Massage Therapy Business Tip: Say Thank You

The follow-up to a massage therapy session can be a critical part of a process by which you build up the kind of good will that leads to repeat customers for your massage therapy business. It is surprising how many massage therapists do not thank their clients for coming in, or do so in only the most perfunctory way. Do not make this mistake. Make sure that your clients understand just how much you appreciate their business. In fact, you may consider giving a small gift to new clients as a token of your appreciation for patronizing your massage therapy business.

As your clients leave, be sure that you give them complete contact information for your massage therapy business. Let them know that you are available to them. If possible, suggest things that they could do at home that would help to address the problem that brought them to you. Again, this will show that you are concerned about their well being. A client’s perception of concern is an important part of the recipe for massage therapy business success.

Massage Therapy Business Tip: Establish Rapport

As noted in an earlier post, a successful massage therapy business and its staff tends to be "client-centered". To be truly client-centered, a massage therapist must establish rapport his or her clients. Rapport often begins with a basic trust in you, the therapist. From the outset, it is essential that you find out about the client and his or her health concerns. Then, explain to the client how the particular forms of massage therapy you provide can help with those concerns. Also, be sensitive to the fact that many first-time clients are nervous. Be sure to describe briefly how the massage will be given. Putting the client at ease is key to massage therapy business success.

If you are in the massage therapy business, you cannot afford to adopt a coldly clinical attitude toward your clients. Think about some of your own negative experiences with other health providers. Try not to be one of those professionals who seems distracted, uninterested, and in a hurry. Instead, project warmth and acceptance. Be a good listener. Listen for the client’s concerns.  Keep your own ego in check.  Making your client’s concerns the focus of your attention is a massage therapy business tip that you can "take to the bank".

Massage Therapy Business Tip: Become Client-Centered

A successful massage therapy business needs repeat customers, clients who will return again and again. To make this happen, you must become a client-centered therapist. This means that you must build rapport with your clients. You must try to be sensitive to the needs and personality characteristics of your massage therapy clients. Treat them as individuals.

Now, you don't have to be a trained psychologist to sensitive to the needs of individual clients. Just listen to them.  If your massage therapy clients feel that you are interested in them and that you take their concerns seriously, they are much more likely to return, and they are more likely to recommend your services to friends and family.  If they do, you will be on the path to massage therapy business success.