How did you get those first 10 clients??

[Daphne]

Hi, I'm starting my first massage business, from home. The room is almost ready and I have lots of ideas but I'd love to hear what helped you get those first 10 clients to get the ball rolling?Annette

 

[Easter Bunny]

The first place to start is with your family and friends.  The know and trust you already.  Even if they don't want a massage from you for whatever reason....ask for their help in spreading the word about your services.  Next thing to do is to get your name out into the community.  If you have an opportunity to donate massages for raffles, etc., then go for it.  This is a great time of year for it.  Sometimes they are never redeemed, sometimes the person is only coming because it's free, but sometimes you might get a client out of it.Find people in your community who might be a good mouthpiece for your business and offer them a free massage.  If they have a good audience......maybe they are an aerobics instructor or a local chiropractor.....their audience already trusts them and if that person has a good experience with you and recommends you, the people are more likely to come to you.Get your business cards and brochures out into the public.....local gyms, doctor's offices, nail salons....anyplace you can think of.  This is a difficult time of year to find new recruits for clients, as so many people will begin to spend their time and money resources on holiday things.  But......take advaneforum.xxxe of that and promote gift certificates.Good luck.

 

[LVLYLASHES]

How did you get those first 10 clients??

In my former life as a massage therapist, I got my first 10 by working in a spa that provided them for me. When I moved out on my own, I sent out a notice to all the regulars I had at the spa.In my current life as a polarity practitioner/coach, I got my first ten by sending out a mass email to everyone I could (over 100) telling them I was open for business. Most of my contacts are from school so I let them know I had completed such and such certification and would love to show them how I had combined the modalities. AND I called my granny and told her I needed some money (she'll do anything to help family if they'll just ask). She single handedly scheduled 9 clients by the end of the day. Find your cheerleader and ask for help!Other options I'm exploring and will let you know how effective it is....I joined a small business association and attend workshops. They always give attendees time to give their 30 second commercial to the group. Plus the networking events they have once a year are designed strictly for (duh) Networking.I am joining a Toastmasters group so I can brush up on public speaking skills. I have a couple of instructors who started their business by offering complimentary workshops or brown bag lectures. There is a perception that if you are speaking to a group, you are an authority on the subject and people tend to trust you more.I'm doing different things so I can meet different people because my group of friends aren't likely to pay more for my services then some of our instructors are charging. I'm working with a coach who helps me explore different ideas.My mentor/coach said friends and family are the best place to start because soon it turns into friends and family of friends and family. I would love to hear from others because I'm working on the next ten!

 

[chris m]

How did you get those first 10 clients??

Thanks for all the replies. I have just moved countries so I don't have a "client base" of people I worked on while studying. However, I do have lots of local contacts from when we lived here previously, so I will try to put them to good use by sending out an email when I am open for business. I am in the process of getting all my printing organised. Sadiedawn: I have been taking Eric Brown's Fill your practice course from http://www.bodyworkbiz.com and have found it *very* useful. Rgds, Annette

 

[Belinda]

Maybe you could give your friends some gift certificates to give out as Christmas presents to people they know. When I was just starting I gave a bunch to my family to hand out. It worked out good because back then I was a little nervous about working on total strangers and this ensured that it was all people my family knew and so forth. Most of the people rebooked. Lots of luck,Lotusgirl P.S. Carol I love your new Hello Kitty. Very cute.  ;D

 

[missdancerxx]

How did you get those first 10 clients??

I go around and do demo. give a little and you get a lot in return.