Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/108504
visit abmp.com Have your own dos/don'ts? Share them with us at bizfit@abmp.com. News Flash: Your Practice is Actually a Business Marketing Works (But Only if You're Doing It) Do you tend to conveniently forget that you're a small business owner? Nice try, but like a sunflower or sea monkey your practice needs your time and attention if you want it to grow. Here's how to show it the love it needs. Marketing doesn't magically happen on its own—sorry. As a business owner, you need to take steps to spread the word about your practice and attract new clients. If you make it personal and uniquely your own, you might even enjoy it! Pick yourself up off the floor and read on. Do: Create a plan for your practice Don't: Rely on a Ouija board We find a startling number of therapists adopt the hopefor-the-best business philosophy. Does it work? Not so much. Why do they do it? Our guess is because creating a plan for managing, marketing, and growing a practice may seem more than they are capable of. The key? Take it one step at a time and really think about what you want your life—and your practice—to be. What modalities do you want to practice? What kinds of clients do you want to work with? How many days a week do you want to work? Getting clear about what you want gives you a much better shot at creating a practice you enjoy. Do: Be the master of your schedule Don't: Give massages at midnight (unless you want to) Being in a customer service field doesn't mean you have to bend over backward for your clients to the point where it's detrimental to your own well-being (and low back). Create a schedule with available appointment times and stick to it. You're allowed to say no to the client who asks for an appointment at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday. Do: Schedule time to run your practice Don't: Forget you're running a business Think you'll get around to working on your marketing, client communication, and finances whenever you have time here and there? Think again! Schedule at least 30 minutes every day to sit at your desk and do something related to running your business: share helpful information on your Facebook page for your practice, plan a new marketing event, call clients, enter your business expenses for the week, etc. Your business will thank you. Do: Be a voyeur (Legally) Don't: Try to create inspired marketing materials in a vacuum (or while vacuuming) Creating or updating your website? Look around at other bodywork (and nonbodywork) websites to get inspired by design and content. Seeing work you like (and don't like) will help you create your own brilliant materials. This goes for business cards, brochures, and social media sites, too. Your aim is to inform potential clients that you are professional, capable, trustworthy, and genuine— don't try to be something you're not. Do: Create marketing materials with benefitscentered language Don't: Leave your potential clients scratching their heads and wondering what the heck you're talking about What motivates new clients to call you for an appointment? Knowing what's in it for them if they do. Use marketing language that describes the benefits of your work in terms they'll understand (e.g., not hyperemia). Focus on how the session will affect them, their bodies, and their lives, or on what your work will help, eliminate, or enhance. Not sure if your language works? Have a few nonbodywork friends give it a test-read. www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 27