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In Practice: How to Create a Successful Holistic Practice from Start to Success!
The Foundation
Of Your Craft
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by Shaun Brown |
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Dear Ones:
This month I will talk about fundamental elements to consider when choosing schools and institutions, types of practices, and questions to answer for your eyes-only. The artistic butterfly must have a platform to rest on or it will burn out. So let's start first with the outside structure of your holistic practice and discuss schools and institutions and your choice of some platforms or-types of practices.
Schools and Institutions
Now that you've identified your intentions, and are sure that you are on the right track, finding the right vocational school or institution is critical. This experience is probably going to be, for the most part, the principle exposure to your core training and belief system. In other words, this is what will determine your attitude and skill level.
There are fast track schools, at least in California that offer the required certification in three months or less. I find this scary. This trend has become a common way of economics for the schools and students. A lot of schools will charge a flat rate to get you out fast. The choice you make now will have everything to do with the success of the hands on knowledge that you will acquire as you are guided toward your holistic future. Continuing education is also advised and can start right away. A minimum of one workshop or seminar a year is absolutely necessary.
I know you're excited at the possibility of a new career, you're in a hurry, and you want to get going. Here is one of my suggestions. Some people are very organized and self-starting, they are capable of hammering out a practice with the minimum of skills required to start and keep the practice going. However, I must insist that if you do not sign up for a nine-month to one-year curriculum from the start, you will need to continue to take further education classes. Continue to broaden your horizons. Even if you have taken the longer route, it is still advised that you continue to further your education.
If you can lay a strong foundation by staying in a school at least nine months to a year, you will not regret it. Even if you survive a three-month crash course it will take you years to recover. So keep the vision of the tortoise and the hare story. The hare or rabbit raced through life and was exhausted at the end, he couldn't go on. Meanwhile here comes the slow and determined, self-paced, tortoise he enjoyed the view as he moved keenly to the end. What's the point of running towards your mission when you miss all of the tools you are supposed to pick up on the way and get there empty handed. You choose.
You will have more self-esteem when you have more education. In talking about self-esteem few people, with poor education and unintentional agendas, become successful. I suppose that is true for all vocations. Having a practice is just like that "practice" and it is no different than preparing for any event. The easier it looks the more "pre"-paration went into the plan. If you have an important event to plan and throw things together and invite people at the last minute you are usually afraid that no one will come in the first place so a thrown together thing will be a self prophesy perpetuating low-self-esteem again.
I wouldn't expect perfection or close to it right away but don't let your saboteur run the show and use the excuse of "spontaneity" for an unplanned disaster. Remember I am talking about the difference between success vs. sabotage. Walking your talk is another absolute. To be true to yourself and others. This creates a solid foundation from where your truth about how you approach a client's disease will serve you and them.
Every time you choose to not be late, prepare the space for a client; welcome them with open arms and a warm heart, every time you choose to not sabotage yourself you will not sabotage your practice. For those of us who came through a family system that the norm was crisis and sabotage, choosing to be early and prepared will probably feel really odd at first. But in order to become successful you must break old belief systems and traditions that used to be the norm.
I had mentioned the term "practice," becoming a practitioner is like playing the violin. It's the experience of working with people over and over and over again, paying your dues. Learning the experiences needed to develop your intuition one day at a time. It will probably take a few years before you are really getting in tune. But you are always where you are supposed to be and given the experiences you need to learn. Once you are out of school, you will be on your own. You can feel like a minnow swimming with the big fish as your insecurities from lack of knowledge come to haunt you if you choose not to develop a strong foundation of education.
If you play the violin for three weeks or three months can you expect to play Carnegie Hall? It's just like that. The only way you are going to hone your craft is to stay in the school learning environment as long as possible. I know, what a pain. Be accessible and teachable to as many Teachers as possible too.
During my basic education experience, I hated anatomy class but I forced myself to learn as much as possible. When I graduated, I was grateful for the discipline. That experience made it very clear to me that I knew enough to feel confident with what I learned in school. It also made me realize how much I didn't know and that I needed on-going education.
Let me restate this concept: Choose a school that isn't a crash course. Staying in the learning environment as long as possible is critical. It is challenging enough to gain substantial information and practice in a nine month to one-year curriculum. When choosing your education, don't shortchange yourself, you are worth more to the Universe. A well-rounded career, just like any healthy profession, needs time and effort. Take the time to do it right-take classes that afford you repetition time with the skills you will need once you are on your own. This is a grand lifestyle and it deserves a grand entrance. The basic timeline to start seeing the fruit of your labors is about 2 years. One must prepare to commit to that stretch of time and just let go and show up everyday to what you need to do next in that day to move toward creating your practice. This wonderful life is earned.
Details
A school should have well-rounded courses, including, philosophies, business ethics, and hopefully, self-care for the therapist. Without a proper school certification you cannot buy a business license or liability insurance, also business licensing requires fingerprinting. Before putting money down on your education, make sure make sure you know how many hours are required for a legal certification and how much insurance and licensing is required to open your holistic practice by calling the Business License Office in your town. Are you planning to work out of your home or in an office, is it legal where the office will be located? There are zoning prohibitions for operating a holistic practice out of your home in some areas.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Here are some practices I have had and they are all good depending on your needs. Once you are licensed and insured, yes it all takes money, you can start creating your practice one client at a time. I go into detail in the next column about acquiring your first client. Start by quietly sitting down in your morning meditation and prayer and asking the Universe to guide you in the day. Ask for help in recognizing the direction to take in that day-I always ask for billboards. Start talking with family and friends, offer a discount-but remember to state that this is a complimentary offer for "x" amount of time.
Types of Practices
Because I come from the bodywork side of a wholeness practice, I will speak in these terms, just fill in the blanks for your practice as they apply.
Mobile table massage- You are the boss, it will take some marketing, however, If you can't afford or aren't ready for an office then this is a good way to start. Once you progress into your office environment, your mobile clients can come there. You may lose a few because they don't want to travel, but remember mobile massage needs to be no more than two years as a full-time job. This mode can enhance your income by working at events such as races and fairs. It is also a way to network. Mobile table massage is tiring because of constantly moving your stuff in and out of a vehicle and in and out of the place you are working, then putting everything back in the vehicle and unpacking it when you get home. Time is eaten up in packing and travel.
On-Site-Chair Massage- You are the boss. This is optimum when it comes to a travel business. You will charge by the minute say $15 for fifteen minutes. Chairs weigh very little and most come with wheels. Spend the money to get a good chair it will pay for itself in three to five days of chair massage work. Most people need the neck, shoulder, arms and lower back areas addressed anyway. It is less physical work because you are using your whole body, slightly leaning into to the client, instead of standing beside them at a table. Little or no crème is a choice I use water-soluble crème and find it very effective on the neck and shoulders. There are no sheets, just face cloths, I use a washable, light cotton cloth instead of wasting paper.
As an example, I know a guy who works in a bookstore. He has certain scheduled hours listed in the store's events calendar. He shows up with a massage chair and face papers, the music is already playing in the store. He has his sign-up schedule out and people come over and schedule. If it is slow he gently walks up to a prospective client and asks if they would like an upper torso massage. Good stuff. He has become well known at that establishment and does very well. Now that is trusting the Universe!
Corporate office chair massage jobs are wonderful. We will talk about how to market you later. There are so many pluses. It takes a few times and some organization for those clients to come early and always show up, in other words value your time, but if you teach them how you want to be treated things will go well. Print "the rules" on the sign up sheet with appointment cards for the client to fill out and take with them back to their desk for their next appointment. "The Rules" are: show up five minutes early; remove jewelry; remove your name as soon as possible if you can't make your appointment so that others may partake; "no show" will be charged full session fee.
This professional attitude lets people know you aren't messing around and wasting time. Also, you will be touching people that probably haven't had massage and really need it. This also gives them permission to start taking care of themselves. The reward is a good, consistent income and it is the best win-win when it comes to anything outside of your office. Once the consistency is in place, at the corporate site, you can choose to come every other Friday or once a week, whatever, and corporate/office sites can be counted on. Office people are very loyal. This will also be another way to acquire new clients at your private practice too.
Pool/Spa/Pajama Parties You are the boss. First, find out where the event is. I wouldn't drive across the state to work at any event; money is lost in travel and gas. Pool parties tend to be popular in the summer for obvious reasons. Spa/pajama parties are usually inside and all year around. They can range from the therapist being the main focus to guests enjoying watching videos, snacking and giving each other pedicures or facials too. All of these ideas are subject to change to fit your own creative juices. Ideas about spa/pajama parties can be suggested to the host. ALWAYS have the host at the event space co-create the event with you. Firm up his/her and your expectations at least 2 weeks before the event. Call the morning of the event and run things by the host again, so that both expectations are on the same page. Coach the "host" with ways they can have their friends know ahead of time that there is a five person minimum guarantee.
Design a note card to give to the host that will in turn be given to potential party-goers, listing what people can expect when they arrive. List your prices, contact information, and a little bit about the type of technique and areas of work that you do. This little "extra" effort on your part will save you tons of time and effort showing up to an unorganized host with minimal registered guests.
Bring a sign-up sheet. This keeps you from standing around with people guessing why you are there. It also ramps up the expectations and interest of the guests if they know there next on the list. As a thank you to the host for all of their hard work they will receive a complimentary upper torso at least 20 minutes before the event. This not only pays for your ambassador but the host receives their guests in a relaxed manner.
Private Office Space- You are the boss. Having a private space that is rented has its advantage. The space will cost more than just being incorporated into your house rent. Sometimes there is a good reason for doing so and worth it. Some therapists want to keep the privacy of their home private. Maybe you have noisy children, barking dogs in the neighborhood making your session less effective or you just feel more comfortable going to a job away from the home. A plus for this choice is that you are out in the community more, networking in the area where other businesses have their offices. The community sees you as a professional business when your sign is out front. You may want to join the Chamber of Commerce.
Residential Work Space- You are the boss. For me, this is perfect. There is nothing better than waking up in one room and walking to the next room for my work! Well I shower and put on other pajamas of course, my working pajamas. The client will have a feeling of safety, not feeling rushed. A warmer, fuzzier, inviting space will be experienced. My home includes pets, clean ones. I take special care to keep the environment extra clean and all of the animals are well mannered. In fact they think the client is there for them and it gives the client a warm feeling to be greeted by these "pet therapists."
Freya, a new, younger dog in the house likes to be up in the clients "business" so for now she stays in the office with music on and chew treats. As she grows older and better mannered she will probably graduate into the mainstream. This experience of 80 clients a month coming through the door has turned my pets into marshmallows, I am sure she will become one of them!
I have experienced all of the above massage practices and I feel that the pluses in the home environment are superior. You will need a tax person to assist you in preparing for your taxes regarding utilities, phone, workspace, etc. There is a certain percentage that can be deducted from home offices. Taxes will be discussed later.
Questions, for your eyes only, have fun.
The good news is the only deadline on these is what you give yourself.
1. What are some of your motives for wanting to create a successful practice?
2. Are you prepared to continue another income for one to two years until your practice takes off? What will that look like?
3. What experiences have led up to this decision to become a holistic practitioner?
4. Give a thumbnail view of your six-month; one year; and five year plan.
Ok, I'll stop, these are pretty meaty. If you find any questions that you don't want to take the time to answer, those are the ones to answer first. If I seem like a drill sargent on this matter of answering the questions, it's because I am, I take full responsibility to nudge you into success. Babysteps and a little discipline, yes?
Next month, speaking of discipline, I will tell you how to acquire your first clients. I share my view of the people in your life chat, healing centers, and help you through the StarGate, the portal of your mind, where all of your answers are.
Maybe you have some thoughts and ideas that you would like to share with me? I am always open to learning new things. Please feel free to email me at shaun@BeWellPublications.com
Until then my Dear Ones,
BeWell,
Making a living, making a difference, staying in balance.
shaun
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Shaun Brown,
Holistic Therapist,
Author and Consultant
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Shaun Brown has been self employed most of her adult life. She has an AA degree in General Business and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of California, Sacramento, in Communications. Her main focus of education is in advertising, promotion and production. Ms. Brown attended the Health Awareness Academy, in Fair Oaks, California, has practiced bodywork therapy since 1993 and has taught holistic related classes since 1994.
Ms. Brown works, with a team of professionals, including physicians and other health care providers, as well as volunteering her time to work at Mercy Hospice. Her focus is the care of people working in high stress environments, and those suffering from injuries due to a variety of causes.
She is the best selling author of “How To Create A Successful Holistic Practice,” and her newest current release is titled, “Intentional Success-A Workbook For The Holistic Therapist.” Ms. Brown currently has a successful holistic practice in Orangevale, California, is an author, speaker, columnist and consultant. To read a chapter/purchase her books/schedule a workshop visit
www.BeWellPublications.
com
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