I wanted to know what other massage therapist's out there are doing to increase their income?!
Question: don't become a massage therapist, it is too hard to make a living
Answers: don't become a massage therapist, it is too hard to make a living
bartend, art, doorman
Mine decided to open her own business. Within six month's she has a staff of 10, great reputation and now even offers classes for training. So perhaps that's an idea.
They offer "Happy Endings"
Mine was a hot brunette with a staff of hot chicks in her office, I know what they did for extra cash.
I work as a hostess for the spa that also do massage at. You could also look into the hospitality industry for just about any job opening. Working in this field opens the door for you to promote yourself as a therapist.
my future father in law is a massage therapist. he is having a hard time getting his business off the ground. hes a mobile business- he comes to you. hes been putting his business cards everywhere. hes got a lot of calls since then but not enough to do anything with it. hes a retired firefighter. so he gets a pension check. his wife is a teacher at a college.
good luck with everything. :)
Someone I know, volunteers her time, a couple of hours a week at the hospital. She provides massages to new mothers. They love the relaxation and most often come back for more. She also provides them with a $5 off coupon for a following massage. She has increased her business 10 fold. Can't hurt to try it. Invest in a couple of volunteer hours for your future.
Massaging right people at right places ;-)
Find a Chiropractor yo can refer to. Bring them a home made fruit basket, or some little packets of sage bath saltds (make your own) Explain you are willing to refer if he/she gets patients needing a massage. Makke it clear your intent is not to "steal" the patient. Expect to have to talk to a bunch until you find the ones with the right Chemistry for you.
I understand that it is hard to get started as a massage therapist. You need to build a loyal clientele and a good reputation to be able to build a viable income.
I am not a massage therapist myself, but I am good friends with my longtime mt and have several friends that are mt's. They have all had to work very hard to build up their careers to the level they are at now.
I know that many of them have joined legit massage therapy clinics or in spas to build their reputation and clientele. Most often, clientele will move with you if you choose to start working out of your own home.
I have known a few who have approached large businesses and made agreements with them to attend the office on a weekly basis and offer 5-10 minute chair massages to the staff. This gives them the opportunity to hand out their card and has been quite successful in getting referrals and new business. Some offices let their staff pay for the service (@ $10/10 mins), but many of the offices have footed the bill themselves for an agreed upon flat rate - employee health and satisfaction being the main reasons. Try the high tech sector, in my area they have seemed to be the most open-minded and generous.
I have also known a few who have offered chair massage at their local health food/supplement store a couple of times per month. Again, sometimes the store owner will foot the bill (seeing it as an additional service to their loyal customers), other times it is the customer who pays - but either way, it is a win-win situation for both the store and the therapist. They often have line-ups on the days they are there - and what can they do while waiting? Why, shop, of course! Plus, it gets your name out in your own neighbourhood.
I also know that a few, while they were trying to build clientele, offered a 1/2 price massage to their present clientele for each friend or family member they referred. I know that this cannot always work if you work out of an office that sets the rates, but if you work out of your home and have the flexibility it is a viable option.
Be careful where you advertise. Try to find local, free, reputable natural health or spiritual health magazines in your area to advertise in. You are much less likely to have someone calling you at 3 a.m. looking for a happy ending than advertising in the local newspaper, plus they tend to be cheaper to advertise in.
Best wishes!
Unfortunately, a lot of them are going quacky