Starting a business whilst pregnant, need lots of marketing/financial advice

[SASSYSNIPE]

Hi Everyone

I've decided to go back into massage work, but I'm in a tricky situation and so I thought I would ask for people's opinions. I'm 8 weeks pregnant, haven't massaged in years, and I'm going back into it now after much consideration, but obviously at a stage in my life which could potentially be difficult for me physically and financially.

I plan to get all my books and theory notes out and study intensely, as well as practice on many friends and family members so that I'm completely confident before I 'go out there'. I wanted to get some leaflets printed, and pop them in the letmassageplanetoxes of my neighbourhood. I intend to do mobile massage in people's homes to begin with.

My questions are as follows:
Have any of you experienced what its like to practice massage whilst you're pregnant, and if so, how long did you practice up to?Did you find your clients were put off by being massaged by a pregnant person?What do you think it will be like getting response locally just from leaflets through the door? Have any of you done this? Have you got any good tips for me?To be honest, the physical side of it doesn't worry me as much as the financial side. This is my third baby so I know what's coming. Its just that obviously I can't afford to mess about, and I thought I would start now whilst I have an income, to test the waters.

Thanks in advance for your advice and opinions. Absolutely any and all are welcome, (as are as guestimates!!!)

xxx
Newflower

 

[immogmado]

Hi
I fell pregnant whilst near to completion of my massage course in 2006. I was planning to start up as soon as I qualified but just could not physically manage it, was also working a full time job as well so the evenings were important for relaxation. I did however start my massage business when my baby was 6 months old - July 2007. I did not return to full time work and my business was in the evenings so it was convenient for my husband to look after the little one and put him to bed etc., he still does it now.

I would just go for it. I don't think people will have a problem being massaged by a pregnant woman and if they do, well then its just discrimination. I would massage up until you feel able to however remember posture etc., as the last thing you need is back-ache, and strain.

I wouldn't even mention that you're pregnant if clients book as its all part of life. Getting the business is best through word of mouth, so tell family, friends, work collegues. Also get yourself a website, there are affordable ones out there and get leaflets / business cards printed from www.vistaprint.co.uk

Anyway good luck !

 

[DAT DUDE OUTTA BK]

Hi Newflower,

The lovely lady I rent space from at the Spa had her first baby whilst setting up her business, the plans all came into fruition when her oldest was a toddler & she was able to launch her business at that stage, soon after she fell with her second, now, three years on, just as she's expanding the business further she's discovered she's pregnant with number three! It hasn't stopped her, or impeded her dreams & plans. As she says to me, laughing when I ask her how she manages, she just says the energies are 'all right'. I love it!!!

My partner & I have been trying to conceive for some time now & being newly established myself, I'd be in a similar situation as you & I just trust absolutely that it will all be OK and fall into place as it should.

Having said all this, you might want to consider holding onto the full-time job, until after the baby is born & you've taken maternity benefits (that's if you're entitled, etc.?). Only you know what your situation entails and what you can manage on.

Good luck & Blessings,
x

 

[bMobiCara]

Hi

I have been in business for myself for 3 years now and the most effective method of self marketing I found was via word of mouth. But to get word of mouth referrals you need to get yourself out there to spread your word. Is there a local networking group for women only near to where you live? If you have never networked before it can be daunting at first but most networking groups are very friendly and not only welcome but also help first timers. A great group is 4Networking - only 2 years old but a very laid back approach and easygoing.
Re your leaflet handout - this could have success but at the same time it could prove costly. One idea I would suggest is to make sure you tell your potential clients what's in it for them - to make them feel like it will make a difference in their life. We all want to be made to feel individually special and if you can elicit a response from them this way you should get some success. Perhaps you could include testimonials from friends and family as hearing how others have been helped can build your credibility.
Is there a local free press magazine where your business profile and services can be listed?
Hope this is of some use to you. And good luck!

 

[veronica w]

As mentioned above I think starting out now and building up your massage stamina and confidence is a great idea. Possibly the only downside being that it takes about six months to get things really off the ground and around that time you may be thinking of giving up? Although, if you've built up a loyal client base by then I'm sure they'll understand that you'll be away for a few months. As you see you'll get new clients all the time, as well as faithful regulars, so once you start up again it won't be as daunting as the first time round.

I didn't get a great response through door to door leafleting. I dropped around 2,000 over a period of a couple of months and got three clients. Nearly all my business comes through free online advertising - on free listing sites such as Vivastreet and Gumtree. I've managed to go from part-time to full-time in six months. I don't spend a penny on advertising on an ongoing basis.

Initially - I got some great looking business cards through Vistaprint. I didn't go for the freebie ones but they were reasonable anyway. People always comment on how nice they look.

If you'd like more detailed advice on online advertising then PM me.

If you decide to go self-employed then check out the Maternity Allowance. You need to be registered as Self employed and making NI2 contributions for 26 weeks before you can claim MA of approx. £117 p.w. [sorry if you know all this already].

Good luck!

 

[shaybaby]

I started my ITEC Holistic Massage course not long after finding out I was pregnant. The first couple of months were a struggle (feeling queasy and tired) but once I got through that I felt much stronger and coped really well. I was 7 months pregnant when I took my final exams, and pretty enormous! Apparently the examiner commented to my tutor that my bump was 'obviously compromising my technique' but that she 'supposed she'd have to pass me'. Nice! Admittedly though, it was a struggle to reach across couch and client sometimes, and I sometimes wondered if my bump was getting a little too close to the client for comfort! None of my case studies felt that was the case though (or so they said!)

 

[Jack R]

Hi Guys

Thank you all so much for your posts and input. I'm actually on maternity leave at the moment with my 2nd child, so I know for sure I won't be entitled to another maternity allowance. I was actually thinking what I'll do for now is apply for a job at Tesco, as at least then its a regular income (which helps the old mortgage renewal in January!) and I can start with massaging friends in between, who will hopefully give me some referrals in the future.

I've got my new massage table coming soon and its height adjustable so hopefully I'll be able to adjust the client according to where the bump is at the time!!

Thanks again,
Newflower