What type of business would you have

If you owned a business what would it be like? Who would you cater to? Would you run it to get as much money as you can in as short of a period of time as possible? There is a lot to consider when owning a business. And it is hard to define.

I am a massage therapist; I have been in business for over two years. And when the question is asked, "what makes you stand out from all the others?" I got stuck.  I think that massage therapist all want their clients to feel better. We all must like people because we spend an hour with them.

So as I compared myself to other therapist I really didn't see anything that is outstanding. Instead of comparing myself to others I should of look at what I'm offering to the public. 

So what do I offer? First of all a darn good massage, second when a client comes in for a one hour massage they get an hour massage. I know of a lot of places that an hour massage is only 45 minutes. I think for what massage cost a person should get every minute they can out of a massage.  I know why places do it. Changing the table and doing an intake, to find out what is the matter with the client and talking to the client after the massage takes time. Time is money as the saying goes. Cram that all in an hour a place can get one or two more massages in a day. Like I said people should get their hour worth out of a massage.

I work with my clients. I am very flexible and I try to listen to them. What I’m talking about is their schedules and what they can afford. If I put their needs first, with in reason, I think that would be the best way to help.

It is important to listen to what people have to say what they like and don’t like. My clients opinions matters to me. If it is within reason I will try to accommodate them.  

Finely, I just want people to leave my practice feeling that they had a good experience. That way I hope that they will come back.

So that is what my wow factor is. I don’t know if that is common in my line of work or not but it is decent. And my hope is that if I work on it I will get loyal clients.

Stress

I am now taking my own advice.Stress is a big and ongoing problem for me and if I don't get it under control am going to get bigger problems. Over 90% of complaints that people see their doctor about are stress related and I am no exception.

I have been aware of the ongoing stress in my life. Like a lot of people that live with constant stress I take it in stride. It is part of modern society everyone has some stress? But if not paid attention to it could lead to problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems and some say cancer. 

 The most important thing is what am I going to do about it?  

I was raised in a time when people didn't think about their health until they got sick. Then they went to the doctor and took a pill. Now people are taking a more proactive approach to their health. 

I have found with my stress there are things that I can do. When I feel like a tight rubber band and if someone were to Release it I would bounce off the walls. That is a good time to take a walk. It is a build up of energy that needs to go somewhere. I can tell that if left alone my blood pressure goes up. My goal is to keep it down and to keep off of meds.I have found that when I walked I am more relaxed so it works.

I am also trying meditation, all that meditation does is slows down the body. But I found it helps my mood and my thoughts. I can get in a much better mood and I found that sometimes answers to problems come easier. When I am stressed out my mind is like a hamster on a hamster weal that  keeps running around and going nowhere. 

The last thing is massage. I know that I am a massage therapist and I plug the benefits of massage a lot but it works. When I get a massage on regular bases, I find that the effects last for days and I am not as stress as much. Massage has a lot of benefits when it comes down to stress related problems. It reduces blood pressure. I had my blood pressure taken before and after a massage and found it went down 10 points. Massage release toxins that are trap in tight muscles, and massage also helps the digestive system. I don't think that massage alone is going to reduce my stress levels but as a part of a wellness plan it can be a powerful tool.

To keep people coming in and coming back. Jakie and I have pland out specials for the year. I found no special no clients. Their for I have change tackets. Get them in for cheep and offer them something to keep them coming back.

On the 5th of May we are having a ladies day. I hope this will be fun, and I hope that people will come. We are going to interduce spa services. and our membership plan. The membership is pay a $100 yearly fee. and get massage for $50. Pluss free massage for your birthday and Christmas. My hope is that this will swing people to return instead of looking for cheep massage.We'll see if this works.

Owning a business

I have been in business for over a year and I tell you it is not what I thought it would be like. I have always wondered what it would be like to own a business. Why businesses do what they do? How come so many go out of business in a short time? Now I am finding out.

As a new business owner, I can't do all the things that I want to do. It has to do with money. That was my first mastake. I really underestmate how much it cost to run a business.

I find it hard to go out and brag on how great my business is. It is also hard to keep up with the details. all the details. I must admit that there are times that I feel like I am failing and then there times I feel like I am making headway.

So I have decided to use this blog as a Journal. The good, the bad and the funny. Hummer helps. So if you are thinking of starting a business, read this so you know what you are getting in to. If you own a business, read this so you can offer you wisdom and advise.

choice

I like this quote. I reminds me that how I live my life comes down to the choices that I make. Sometimes my attitude can be pretty stinky then I make stinky choices. If I keep a good attitude and accept the world on its terms I can make some decent choices.