Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68009
Your visit may also be announced with an office memo or e-mail, complete with introductory, as well as regular, pricing. Most likely, you will interview with an office manager. It's possible you will face a panel of upper- level human resource personnel. Arrive prepared to impress. I caution against wearing your favorite toga, even if it matches the Dalai Lama's. I'm half-teasing. After all, I have been referred to as "the lady with blue hair," but, I try to keep my eccentricities in check, especially in this competitive market. With the ability to comfortably perform bodywork in mind, dress as you would for your first day of employment in a conservative office. Have your professional portfolio ready. It is much more than a resume. I have an attractive leather, window-front binder. It doesn't take a lot of money to look professional. (See Your Portfolio on page 62.) This next recommendation may not seem obvious until after I mention it: get a seated massage! Get several. It feels good and it's a tax write-off. Diploma and all, I felt inadequately prepared for my first day of work. You can learn some wonderful techniques from others. CAPTIVATING CLIENTS Now that you've arrived, how do you build your business? How do you keep your clients coming back weekly, vying for coveted positions on your sign-up sheet? Day one (and every day thereafter), you will want to fill your schedule and leave with money in your pocket. These goals go hand in hand. It is extremely important, however, to seek management approval for everything you do, from including mild aromatherapy in your work to using the refrigerator to store your lunch. Post your sign-up sheet at least one week in advance. As with everything you've done so far, make it exceptional. If possible, create your own easily seen and accessible wall space, next to the bulletin board, next to the water cooler or coffee maker, wherever you can be featured (not just seen). After all, you are not part of the labor grind with its endless demands. You are the soft breeze, the calming respite, the sympathetic ear. Make your sign-up sheet eye- catching. Post an inspiring or humorous thought or comic next to your sign-up sheet, something that can be regularly changed. Have an attractive display of your business cards or business fliers next to your sign-up sheet. These can feature your website and off-site location with a full spectrum of services. Your eagerly anticipated first visit may also be announced with an office memo or e-mail, complete with introductory, as well as regular, pricing. The distribution of this notice will most likely be the responsibility of one of the office personnel. In an executive environment, it is generally not acceptable to approach employees for business. What a relief! Some companies will pay for or subsidize each employee's first massage. This is a lucky break. You may choose not to ask this of management yourself, but there are other ways to get the idea approved. If you have the benefit of a client introduction, your client can safely present the idea of the company footing the bill. It is a write-off. And it makes the boss look like a champ. If that doesn't happen, I recommend a 50 percent discount for each first visit. With rare exception, I do not recommend offering free massages, not even for 10 minutes. It's unnecessary. If, however, you feel compelled to offer a free massage in order to generate interest, call it complimentary. And cut back your time. For example, the first five minutes are complimentary. I'm confident at the end of those five minutes your client is going to ask for another five and be willing to pay for the entire session (at the introductory rate). Regular pricing will vary according to clientele and area. I charge one or two dollars less per session than the local mall, striking a deal without scalping myself. I recommend setting a minimum number of appointments per day. For example, if you're performing four 10-minute massages per hour with a five-minute break in-between each, you may want to set a minimum of six appointments to make it worth your while. Otherwise, explain you will not be coming that day. Check your sign- up sheets 24–48 hours in advance. I've been practicing on-site for about a year and have never had to cancel due to lack of interest. There's also an inherent advantage to setting a minimum number of appointments. Not wanting to miss out on their own massage, your most loyal clients will urge others to sign up. With a full schedule, you visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 59