Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72312
BUSINESS SIDE There are literally hundreds of inexpensive ways to promote your business by simply using technology and a lot of creativity. 80 percent of people use the Internet routinely and you should too. Even very simple promotions can bring exposure when consistent. For example, many communities have free online bulletin boards or classified ads, like Craigslist. com, where you can post. Use e-mail to book yourself solid by sending out last-minute specials when you anticipate a slow day. Write a small newsletter or create a list serve with healthy tips for your clients that promote the benefits or special offers you have planned. Join a professional networking site like LinkedIn.com to virtually meet others in your community. There are literally hundreds of inexpensive ways to promote your business by simply using technology and a lot of creativity. Total cost: free. 6. with a buzz while creating good will and fun. Select a small item that symbolizes your business—this may be a customized coin, massage money, or even a small figurine. Almost any item will do. Have your name and contact information engraved on the item and then let it loose in the community. For instance, you might leave it as a tip for your favorite waitress. The person who brings the item back to the office receives a deeply discounted or even free service and then is free to take the item and pass it along to the next recipient of their choice who then passes it along again. The end result is word-of-mouth advertising. Total cost: less than $100. 7. GO VIRAL. Infect the community TAME TECHNOLOGY. More than 8. BECOME AN EXHIBITIONIST. Approach local corporations and nonprofit groups that rely on exhibitions and entertainment to offer your services. Be prepared to demonstrate the strong response and attention generated by free massage. If you have attended trade shows, corporate events, or fundraisers, you understand how much planning goes into presenting a compelling attraction to bring attention to the company. Offer a free chair massage by the display or provide a sign-in sheet and randomly select from the list every fifteen to twenty minutes and watch people line up. It's a win- win for the corporate or nonprofit client and yourself. Total cost: free. profitable, but educational and cost effective. For a small annual membership fee, your clients receive the gift that keeps giving. A club is a great way to educate members on the benefits of massage, stay in constant contact with clients in a positive and educational manner, and gain valuable insight into what is on the minds of your members. The club benefits members by providing special offers and discounts to products or services that you have reviewed, educating clients on important issues. And, most importantly, a club fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty among your clients. Total cost: less than $100. 9. CREATE A CLUB. It's not only 10. THE ART OF APPRECIATION. Your clients are the key to your success, but showing appreciation—and allowing others to show their appreciation—can benefit your bottom line while creating fanatical customer satisfaction. Many massage therapists send out birthday cards or special occasion reminders, but the art of appreciation takes it one step further by allowing the community an opportunity to nominate special people in their own lives. Sponsor an art of appreciation day with refreshments, flowers, and a drawing once an hour for special prizes, awards, and recognition. Have nominations sent in by family members, friends, or employees explaining why someone deserves an extra special recognition, a bit of relaxation, or just a little pampering. Don't forget to invite the community editorial pages, local radio station, or other media to cover the event and remind people to nominate that very special someone. Most importantly, the art of appreciation allows the massage therapist to sponsor an event that touches the lives of those across the community who give so much to others. Total cost: free. with leading organizations, including the CDC, WebMD, and others. She has taught college health for a decade while writing and consulting in the industry. She holds master's degrees in health science and business. For more information about her upcoming books, planning guide, and practice management tools, visit www.massagepracticeplanner.com. Shannon Perez has worked extensively 140 massage & bodywork january/february 2008