By Melanie Butler

Starting a new career or a new business is a scary proposition. You often wonder where your customers are going to come from and how to keep them coming back. The following tips will help you as you start your new career.

1. When opening your business offer a Grand Opening Special such as 25% off your normal charge. Consider advertising this on the radio or in the newspaper to get word out about your business.
   
   
2. You want your office to be peaceful. The foundation to this peace starts with wall color. Use the palest pastels you can find in lilac, peach, yellow, or green. These are calming and peaceful colors that will relax you and your client.
   
   
3. To further create a peaceful ambiance use candles. Vanilla is a scent that most people like. Make sure it isn’t overpowering. Having the right ambience will keep customers coming back.
   
   
4. Contact local businesses and see if you can provide services on site for a fee. This will allow you to earn some money and meet some prospective clients. Perhaps the business will allow you to do this twice a month and you will have gained a large client.
   
   
5. Create a punch card system. Give your clients a punch on the card after each massage appointment. At the end of 10 appointments the client would receive a free massage. This is always a big business builder.
   
   
6. Learn new massage techniques. There are over 80 techniques and with each different technique you offer that’s another prospective client.
   
   
7. Take care of yourself. In order to take on clients or new clients you must be healthy. This means you must be careful not to overbook yourself. You must also take care of yourself since you will be on your feet all day. Be sure you are using proper techniques so that you don’t injure yourself.
   
   
8. Prior to the beginning of a massage session with a client discuss what they hope to gain from the session. If the two of you are on the same page then you are more likely to have a happy client and a return client.
   
   
9. Keep current and keep up with the newest techniques by going for continuing education. This will ensure you are using the best and most useful techniques on your clients.
   
   
10. Consider contacting independent physical therapists and see if they will refer clients to you or allow you to advertise in their office.
    
    Being an independent massage therapist allows you many options and the freedom to control your business. The above are just some starting ideas for your business. Get creative and have some fun.