MM Chapter 09: Your Massage Career

To manage your business successfully, you will need to be aware of regulations in your area, including necessary licenses and permits. In addition, you should have insurance to protect your business and policies and procedures that help you and your clients understand each other’s expectations. Licenses and Permits In Chapter 6, you learned about the […]

Your business finances include financial statements needed for a business plan, record keeping to track start-up and operating costs, bookkeeping systems that help you predict income, expenses, and taxes, as well as considerations for personal financial management. Concept Brief 9-4: Terms Related to Finances Balance sheet: A document that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity.

The term marketing refers to everything you do to attract new clients and retain existing clients. When developing a marketing plan, you want to consider your business identity, target markets, competition, advertising choices, promotional programs, ways to generate publicity, and a plan for building client loyalty. Business Identity Your business identity is based on the

Describing your business requires you to make important choices that influence your ability to attract and retain clients and meet your business goals. You must choose a business name, a business location, and a structure. Furthermore, you write a mission and vision statement to guide your business activities and outline your services and fees. Your

The Small Business Administration (SBA) describes a business plan as a written guide to starting and running a business. A business plan helps you identify areas that need your attention as a business owner and helps you plan business activities to ensure success.  While few massage therapists need to seek a loan from a bank

Employers will expect you to meet certain expectations to maintain your position. If you exceed your employer’s expectations, you may be able to earn better wages, take on additional responsibilities, or work your way up to a higher position. Employer expectations fall into two general areas. First, you will be expected to have the knowledge

When a job offer is made, discuss the employment package, schedule, dress code, training procedure, and additional duties. Some employers require therapists to participate in training on business policies, procedures, and clinic treatment protocols (e.g., a spa may want to train you to provide salt glows in a particular series of steps). Some employers pay

In an interview, the employer will appraise your suitability for a specific position and the company. Your self-confidence, how you express yourself, your level of professional dress, and the validity and content of your answers to questions will influence the employer’s evaluation. The interview is also a time for you to gather information about the

A cover letter introduces you to employers and arouses their interest so that they read your resume and ask to interview you for the job (Fig. 9-3). Write each letter to address the specific employer and job using paragraphs (avoid bulleted lists) and a conversational yet formal tone. Cover letters have three sections: Section One—Opening:

A resume is a summary of your background, experience, education, training, and skills. Employers use it to determine if you have the experience necessary to fill an open position. A well-written resume is the first step to securing a job interview. Effective resumes are: Brief and concise: Keep your resume to one page, or two