Magazine

More Secrets to On-Site Success
Practitioners Share Advice

Building a successful on-site practice is much like building a successful office practice—it takes patience and perseverance. Even in a large metropolitan area (Washington, D.C.), I’ve found that many businesses view on-site massage as a luxury. If business slows down, they tighten their belts. I’ve long given up trying to figure our the ups and downs, focusing instead on enjoying the slow periods and using that time to take care of myself, knowing that soon—oops, gotta go, the phone is ringing.

Rich Rieger
apple a day on-site
Alexandria, Virginia

Whether it’s your business name, marketing approach or extra services, your creativity and level of professionalism will open doors to your massage career and your future. Add just one unique element, something so different and memorable it will set you apart from the crowd.

Cary S. Cruea
Massage Bar, Inc.
Seattle, Washington

Chair massage is a great benefit for a business office. Offer a free chair massage to the business owner and massage at $1 per minute for staff members. This allows the owner to tailor this perk to his or her schedule and budget. During holidays, run special promotions such as a Valentine’s Day special, such as, “Purchase one gift card and receive a free half-hour chair massage.”

Audrey St. John
Restoration Hands of Aloha Massage Clinic, Inc.
Kingsland, Georgia

Educating ourselves about best business practices and following them protects us and supports us in our profession. Creating a system for your practice that serves both the client and your own professional needs will ensure that people will be touched by our contribution to their lives and health.

Tamara Gilden
Employee Energizer
Toronto, Canada

The most important ingredient to success is wanting to do the work, even loving it. Second, be ready to do lots of short sessions, mostly neck and shoulders. Either 20-minute table sessions or 10-minute chair sessions can be effective and rewarding.

Robbin Phelps, C.M.T.
Washington, D.C.