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Starting a practice as a newly licensed therapist VS Working for someone while builing your own practice

LMT's based on your experience, would you suggest to a newly licensed Massage Therapist to start a practice of their own as soon as they are licensed or work with a business already established such as in a spa, medical office, etc.to learn the business aspect more?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Lehman on May 23, 2011 at 6:42pm

OH!!! LOVE this question!!! I will be graduating in July!!! Can't wait to see responses...

Permalink Reply by Tanya Shyes on May 23, 2011 at 6:54pm

I graduate in July also, I am waiting on our LMT's to step in and share with us. I am planning on working with other facilities to learn the business while planning to go independent. I think that is the best way to go. Granted we do have a business module in school, but not enough to dive right in today's economy. Thanks Jennifer and please ask any questions you like. We are in this together. Be wishes to you and congratulations on being a future LMT.

Permalink Reply by Marissa on May 23, 2011 at 8:20pm

That's a loaded question as each new therapist is different and in different situations. Most new therapists only do massage part time in order to maintain a steady pay check from somewhere else as the client list is building.You need to aggressively go through your personal finances and goals. From there, talk with close family and friends. When you have a honest break down, you can make your decision. By working for/with someone else you get the hands on hours as well as a "mentor" by default to help you with the tough situations that arise. Generally speaking, all those bodies you work on while in school disappear when you start charging. I started as an IC right out of school. The best piece of knowledge I was given was by the Director of the PT clinic. She said, "My schedule is so busy that I have to book patients out months in advance and still have a wait list. But it took me 7 years to get here. It doesn't just happen over night."

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Adams on May 24, 2011 at 6:59am

I graduated in March. My PLANS were to build my business slow and steady and then quit my daytime job. Alas, plans don't always work the way we want them too. Fortunately for me I had my roots laid well. I have a partner in one town who is allowing me to work with her, and was given the opportunity to work out of an office in my hometown as well (suburb of other town) for a commission + small rent.

I received my license on April 30 and was laid off from my full time job on May 4.

Since then, I have literally been pounding the pavement. Did I mention my transmission died in my car Easter Sunday? I have been covering a 10 square block radius around my home (which fortunately includes where one of my offices is located). I have been passing out biz cards and fliers to every local business I pass (whether they have no soliciting signs up or not). I live in south Alabama where we are in drought status. I have been lucky to have 2 70 degree days but the other days have been very sunny in the high 80's - 90's.

I only have 500 minutes on my cell phone so I am trying to get my face and information out there without my phone right now. So far so good.

I did join a local networking group and that has paid off. It is like BNI but more like BNI's little sister. 25 bucks a quarter to network to other business owners.

All this being said. My first week at it I had 11 1hour massages booked, 2 cancelled.

My second week, I have 5 booked.

I have established 3 repeat clients who come on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and several have said they will look at their budget to work in a monthly visit.

I spend some mornings online sending out emails and returning calls, and then hit the local print shop to get more fliers made before hitting the road to pass out more fliers and biz cards.

I am litterally walking my feet off and I really wish the mechanic would hurry up with my car! lol

But with what I have and the cards I have been dealt, I think I am doing everything possible and am proud of what I have accomplished. :D

I went into this knowing it wouldn't be easy, and I will fight for every dollar I earn, but I can HONESTLY say I WORK for my money. :D

Permalink Reply by Helen Moss on May 24, 2011 at 7:18am

I graduated in January and opened up my business the same month. By March I had a space rented and now its almost the end of May and I have 60 clients in my data base I have 7 weekly regulars. I have build up my business and continue to do so by Giving away a free 30 mins massages to local business for gift basket give aways. One winner of a basket brought me 7 clients. Word of mouth has been the best advertising for me and my donations.

I figured if my being self employed doesnt work out the worst that will happen is I have to go find a job somewhere, I just wanted to try it myself. I must admitt that I wish I was better at bookeeping, and accounting. but so far im making it.