Building a Clientele/Picking Hours and Days

I just signed on as an independent contract for a well established massage therapy business in an upscale town. The first week, I only had one client in 3 scheduled days that I am scheduled. How fast or slow has it taken any of you who have worked at non-franchise places to build a clientele? Any tips on how to bring people in? The place I worked for before gave me a schedule, but at this spa I negotiated my hours and days. I am working two full days a week plus one Sat. a month. Since prior to this I worked for an established business that generated my schedule, I don't know if it is better to be super flexible and be "on call" most of the time, or it is better to say these are my days and hours, and clients can book within that timeframe. Obvioulsy, if a lot of clients want a certain day of week or time then I will change my schedule, but I don't want to come in every day just for one client. What do you think? I don't want to lose business, but I also don't want to have an erratic schedule and never know when I am supposed to work.

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Permalink Reply by coldsalineplexus on July 21, 2013 at 9:36pm

I think it's great that you had a client in your first week! You are definitely on track to grow your business.

I found that the main way for me to build clientele was to give clients (and prospective clients) the impression of success - this means the impression that you are already busy. Not soooo busy that you can't take on clients, but busy enough that they might not get their first pick of times. The way I achieved this was by setting other obligations and tasks for myself on my appointment book. At first it was my other part-time job. I still do this today, but with errands that I must run, business meetings, even just eating at my desk. It's all scheduled on my book. This way I have a steady, structured week (which I need to stay sane), and my clients know I am a busy, serious professional.

On the other hand, I must ask - is there somewhere you would rather be besides your new business? If so, schedule it on your calendar, and let business fill in around whatever other aspects of life are high-priority, but don't undervalue also just being seen in the spa. Just as important as being seen in the spa is being seen around town, passing out your card, and introducing yourself to strangers, so if you're considering ducking out of the spa on a slow day, it should be to go out and network.

Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Nicole Weymer on July 22, 2013 at 7:13am

Great advice, and super helpful. I like your ideas and will definitely use them.

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Permalink Reply by Natalie on July 21, 2013 at 10:04pm

Network, hand out cards, figure out the busy days when they have walk on's or most clients, give treatments to others there and get on a referral program, promote to close business, ..

Use what you learned at previous positions to market yourself. You will build a clientele in no time! If you can be on call then why not make the money? Be there as much as you can or close by. Use your time sending emails or making up a Plan to market and services offered.

Once these clients come back and you build then your schedule can be set- for now work when you can and network in between- build your clients and business then figure out what days and times will suite you or and them best in a few months ..