Becoming an Entrepreneur
Starting a Certified & Registered Massage Therapists Business
Here's some helpful information that is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who hope to start a certified and registered massage therapists business. This is a must-read before you start!
Thinking about opening a certified and registered massage therapists business? We tell you what you need to know to get started.
Opening a massage business? We're here to help you get started!
The U.S. Massage Industry
There is a reason why massage therapy seems to be playing a more prominent role in water cooler conversations and popular culture. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, there are currently 300,000 massage therapists and massage school students in an industry that now grosses approximately $20 billion each year.
The good news for massage therapy startup entrepreneurs is that demand for massage services shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon. It's estimated that approximately one in four Americans purchases massage services at least once a year -- creating phenomenal opportunities for entrepreneurs capable of combining magic hands with savvy business skills.
As with any small business startup, aspiring massage therapy entrepreneurs need to conduct adequate planning and carefully evaluate the target market to properly position their business with consumers. A business that simply duplicates the competitors' business models may not be enough to achieve long-term sustainability, particularly in markets that are currently at or near saturation.
Must-Have Features for New Massage Therapy Businesses
There is no hard and fast formula for success in massage therapy. However, there are plenty of ways to make mistakes and inadvertently sabotage your startup, beginning with neglecting to include several essential characteristics of growing massage businesses.
- Atmosphere. Great massage therapy includes setting, ambience and atmosphere. A dirty or outdated massage space is a major turnoff for customers -- and a sure way to lose recurring revenue through repeat business. Clean leased space, impeccable linens, soothing music, aromatherapy -- it all counts in creating the right atmosphere for your customers.
- Certification. Modern massage customers know that in many states, massage therapists need to be licensed and certified. Consequently, it's critical to staff your startup with qualified therapists. A single lapse can jeopardize your standing with the state and generate truckloads of negative word of mouth, a nightmare from which your startup may never recover.
- Variety. Sophistication and variety is the name of the game in today's massage therapy industry. Your startup's marketing strategy should highlight not only your rates and facility, but also the types of massages (Swedish, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Deep Tissue, Couples) you offer to your customers. Although pricing models vary by region, it's typical for massage therapists to charge $1+/per minute, with additional fees charged for specialized massage options.
Core Characteristics of Certified & Registered Massage Therapists Company Business Plans
Every business plan is unique, yet the most effective plans share a handful of essential traits.
If your plan lacks required elements like an executive summary or marketing plan, it could jeopardize its potential to deliver real benefits to your startup.
To discuss the external factors that will influence your startup, consider dedicating a section of your business to a PEST (Political, Economic, Social & Technological) analysis.
Take a Look at the Competition
Prior to launching a certified and registered massage therapists business in your town, it's essential to see how you will fit in the competitive landscape. We've provided the link below to help you get a list of local competitors in your area. After clicking on the link, type in your city, state and zip code to get a list of certified and registered massage therapists businesses near you.
If there's too much competition, it may be wise to consider starting the business in a less competitive marketplace.
Finding a Non-Competitive Business Mentor
If you are seriously contemplating launching a certified and registered massage therapists business, the next step is to learn as much as you can from somebody who is already in the business. It's very unlikely that the local competition will talk to you. The last thing they want to do is help you to be a better competitor.
However, a fellow entrepreneur who has started a certified and registered massage therapists business outside of your community may be more than happy to give you a few tips, given that you don't compete with them in their area. Indeed, many experienced entrepreneurs enjoy offering advice to startup entrepreneurs. In my experience, you may have to call ten business owners in order to find one who is willing to share his wisdom with you.
How do you find a certified and registered massage therapists business owner in another community?
No problem! Just use the link below and try a random city/state or zipcode. Then start dialing for advice until you are successful.
Advice for Acquiring a Certified & Registered Massage Therapists Business
Many entrepreneurs elect to acquire a profitable certified and registered massage therapists business instead of navigating the challenges of a business startup.
But without adequate financing, your plans to own a first-rate certified and registered massage therapists business are going nowhere. Business acquisitions are easier to finance than business startups, even though the financing process can still be exhausting.
Our Business Acquisition Financing Tips have the information you need to successfully navigate the challenges of financing your new business.
Consider Buying a Franchise
Being part of a network of franchisees ensures that you can leverage ideas and systems that have been tested and proven over time.
If you planning on starting a certified and registered massage therapists business, you ought to check out whether franchise opportunities in your space might make it easy to get started.
The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.
More Advice for Startups
These additional resources regarding getting started as an entrepreneur may be of interest to you.
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