Tips for Therapists:

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.

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.

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.