
Year Published: 2004-05
Tips for Therapists:

About this page:
There are ten business-related ideas for self-employed therapists on this page. The list changes each time the page is loaded, items in the list being selected at random. If you would like to see more ideas immediately just reload the page.
The following ideas and suggestions are intended for qualified self-employed therapists but may also be of interest to others.
Interested in tips and ideas to help to improve your therapy business ?
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Send Birthday Cards to repeat clients Do you ask clients for their date of birth ? If so, why ? If you would just like to know their age, then you could simply ask for that. Why ? : As part of your personal service. Everyone loves to be remembered and as well as the pleasure of an unexpected Birthday Card, they'll also be reminded of you and your services. |
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Offer a voucher scheme That is, make it known that you sell vouchers for treatments that may be given as gifts. Some therapists find that treatment vouchers are popular for birthdays and other special occasions and may be of interest to people who do not live near you but would like to buy a treatment for a friend or relative who does. Why ? : If people don't know that you offer this option, they'll keep looking for someone who does ! |
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Have you considered being listed on any of the many 'Therapist Listings' on the internet? If so, bear in mind that providing holistic therapies is a local business. An online directory of therapists would need to have an audience of many potential clients of your particular treatments, in your local area, in order for it to be of much use to you. Even then, people who only see your name phone number and list of therapies might not have sufficient information to decide to call you. If possible, ensure that you have at least a whole page on the internet that is just about you and your services. Better still, have a stand-alone website at your own unique domain name. If you do consider being listed on other websites such as directories, first ask yourself if the costs are reasonable and check that such listings about you and your business would include a link to your own website. Why ? : Having your own website means that you have control over the way you present and promote your business online. |
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If you are working as a self-employed therapist use a simple spreadsheet to track every treatment you give and every expense you incur - including travel, consumables, and continuing education courses. [Aside: However, do also remember that there may be regulations about the storing of any client information. Recording that you did a 2x 1-hour massages on 31st March 2005 and charged £30.00 for each may be useful, but as far as mentioning client names' is concerned, be aware of the implications of the Data Protection Act (UK) or other applicable legislation in the country/state in which you work.] Why ? : Being self-employed usually means that you must complete a "Self Assessment" Tax Form. This is easier if you have kept track of your income and expenses as they occurred. |
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Do you use Consultation Sheets for pre-treatment consultations ? Why ? : Printing simple A4 pages is generally inexpensive and printing several months-worth at a time can save your time spent on such administrative tasks. |
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Do you use Consultation Sheets for pre-treatment
consultations ? Why ? : Perhaps some people would like to have a treatment but are concerned about the questions you might ask them first. It is reassuring for such clients to be able to see your questions in advance. It might also help by resulting in more people bringing the information you require with them. However, if you would like clients to complete your form in advance then do remember to say so. |
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Make sure it is easy for clients to contact you:
Why ? : Making your services known to potential clients involves much effort and expense. It therefore makes sense to ensure that when people do try to reach you they can do so easily. |
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Concerning music or other sound during
your treatments ... Why ? : Preparation and anticipation of all aspects of your time with the client helps to enable everyone to be more relaxed, facilitating effective treatment. |
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Many therapy consumables such as carrier oils, wipes, talc, and so on are sold with clearly stated 'use by' dates printed on the packaging. However, this is not always the case - some products state similar advice in a slightly different way, such as use within a stated time period after opening. In that case it can be useful to keep plain white stickers or labels with your therapy kit and label each new pack or bottle with the date on which it was opened. Why ? : To be 100% confident of the freshness of all items used. |
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If you have decided to advertise your services (instead of accepting clients via personal recommendation only), make sure you have an effective internet presence. That means that the main search engines return your website or webpage for searches that specify your main treatment/s and location/s, and also for searches on your name. Why ? : Many people work at a computer all day and the first place they look for services is no-longer print directories, but search engines. |
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Disclaimer:
For entertainment purposes only: The above are intended to be helpful issues to consider and, if appropriate, investigate for your own particular situation. Applicable regulations differ with location and change over time. Always ensure that you are operating within whatever regulations and accepted "best practice" apply in your geographical area as well as your sphere of activity and area of expertise.