As I stated previously, I am not big on giving free massages as a means of advertsing.
Giving away some massage time as a part of your own church activities might be a different thing. I am all for donating time for a worthy cause to help those in need when times are bad.
But the way you explained things, it does not sound like your situation qualifies as such.
Doing free chair massages at events has worked for me before to get clients, but I have only gotten a few. One time did a health fair at a local medical supply company. It was a huge place, with a great deal of seniors attending.
By the end of the day, I had massaged 32 so-called potential clients, passed out over 100 business cards and brochures and had a drawing for 2 free massages back at the office.
Results: Never got a single call for a paid massage back at my office. The two "free" massage raffles finally did call. One ended up being a "no show" and the other just couldn't seem to find an appointment time suitable for his schedule. Never did get a single tip at the fair, though I had plenty of people say "Your hands must be tired from massaging everyone".
I did get one call though, from a lady asking me to come to an Assisted Living Health facility health fair--to do what? She asked me if I could come to their health fair to do more FREE chair massages.
Needless to say, when I first started massage practice, I had poor boundaries. I got sucked into a number of things which didn't pan out into anything but a lot of hard work on my part and a lot of "free" massages for people willing to take advantage of my massage services because they could see I would let them.
Now don't get me wrong, I have done other "free" chair massage expos and I have gotten a few calls for appointments at my office. None of these people ever turned out to be my "ideal" client, though. Most just tried it 1-3 sessions. You could say they were "exploring" the waters of alternative healthcare.
I found all were always looking for any 'discounts' that I might offer. As I stated before, free massages seem to attract clients to your practice who like free massages.
Cheap attracts the Cheapos. Sounds harsh? Think again. It's all about exchange. You are exchanging your hard work and clinical intelligence for a client's hard earned money.
If you respect the fact that the client is giving you $60-$70 for an hour of time on the table, you know you have to give it your best to meet your clients needs. Likewise, if your client values your massage services so much, they will respect your time and effort in the form of a monetary exchange.
When neither the therapist nor the client takes each other for granted, the result is true respect. Your dedicated hard work is exchanged for thier hard earned money.
Sep 12, 2009 Rating
doing a 'free chair massage event' for a 'friend' by: Raul
hey guys it is me again, i have recently been asked to do a chair massage event for volunteers at a church of someone who i know that is a member there. She has asked me to volunteer time to do chair massages for about five minutes a person for free.
I have been thinking about telling her that I'll be leaving a tip jar, as I did one event like this before and never got clients for it and worked for over two and a half hours only getting 11 dollars in tips for my time and travel.
That being said, what do you guys think? do the chair massage event and lay out the tip jar and hope some of those who get my cards will call or is it a complete waste of time?
I'm looking for ways to get my name out, with my full time regular job and obligations at home I'm limited to the time to market at this time and the resources are limited too.
Thanks for your input in advance.
Sep 12, 2009 Rating
Just a couple of Tips by: Sean
Hey Raul,
I empathize with your situation. I was in your same situation some years ago. It just about led me to give it all up. But I kept on pluggin away, and I did survive.
Here's just a few tips for starters, maybe one will be a sucessful tool for you.
Define you ideal client. I mean a total definition. And write it all down.
Man or woman?
Married or single?
Gay or straight?
Age-Pediactric or young adult or baby boomer or geriatric?
Fully employed or retired--or just plain independently wealthy?
Kids or child-free?
Educated to what level?
Yearly income level?
Own a home or rents?
Car type or takes a bus?
Weekend warrior or workaholic?
Never tried massage before type or a regular consumer of massage looking for a new therapist?
Follows a medical care philosophy or a wellness care philosophy?
Some will say this all shouldn't matter--a body on the table is a body on the table. Well, I disagree. There's nothing discrimantory about it.
Until you define your ideal client, you won't know who to spend your marketing effort, marketing time and marketing dollars on.
Also, you have to answer, do I or will I meet the needs of my ideal client? You may need to change a few things about the way you think, dress, groom, practice massage and market to assure that you are a just right fit your your ideal client.
It's unlikely you will ever be everything to every type of massage client. Likewise, not every client will be your ideal client. But until you sit down, think a little, and write up who is your ideal client, you will rarely find them nor will they find you.
Why is this all important? Ideal clients keep you in business--forever. I have ideal clients today who keep seeing me either once per week or once every 2 weeks for the past 5-6 years.
Also, ideal clients won't burn you out. And they generally hang out with people who are generally like themselves, therefore, you get referrals of more ideal clients.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, Raul, but perhaps it is a good start.
P.S. Never give away free massages. My experience is that doing so generally will only attract clients to your practice who only like free massages. You want clients who think you are such a healtcare need in their lives that they don't flinch when they write you that check, swipe the credit card or hand over the cash.
Aug 24, 2009 Rating
its Raul again..still pluggin away by: Anonymous
Hey it is Raul again. Actually I do know neuromuscular therapy, and I have done an insurance billing ceu.
I currently have a full time day job but am hoping to one day get back into this field full force. I have been doing a few massages lately for practice on friends with the hope that they will tell their freinds, and so on.
I recently had been turned down at a chiropractic clinic because they made it a bigger issue than they should have that I am a male therapist. I know that it is probably for the best and I will find something better, I'm still looking around for part time work until I build up my own clientel.
Lately im trying to do at least two free massages a week to friends and accuaintances so I can get the word out. I'm taking baby steps..
Aug 13, 2009 Rating
Just a Suggestion! by: Humberto Molgora Miramar FL
Anonymous, Hans and David have all very good and valid suggestions I would like to add that, I have been a Massage therapist for about three years. I have run into the same problems. Most of my clients are female. They prefer the strength of a man, so I don't think gender has anything to do with the amount of clients we get.
I believe the economy is the reason, so most people don't have the money to spend on a massage. To offset this problem I am looking into Insurance billing. I believe that being able to bill the insurance instead of the client will help us get more business not only because the money is not coming out of their pockets but also because of the referrals we can get from the insurance company. I suggest you do the same.
No matter what don't give up...
Good luck!
Humberto LMT
Aug 13, 2009 Rating
Make it work for you by: Anonymous
Its all in the ads... What are your strengths? For one thing you can advertise bigger stronger hands for those who want deep tissue etc.
Also, there is a huge gay, non-sexual client population. They have more time to get injured at the gym and more disposable income. It is rare that one wants anything but a massage if your ad is clear. I have found gay clients to be considerate and respectful. (Perhaps thats because I am not attractive to them, but there you have another plus not being a 6'4 Viking.) They are extremely nice to me, and if you are a good listener as well, you will not have time for all the clients.
Like everyone, people what to know they are accepted. Of course advertising in the right venue is important.
If applicable, it is attractive to straight male clients if you can truthfully advertise " Massage therapist-family man...." So they can identify, and not be defensive.
There are also plenty of women who would like the male energy you can offer, as long as they know you are there for them and not for yourself.
One more thing, PRICE is very important. Lots of great clients can't afford a $60 massage. You can do a heck of a lot in 20 minutes for a teacher, nurse, or truck driver for 15-20$. And, if your not booked, give them a little more time. Be generous when you can, and it will come back to you.
NFT stretching goes well with a "quick" massage. HOpe this rambling helps, I hate to see someone lose heart after having put so much work into a dream.
Aug 11, 2009 Rating
Neuromuscular is gender neutral by: Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist
Set yourself as unique in your skills. When you see someone in pain offer to demonstrate for a few minutes how you can help and give them your card.
Work mobile and avoid office expense. It is usually safer for males to make house calls but with female clients try to have others present in the house.
Doing neuromuscular therapy can in most cases be done clothed which avoids a lot of laundry.
try to set up family groups to receive wellness care each week; that is my best income.
Apply for work in chiropractic office. That is where I honed my skills.
I had the same thing happen to me. I have been in this business for almost three years. I have an associates degree. My school did'nt help me either. It's been tough.
You have to stay positive and keep applying to ads and don't give up. My teacher told us it would take three to five years to find your niche.
I currently work in a retirement community one day a week and I love it. The money is great, but not enough hours, but I have grown their program since Dec.
