Tips for Therapists:

If you would like to talk with your clients about products or other services that you sell but which are not central to your treatments (e.g. health-related MLM products and business opportunities), consider displaying information about these on your walls and/or in your literature area and by so doing, invite the clients to express interest to you.

Why ? : If you leave to your clients the option of raising the subject or not, you won't seem pushy or cause those who are not interested in your supplementary activies to feel awkward about expressing no interest.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When preparing and updating your consultation sheet or questionnaire, ensure that you can explain your reasons for asking each of questions in no more than 1 or 2 sentences per question.

Why ? : Some day, someone is likely to ask. When faced with an uncomfortable question, many people would prefer to "question the need for the question" than to answer it. You will be more likely to get an honest answer and will certainly look far more professional if you can confidently offer a positive yet concise response in all cases.

Find a therapist uniform or appropriate work-wear that suits your body shape and makes you feel comfortabe.

Why ? : If you feel good about yourself and your appearance you'll also look and feel more confident. That in turn will reassure your clients and inspire their confience in you.

Make sure it is easy for clients to contact you:

• Provide a phone number at which there is an answering service if the call cannot be taken immediately.
• Provide a mobile phone number so that those people who prefer to send text messages can do so.
• Provide an email address so that those people who prefer to send an email can do so.

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.

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.

If you make your email address available to clients

• Choose a professional looking email address that is easy to remember.
  Use an email address at your website domain. That way people can be more confident that they are contacting someone associated with that domain and your email address alone will automatically let people know where to find out more about you - at your website.
• Check email to the address known to your clients daily.

Why ? : This is part of your business image.