I’ve grown a massage practice from the ground up in several different cities. Each time, I knew building a successful business would take a lot of hard work, and I knew it might have been easier to work for a spa or get a regular job—but I had found something I loved and experienced the freedom of having my own business, so I never wanted to go back. Also, I feel I have a gift, and it would be a disservice not to share it with the world.
Through my own trial and error, I have found there are four simple mental habits necessary to planting and marketing a thriving massage business. Here are the qualities you need to cultivate in order to create a business you love.
1. Positive Mindset
Your mindset can make or break your success. As Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t—you’re right.”
We’ve all picked up negative, limiting beliefs from society, parents and friends throughout our lives. Your beliefs about money, success and your value are important to address when building a business, because they can keep you stuck. If you believe money won’t come to you easily, for example, or that it will be difficult to find clients, building a successful business may be a long, uphill road.
When you notice a negative belief about money or being an entrepreneur, ask yourself if it is really true. The belief might feel valid because you learned it from someone you trusted, such as your parents; however, that doesn’t mean the belief is true.
Try replacing negative statements with those that invite more possibility. For example, “It’s difficult to find clients” can change to, “There are more than 7 billion people in this world, so there are more than enough clients for everyone. The perfect clients are out there, looking for someone who has what I offer.”
2. Self-Confidence
Having confidence in your abilities puts your clients at ease. When they see you, they surrender complete control: Their bodies have issues and they’re turning to you for help. This is a vulnerable place to be in, and they want someone they can trust completely. The more confidence you exude, the better rapport you’ll have with clients. You’ll get more referrals, too.
If you don’t feel very confident in your abilities yet, work with friends and family, or volunteer at events to build your confidence—and meet potential clients. Working as an employee at a massage therapy practice or spa could also give you positive feedback about your work, which will prepare you to start your own practice.
3. Action
When you have a positive attitude and confidence in place, taking action becomes the natural next step to a successful business. The perfect clients can’t find you unless you take action. If you planted seeds in a garden, but never watered or tended to them, would the seeds grow into healthy, full plants and flowers? No. You need to nourish your business with consistent action in order for it to grow.
4. Consistency
Consistency with your clients keeps your practice in motion: Be prepared before clients show up, confirm appointments and check in with them when it’s time to rebook. (Better yet, invite them to rebook at the end of each session.) When business is slow, stay consistent with your marketing and your mindset. Make sure every action you take exudes professionalism.
Just like a garden, trust that the seeds you plant will continue to grow—as long as you give your business the positive attitude, time and energy it needs in order to thrive.
Erin DiAngelis is passionate about helping holistic entrepreneurs build their businesses. She works with massage therapists, coaches and yoga instructors to create a lifestyle that brings health, happiness and wealth to them and their clients. Visit erindiangelis.com for her free guide, “5 Ways to Thrive in Your Body and Business.” She will also host a free webinar on July 15, 2015, “5 Steps to Financial Freedom and Flow in Your Massage Business.”