Starting a massage business is challenging.
Beyond the initial massage training, setting up a business in the profession entails many factors in order to survive and thrive. Learn operate a business in Pennsylvania and become familiar with the rules laid down by the Pennsylvania State Massage Therapy Board.
Instructions
1. Familiarize yourself with the 2008 proposed Pennsylvania State Massage Therapy Board's regulations regarding licensure. These regulations will soon require Pennsylvania massage therapists to obtain a state license and board certification and pay associated fees as set forth by the Board. One of the regulations will require 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Be prepared to take classes to uphold licensing requirements. (This bill, as of July, 2010, has not yet gone into effect as law).
2. Find a location to start the business from or design a space within your home suitable to have clients come to you. A home-based massage practice affords a very overhead and is sometimes the best choice when starting a massage business in order to cut down on expenses. Sharing space with another practitioner is another choice to reduce expenditures.
3. Make business literature on a home computer or by ordering pre-made documents through a mail-order massage supply company. Create business cards, brochures, income and expense forms and client information record forms. Alternatively, purchase income and expense record-keeping books in office-supply stores. Design a storage system for filing all documentation.
4. Design your massage space with the client's comfort and privacy in mind. Use soft lighting and music and provide ample space to move around the massage table. Arrange for use of bathroom facilities if possible. Use care in maintaining properly functioning massage equipment and providing a clean and sanitary workspace as set forth in Pennsylvania's Massage Therapy Board regulations.
5. Locate the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Massage Therapy Association in your area and consider becoming a member to promote your business through their practitioner-finder program. Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals has a similar online referral service.
Tags: Massage Therapy, Board regulations, Massage Therapy Board, Therapy Board, income expense