Working in two states

[manny]

Do any of you work in different states? How do you balance the two?

I have started a new business in an adjoining state and am trying to figure out a working schedule. I know being in the "new" location as much as possible is the best way to build the business, but I need to maintain my first location, well ... first!

What is the best marketing strategy for location #2 to get it off the ground? I am 10+ years in location #1 and wonder if I should do things differently now.

 

[Lea Lea]

Working in two states

Do any of you work in different states? How do you balance the two?

I have started a new business in an adjoining state and am trying to figure out a working schedule. I know being in the "new" location as much as possible is the best way to build the business, but I need to maintain my first location, well ... first!

What is the best marketing strategy for location #2 to get it off the ground? I am 10+ years in location #1 and wonder if I should do things differently now.

I don't have a lot of strategy for you, but you could have you new business phones roll over to your #1 business and ask which location the client wants to book in, when they call. This may give you the ability to spread yourself into the new office, without actually having to be there onsite for too much of the time, while you are at location #1.

Also, putting your new location on your website would be a must, I would think... and possibly bartering with a friend for massage work, to go to that office and just hang out there for a few hours each day, might be a nice thought.

I think you need a smiley! :tiphat:

 

[Pompal 09.]

I already have another phone number (and separate phone (cell) for the new location), and I only have access to the space on weekends at this point. So as long as I am available to answer the phone, I do, wherever I am, so that's not an issue.

I am trying to market myself without actually being there ... a good trick if I can accomplish it! Some people have mentioned Altrusa Club, and there is one in the community I am starting up in. Anyone have experience with them, or can you offer other suggestions (besides the Chamber, which I've joined).

 

[i wish i was a baller. <3]

Some people have mentioned Altrusa Club, and there is one in the community I am starting up in. Anyone have experience with them, or can you offer other suggestions (besides the Chamber, which I've joined).

I don't know about Altrusa, but here is a thread we have with different Business groups: List of Business Referral Groups

 

[Pompal 09.]

Pueppi and Pete - thanks for your suggestions.

My second location is in a lake side community that has a large tourist population, summer and winter, and from what I've recently learned, a lot of affluent retirees. This is a much different market than my #1 location whereby there are many MT's in the community which equates to a lot of competition (they are not friendly when it comes to clients!).

I am leaning toward less physical work at this point, so my marketing will change. I am studying lymph drainage therapy but have a way to go before I feel ready to offer it. I am also am drawn to working with cancer patients.

Currently I do prenatal massage, relaxation (Swedish), aromatherapy, reiki and want to continue with those; however I want to do less sports massage/deep tissue work.

After some researching here on this board, I checked out BodyworkBiz Fill Your Practice 101 and ordered it, based on such a positive response here. I will incorporate from that what I feel will work for me.

 

[smithers]

The other consideration when working (earning income) in two states is that you'll need to keep careful records. You will pay state income tax based on the income earned in each state.

Angela

 

[Pompal 09.]

One of my clients in location #1 referred me to her aunt who is retired in an upscale gated community in location #2 - a great referral! I am hoping to cultivate that one big time. I'm sure she would know about retiree organizations, among others, as she was the one who suggested Altrusa.

There is one high end resort in the town that is part of a large complex on the lake that includes a couple of restaurants, a gift shop, as well as a function room, a quaint library/sitting area with a fire place, game tables, etc., and a spa that often cannot accommodate all the requests for massage and other services they offer, at least at the height of the summer season, according to an MT I know who works there.

I'm going to rely on the Chamber, at least initially, for information. They are publishing their annual map with local advertising for businesses, which I am considering doing, although it's $400 for a small, 1/8 page ad. I am told that the businesses who advertise there get a good response. I'm not sure if I should invest $400 in that as maybe there is another more lucrative route to go with my advertising dollars. Most of the people looking at that map are tourists, so they would not likely be repeats, or long term clients.

 

[Vishwas]

I work in a retirement community. My situation may be special, but one of the first people who called me loved me and gave me a thousand referrals. Figuratively.

Just advertise based on your passion: what part of your work do you love to do the most? I made a flier up about how I am present in the work that I do, I offer deep work, and I am totally focused on their health/wellness etc. Put fliers up where retirees will see it. Soon, the right person will see it, and you will get many referals from them. Good luck!

 

[Ameliasaur<3]

Tomorrow I am going to a gathering of people who frequent a website designed for the lake area. I will be bringing lots of business cards with an introductory offer on the back, and I have donated a gift bag which includes a gift certificate, relaxation CD and a few other goodies, for a raffle.

I was thinking that I would like to have an "Open House" - probably the weekend of Oct. 25. I need ideas for this ... food, promotional ideas, gifts/chair massage, etc. Have any of you done this? What worked for you, and what didn't?

I was thinking of an autumn theme with the foods and colors of the season.

 

[Tarou]

The other consideration when working (earning income) in two states is that you'll need to keep careful records. You will pay state income tax based on the income earned in each state.

Angela

 

[Pompal 09.]

I didn't think about different states having different rules. *wry grin* The two states I work in I pay state taxes in the one ONLY ON the $7k I make each year in that state. So it's not very much and still definately worth my time. But it's just that one more thing I have to do before April 15th.

It might be worth checking into to make sure it's worth the time and effort.

Angela

 

[vivek]

I have a home in both states, so technically I'm not commuting, and I did run this by my accountant who thought it was not an issue since it would be a "wash" in the end (whatever that means).

 

[fade2blak80]

I have a home in both states, so technically I'm not commuting, and I did run this by my accountant who thought it was not an issue since it would be a "wash" in the end (whatever that means).

Actually, you are. You can only be a resident of one state, and own one principal residence.

What you accountant means, is that is probably does not matter if you pay all your taxes in one state or the other or 50% in each, the total tax burden is the same.

What is not the same is the hassle factor. You have to file two returns and pay taxes each quarter in each jurisdiction. That gives you 2x the opportunity to screw it up and 2x the likelihood of incurring a penalty.