starting a new

[footballnow2]

Hi there everyone!
Ok this is the deal, i have put in applications and resumes and all i have heard was we will look over this etc..
So i have been looking into office spaces for rent. am i better off. i have not work for anyone since i became certified, (working my other job until somthing came up)i have a family to support. i am not afraid of working to get clientel. Marketing I am not afraid of. but is this the right move. what kind of space is good to start with. i really love being a therapist. but it is only worth it if i am actually doing it!!!!!!!!!! i would of course keep my job, but i am at a loss. what to do. does any of this make sense??? help
thanks to all who have the time to respond t017

 

[Marketa]

Well, 'better off' is subjective, and you are the only who can tell if its worth it.

Do you have the financial ability to start up something on your own? There is plenty of start up costs, (the obvious and the not so obvious) but sometimes not as many as one might think.

Do you have the time it takes to start up, between your day job and your family? Are you the sole provider for your family? I haven't been in the situation, so im biased, but I'm sure it *can* be difficult to build enough clientele to get you to full time massages when you only have part time availabilty.

What kind of office spaces have you looked at? You first office will revolve around what your start up budget is, and you didn't give any heads up on that - do you have it figured out? WHen you know what you can spend, then and only then will you know what spaces are available to you. Do you have an empty space that has potential for a *PROFESSIONAL* reincarnation in your home, and would that work for your family?

In MY opinion its worth it, but there have been many a day when I wished to God I had a 'job' doing massage and was not on my own - even though to the core I still love it. Good luck either way!

 

[Chibi - thulhu]

no i don't think that it's the right move.

i say keep putting in apps and looking for work and gaining experience until you're ready to devote all/significant amount of your time to building a successful pratice.

 

[ebrliekich]

If you have worked in the business world before, it will be easier for you. Organizing a business system, etc., for your practice can be overwhelming as you are trying to build clientele.

I'm not trying to dissuade you at all. I have talked to many of my customers about How They Began. From my non-scientific observations, I believe there is more chance of success for people that have experience with managing a business or have support from people (parents, spouses, etc) who are willing to take on that part of your practice while you are beginning.

Some links to interviews and articles that may be helpful:
Natural Touch Marketing: Real Stories

 

[In search of Confidence]

MaybeMobile raises good questions.

From my experience, if you have worked in the business world before, it will be easier for you. Organizing a business system, etc., for your practice can be overwhelming as you are trying to build clientele.

I'm not trying to dissuade you at all. I have talked to many of my customers about How They Began. From my non-scientific observations, I believe there is more chance of success for people that have experience with managing a business or have support from people (parents, spouses, etc) who are willing to take on that part of your practice while you are beginning.

Some links to interviews and articles that may be helpful:

Interviews with MTs who market their practices happily.
http://www.naturaltouchmarketing.com/NTM-Real-Stories-Intro.php

Blog entry that may be of interest to you at this time (be sure to read the comments).
http://www.naturaltouchmarketing.com/blog/marketing-matters/2008/07/a-room-of-ones-own/

Best of luck. I'll be interested to hear what comes of your decisions.

Eileen

 

[JANE W]

Thanks guys it has been helpful. i have just been so fustrated with the job i am at right now(manager/bartender/waitress) all at the same place. im just ready to do what i know i was meant to do.

 

[Karah?]

Been. There.

Lists are your very best friends. Really. For everything. It's easy to forget where you are going and then you feel more buried.

I don't know how old your kids are, but lists are very good for them, too. It helps them to know what's on everyone's plate. When Mom, my sister and I were trying to keep it together (everyone in school, everyone with at least one full-time job and no functioning car), lists kept us sane.

Cherie Sohnen-Moe has some very helpful, free worksheets that are worth your time.
http://www.sohnen-moe.com/forms.php

Keep us updated.

We're pulling for you.

Eileen

 

[Sarah N]

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

Don't go into business for yourself just because you are frustrated. If you let frustration hurry you into it, you'll overlook critical details that can make the difference between success and failure.

If you really want to do this, take the time to do your homework and MAKE A GOOD PLAN. This plan needs to include expected fixed and variable expenses, tax liabilities and estimated payment dates, business and massage licensing, business and massage liability insurances, bank account(s), registered business name and tax id number, marketing plan (with estimated costs), etc. Ideally your plan will include a realistic cash flow statement, with multiple scenarios (expected, above expected, and worst case) represented.

You will be making rough estimates on some things, but a little investigation will generally enable you to be reasonably accurate on most. Have a business advisor (like SCORE) go over your plan(s) and give you critical feedback.

Being an independent massage therapist makes you a business owner, with all of the responsibilities that comes with the role. It can be very satisfying, but it's a LOT of extra work, and you'll soon be overwhelmed if you aren't properly prepared with a good plan.

If you take the time to prepare properly, know what you need to do, why you need to do it, and how to do it right, you'll probably do just fine. If not, you'll wish you'd just taken a job working for someone else.

Last - consider how you've applied to jobs thus far. Get someone to give you critical feedback on your resume, with no punches pulled. Edit your resume to improve layout, spelling, grammar, etc. so communicates professionalism and competence. If you have a good resume, make sure you drop it off in person, and do so dressed for the job (or at least close). Calling ahead to see if the manager/owner will be in at the time may help. Taking these few steps will increase your chances of success.

Best wishes for your success!

 

[?????? ?? ????]

:iagree:
Great advice.

Don't go into business for yourself just because you are frustrated. If you let frustration hurry you into it, you'll overlook critical details that can make the difference between success and failure.

SO TRUE!!!

 

[cassandras_evil_sister3]

thanks again

its like being on roller coaster with endless loops, all ways spiraling.. I have 3 kids 9,8, and 2, and let say lets their Supportive$$$$ dad (he helps with the kids as he should but thats about it. we are not together but he lives with me and harldly makes any money bc he has 2 other kids (child support).so i am the bread winner)
so i am just all around stressed outand i know that working in this field would help me mentally and physically too. So thanks again to all of you . it has trully been helpful. :

 

[abhi n]

One thing that has not been mentioned, and this is from experience, make your practice larger than just you. Hire a couple of independant contractor's with some experience and established clients they can bring with them. You will get a perceneforum.xxxe of their commission, while you build your clientele. Make your practice large enough for at least 2 rooms.