested in what anyone has to say. The best way to learn is from everything and with an open mind. Do you do your coaching over the phone? I am located in FL. I am very interested in what you have to share! Thanks ....let me know how to contact you!

[skaycee]

Hi massagewithjoy......I'm new to these boards and am really enjoying reading all the messages. What a great place for support!! If you'd like to e-mail me at scopper@sprynet.com, I can tell you about a sunless tanning product I use and love. Wish you great success in your new business!