Selling youself

[lisa hampton]

I need some advise on how or where to start on selling myself. The spa Im going to work at does advertising but, I need to also get my own regulars. Any one's advise would help. I need something different that no one else here does.  They all give out cards and on the back cut the price 5 or 10 dallars but, what else can I do that is different?I want more than they think I can do. Does personlize card (postcard) mail to their home sound good? Or any any any idea's? :-/

 

[devilman bravo]

Dear HH,I learned in a Martketing class,  that when we receive  a business card with the person's photo on it, we rarely can "just throw it away".  That we hang on to it.  We may take it out of our wallet, but we keep it on our desk or in the drawer.  That said, it is also true that it takes about 7 times of someone actually seeing our name in print before they will start to recognize it in their brain and acknowledge it.  If I saw your photo and name every time I dug through my wallet or went through papers on my desk, it would soon register that you are someone I recognize and should tuirn to when I need the services your offer. Photo cards cost a bit  more than the usual, but with photo paper and a great color printer, it may be worth a try.  The photo should be simple - NO glamour shot or a lot of foof - strictly a sincere and professional image.  Also, school is starting, and I cannot wait for the fall fund raiser auction - I'll be donating one or two massage gift certificates.  These are VERY popular - and with the number of parents in attendance, it will be worh it.  The busy Mother who needs pampering and a break is your target market! I bought some pretty, blank greeting cards and printed "A gift for you" etc. on the inside.  A box of 10 was less than $6. You can tailor the card to fit your needs "$10 off or $5 off" would work in this case, or perhaps a free massage - considering thte number of people who will be in attendance - $50 is a small price to pay for this type of advertising. Good Luck!

 

[??p??pl? p??????]

Selling yourself

Thanks. I never thought of a photo on my cards. That mite be something that I look into. And you are right with school starting moms do need a little bit more pampering.

 

[Crystal]

you could try giving discounted massages to any employee of a particular company.  You could also give discount coupons to pregnant women of a particular OB/GYN. ( they will put them in the mother to be's intro bag)  think of client markets where you have never seen massage and start there. good luck !!

 

[Elrick]

Dont forget your local raido stations.  They love to talk give them a g.c. to auction off for a charity or just as a prize.Get to know the community when they reconise your name they will call you. Word of mouth is the best tool you have.

 

[mundox]

Selling youself

You could send thank you for your referal cards, thank you for coming in (after their first appointment), happy birthday cards. Those keep your name in the thoughts of people you've worked on. I've seen massage therapists making money at our local Relay for Life events. Getting your name out there repeatedly is definitely a plus. The more people hear it, the more they remember so the next time they need a massage, they'll think of you. Give out a water bottle after the massage. There are companies out there that will print your name on the bottle for a minimal fee or you could do it yourself with a printer and some tape. Other people will see the water bottle too. Get your business cards out to different people. I've got mine at various chiropractor offices and a few different salons around town. Get involved in various groups. I was asked to teach a stress management class to some women at church--the ones who didn't know I am an MT, know now. I'm in a volkswagen new beetle owner club and you can bet they all know. People are interested in massage and they'll ask you questions about it. Always!!!! ALWAYS carry business cards with you! I frequently run into people who want to know where I am now. Send out 'missing you' cards to regular clients you haven't seen in a whle. Get your name out by getting involved. The best way to sell yourself is love what you do and let people know. Make it a game, challenge another MT in your area to see who can get rid of 250 business cards the fastest (only a certain number can go to one person/location). Have fun with it and get creative!!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Oh my god Sadie. You are right. Here is my thing. There is a MT where Im at now that keeps shooting her mouth off about how Im new and I'll never have the clientele she has. So, my goal is by the end of the year to have more than her and more than any one in the spa. You know Im glad she is so confident in her self but, Watch out Now She has given me a bigger goal than I had for my self.  ;DThanks

 

[Francesca]

I have a new massage business and want to put my cards everywhere. Can you give some ways on how to approach the salons?  Do you ask first if they have a massage therapist working there before giving them some of your cards or do you just ask them to put them on their counter?  How are you approaching the chiro's?  The salon's sometimes give the appearance of being unapproachable.  Thanks.

 

[inlove7]

Salons ... just go in confident. آ Ask the receptionist if they have any relationships with massage therapists and if she says no, ask to speak to the manager. آ If she says yes, ask if it's an exclusive relationship. آ If she doesn't know, as to speak to the manager. آ Of course, have a few resumes and plenty of cards with you.  If they actually display cards in their lobby, I would recommend bringing a plastic biz card holder to supply so that they are not just lying around.  Put your name right on the back and check back often to see if it's still got cards and/or is not being used by someone else's cards.  Chiropractors are different, I would recommend sending them a letter, outlining your skills, education, etc and follow-up with a phone call. آ Good luck. Joe E

 

[xXBlackRoseXx]

Thanks Joe, that is some great advice.  I will try the salons first.   ;D

 

[Rockownsrap]

Actually, meet with the chiros anyway, and bring some brochures from "Information for people" on Chiropractic and massage along with your business cards (bring holders for the brochures and the business cards).Ask the receptionist to meet with the doctor the same as if you would ask the salon manager. And even if they don't have room to have a massage therapist with them there, they may be willing to refer clients to you in a salon or elsewhere. You can schedule a chair massage if you have a chair, or offer a free massage if you like. I have a DC in my town which allows me to display materials in his office and refers clients to me. He has sent me several good clients and I have referred some to him as well. I work in a day spa and several of his clients schedule a massage with me just before the chiropractic adjustment with him. Be confident your skills can make a difference in his patient outcomes.   My 2 cents worth...

 

[RobIV]

happyhands,  So it's been over a year. How did you do? Is she still there?