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Tips for Therapists: |
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 This
page is intended for qualified self-employed therapists but
may also be of interest to others.
Interested
in tips and ideas to improve your therapy business ?
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1
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Make sure it is easy for clients
to contact you:
- Give
your clients a phone number (or numbers) that offer an answering
machine if the call cannot
be taken immediately.
- If
possible, provide a mobile phone number - some people prefer
to send text messages.
- If
possible, provide an email address as well as a phone number
- some people prefer to email.
Why ? : Making your services known to potential clients involves much effort and cost, so when they do try to reach you, it is a waste (and gives a bad impression!) if you are not "there"
and responding promptly.
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2
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| Concerning music or other sound during
your treatments ...
If you visit clients at their homes, do you advise them in advance that
they might wish to have their CD player near to the treatment area and
to select some appropriate music ?
Why ? : Preparation and anticipation of all aspects
of your time with the client, the more relaxed everyone will be, facilitating
effective treatment. |
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3
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Many therapy consumeables such as carrier
oils, wipes, talc, and so on are sold with clearly stated "use by" dates
printed on the packaging. However, this is not always the case, and some
specify use within a stated time period after opening.
So, keep some plain
white stickers/labels with your therapy kit and label each new bottle
with the date on which it was opened.
Why ? : To be 100% confident of the freshness of
all items used. |
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4
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Investigate any FREE help that
may be available to you as a small business.
For example, therapists in the United Kingdom, may be able
to get help and advice from
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk
The value and nature of help that may be available varies
from time to time and in different areas of the country but basic advice
is free, and ... if you don't ask, you might not find out !
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5
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If you would like to talk with
your clients about products or other services that you sell but which
are not central to your treatments (e.g. health-related MLM products
and
business
opportunities), consider displaying information about these material
on your walls and/or literature area and by so doing, invite the clients
to express
interest to you.
Why ? : If you leave to your clients the option
of raising the subject or not, you won't seem pushy or cause those who
are not interested in your supplementary activies to feel awkward about
expressing no interest. |
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6
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| If you do more than just occasional treatments,
buy yourself a spare uniform.
Why ? : Your focus should be on your treatments
and your clients; not your clothes. By having a spare uniform you
can eliminate crises, and last minute anxiety if you didn't have time
to prepare by washing/ironing, and/or in case of last minute accidents. |
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7
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| If you do some or all of your treatments
at a clinic or health centre, find out if you can leave some of your equipment
there.
Why ? : The less you have to carry with you to
each appointment the less you can forget, and the calmer you are likely
to look and feel when you arrive to greet your client.
If you can leave anything (e.g. CD player) in-situ, you might save time
too. |
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8
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If you have decided to advertise your services
(instead of accepting clients via personal recommendation only), make
sure you have an effective internet presence.
We suggest that in this
case "effective" means that the main search engines return your page
for searches that specify your treatment/s
and location/s, and also for searches on your name.
Why ? : Many people work at a computer all day
and the first place they look for services is no-longer print directories,
but search engines. |
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9
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Is there something you can give away
?
Businesses use "giveaways" as a form of advertising. That is
they give items to their clients and prospects, usually items that are
useful and include their
company logo and contact details. It is a subtle way of reminding customers
and prospects who you are, where you are, and what you do.
Why ? : People usually appreciate having something
to take away. It may also serve as a "talking point" if they show it
to anyone else, such as friends, family, or colleagues. |
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10
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Do you use Consultation Sheets for pre-treatment
consultations ? ...
If so, and if you have a webpage, make your consultation sheets available
for download from your webpage.
Why ? : Some people would like to have a treatment
but may be concerned about the questions you might ask them first. It
is reassuring for such clients to be able to see your questions in advance.
It might also help by resulting in more people bringing the information
you require with them.
However, if you would like clients to complete your form in advance
then do remember to say so. |
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Disclaimer:
For entertainment purposes only - the above are intended to
be helpful issues to consider and, if appropriate,
investigate
for your own particular situation. Applicable regulations
differ with location and change over time.
Always
ensure that you are operating within whatever regulations
and accepted "best practice" apply in your area. |
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