Q: I recently graduated from massage and skin care school, I currently work in a spa and I have to give up 50% of what I earn. I think I am ready to go on my own. I am afraid of this step and have not much knowledge on how to go about it. How to get clients etc… I don’t have any money to open my own business but was offered a room to do massages and skincare in the school where I learned massage. It sounds good but how do I get clients in this economy? The spa is slow!
A: Since you need to cultivate clients and build your network to be successful I suggest you utilize as many free resources as you can to build your brand and get the word out about your unique services. Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter would be great places to start as well as a referral system for current clients based on an incentive. For example, with every 2 new clients booked from the referral of a current customer, offer the original client a perk – perhaps a discount or free service. Let your satisfied clients be your best advocates for new business.
You should also consider your local Chamber of Commerce as they may have special networking events for new business owners and this can be a great way to build your clientele. Consider utilizing a free SCORE small business counselor in your community who can offer advice about your business plan, marketing and financing of your new business. Your local newspaper or radio station may be willing to feature you in a story – this is great free publicity.
Since opening your own shop may be financially out of reach at present, I suggest you strongly consider providing services at the room you were offered in the Massage and Skincare School to incrementally build your client base. You may also look for other practitioners in the salon field who can complement your services without being direct competition when the time comes for you to branch out into your own space. You might find someone to share rent, marketing costs, etc. The multi service co-op is a great business model that is proving to be very successful with first-time entrepreneurs.
Twitter can be too addictive, it in reality keeps myself from spending adequate time with my family unit!