Tips for Therapists:

Always have some of your smart, professional, business cards with you.

Why ? : Business cards can provide much useful information. If you have a box or stand of business cards available for clients to take one, you must be serious about your business and expect people to want your contact details.

Concerning music or other sound during your treatments ...
If you visit clients at their homes do you mention in advance that they might wish to have their sound system or speakers ready near the treatment area and perhaps select some appropriate music ?

Why ? : Preparation and anticipation of all aspects of your time with the client helps to enable everyone to be more relaxed, facilitating effective treatment.

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.

Always make the effort to be cheerful. People visit a therapist to help themselves to feel better, not to cheer-up the therapist. Both clients and therapists feel better and gain more benefit from the treatments when the therapist acts in a confident, cheerful, and positive, manner.

Why ? : Cheerful people are pleasant to be around. Your warm friendly smile can make all the difference in such a people-focused environment.

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 trreaments, 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.

Investigate any FREE help that might be available to you as a small business.

The value and nature of help available for small businesses varies from time to time and from place to place. Sometimes there are government funded initiatives to help small businesses. If there is free advice available it might prove useful, especially when you are setting-up your business and in the first few years.

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.

Do you use Consultation Sheets for pre-treatment consultations ?
If so, and if you have a website, make your consultation sheets available for download by clients and people who are considering booking arranging a treatment.

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.

Is there something you can give away?
Businesses use "giveaways" as a form of advertising. That is, they give items to their clients and prospects - usually items that are useful and include their company logo and contact details. It is a useful way to remind customers and prospects who you are, where you are, and what you do.

Why ? : People usually appreciate having something to take away. It may also serve as a 'talking point' if they show it to anyone else such as friends, family, or colleagues.

If you do some or all of your treatments at a clinic or health centre find out if you can leave some of your equipment there.

Why ? : The less you have to carry with you to each appointment the less you can forget and the calmer you are likely to look and feel when you arrive to greet your client. If you can keep some items there you might save time too.