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OK, 2 more months of school to go! I am just checking in to see how the economy is effecting everyone...and what you are doing to deal with it. I still see some massage job openings posted here in TN and I am trying to remain optomistic that the universe will provide when I finish up school. In the meanwhile, I have had to take a job waiting tables...something I have not done in approx. 20 yrs just to make ends meet. Hopefully this is just a short term deal......
How have is the economy where you are? What changes have you made work wise?

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I am lucky to be in the NW where there isn't much problem but I always am concerned when people start wanting to blame their success or lack of it on the economy. The economy is doing what it is doing. Your personal economy does not have to follow it. Is it the economy or lack of consistent marketing or an effective presentation to get or create a high paying job?

I am not saying that it will be easy and yes the economy may make it be that less people are hiring or it is harder to get clients. This whole economy thing is just about getting people to live within their means and also be more creative about making money. Just because the economy is down doesn't mean that a business can not flourish.

Even in Seattle I am always marketing - sending email newsletters, updating my website, doing mailings to my building and the few surrounding buildings on my block, networking with chiropractors and naturopaths.

I had a part time job that I hated when I started by own business. It is doing what you have to do to make it work if that means eating mac and cheese for a few months or whatever.

It isn't only hoping that the universe will provide it is taking action that is aligned with your inner being. You can know you are connected to your inner being when you feel happy and joy. Can you feel that way even when things 'look' discouraging on the outside is the big challenge. Taking action is how you prepare yourself to receive. You may have to try a bunch of things so you can keep knowing more about what you do and don't want so you can get clear about what you do want which is about being in alignment with who you are.

(sorry didn't mean to get on my soap box but I always find the fears of the economy such an interesting topic!

Julie
www.thebodyworker.com
www.massage-career-guides.com
It may be a little harder, just starting out, at this time as you are Le, but that will make you appreciate it even more when you are successful. And you will be, as long as you don't give up. That's the key!
I agree with Julie. In spite of the fact that my county has the second highest unemployment rate in NC, and many people are out of work, it hasn't affected my business much. In fact, the few clients we have noticed cutting back are other small business owners who are struggling to keep their companies afloat.

When people are stressed out over the economy, they need a MASSAGE:)
I second what Julie is saying!

I know I'm a bit further a field than most here in the UK but my business is doing just fine at the moment.

Glasgow where I live has some of the most poverty and deprevation here in the UK, my prices are nearly half what I use to charge in London 3 years ago, but I've built my business with hard graft over the last couple of years and it's doing well.

If massage is the career you want then you can make it happen when you qualify, it might not be easy, in actual fact it will most probably be hard for some time but stick at it, if you need advice or have questions there are so so so many helpful, kind and knowledgable people here on this site who will give you all the help they can. One day it will turn good. You'll be the one on this web site telling everyone your success story, giving helpful tips and advice.

Julie Onofrio said:
I am lucky to be in the NW where there isn't much problem but I always am concerned when people start wanting to blame their success or lack of it on the economy. The economy is doing what it is doing. Your personal economy does not have to follow it. Is it the economy or lack of consistent marketing or an effective presentation to get or create a high paying job?

I am not saying that it will be easy and yes the economy may make it be that less people are hiring or it is harder to get clients. This whole economy thing is just about getting people to live within their means and also be more creative about making money. Just because the economy is down doesn't mean that a business can not flourish.

Even in Seattle I am always marketing - sending email newsletters, updating my website, doing mailings to my building and the few surrounding buildings on my block, networking with chiropractors and naturopaths.

I had a part time job that I hated when I started by own business. It is doing what you have to do to make it work if that means eating mac and cheese for a few months or whatever.

It isn't only hoping that the universe will provide it is taking action that is aligned with your inner being. You can know you are connected to your inner being when you feel happy and joy. Can you feel that way even when things 'look' discouraging on the outside is the big challenge. Taking action is how you prepare yourself to receive. You may have to try a bunch of things so you can keep knowing more about what you do and don't want so you can get clear about what you do want which is about being in alignment with who you are.

(sorry didn't mean to get on my soap box but I always find the fears of the economy such an interesting topic!

Julie
www.thebodyworker.com
www.massage-career-guides.com
Laura Allen said:
When people are stressed out over the economy, they need a MASSAGE:)

EXACTLY!!! priced right...we should be capitalizing on the poor economy. :)
I agree with my colleagues! Keep your face and hands out there...market away.
I know many LMT's needing help they are so busy. The economy does not seem to slow them down.
It does seem to affect those that "think it will"...hence, think Positive and you will prosper
Where I work here in Pensacola, FL we are not allowed to use the prase "it's the economy". Actually business is really great. Yes, we do have a slow day or two during the week. That is okay with me. We are still doing 20-50 massages a day. I work part-tme at this job and love it. The owners are wonderful folks, the other LMT's I work with are great, and the Clients just keep on coming.
Le, it's easy to use the economy as an excuse, but it is a convenient excuse that has little to no validity IHO. Since October of last year my business has increased 40% and that is an ongoing trend. I am into my 3rd year in the locality where I work. The mind set I have kept and continually put out to my patients is massage reduces stress, excessive stress is the #1 killer and massage is the best therapy to reduce stress. My signature on all of my correspondence ends with "relaxation is not a luxury, it is an essential part of a lifestyle for optimal health". Everyone needs massage. It is essential. When you are convicted in that mindset, it will transfer to your clients and they will come back if you do your job well.

Good Luck, this is a wonderful business. Yes, there are a lot of massage therapists out there. Find your niche. Be distinctive in your work. Each therapist has something unique to offer for we are all unique individuals. Find what is unique about you and capatalize on it in every way you can.


Peace
I'm in the mid west where most of the people are construction or factory workers. Times are tough. However, I opened up shop last October in the heart of all this mess and am increasing my client list daily. You have to be determined and act upon it. Everyone else here has pretty much summed it up. Take heed and you will succeed!

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