Having To Do Practicals

[bluareochick8]

I have to have practicals done on so many people per week. How is the best way of going and getting clients? I am still in school so I can not charge anyone, and I also have classes to work around. I have told my friends and my parents friends but that does not seem to help any. I have not received any phone calls or anything from any. What has worked for all of you?

 

[al-in-chgo]

Hi, we trade a lot at my school. I try and trade at least once a week if not twice. Fellow students give the best/honest feedback. Other then that I have been lucky to have several friends who have gladly helped me out. I need to get in 4 hours a week and so far so good. Also one friend just refered another person she knows so the cirlce is expanding. I just tell everyone I know and most say yes they would love to help. Try and remember to ask. I think sometimes its hard for me to say, Hey I need your help on this. But it seems if I approach it that way friends love to be good friends.
Best of luck

 

[bob1]

M.T.I.T., one of the things that helped me when I was trying to get in all my practice hours was to get in the habit of making definite appointments with people as soon as they say "sure, I'd love a massage sometime." I'd whip out my palm pilot and most of the time we'd be able to find a date and time right then and there. Didn't always work, and people felt more free to cancel at the last minute (because it was "free," I guess!) but it did help.

 

[Roger Dodger]

Peacefulharbor's onto something there with the whipping out of the palm pilot (or for the less techno-savvy the day planner)... and asking for the appointment to be made right then.
If you don't ask for the appointment they will probably forget until it's an Emergency for them they're in such pain can you see them right away?
And then they'll be annoyed that you have other plans... (What you have a life?!)
Carrying a datebook makes you look like a Professional MT (even if you're still in training)...
Making a definite appointment for the client shows them that THEIR time is valuable to You... and hopefully puts the idea in their mind that Your time is Valuable as well! "Book ahead, you only have 4 slots available per week... and those who book early get the choice slots!)
Right now their massage from you as a student while you are practicing may be Free... but once you graduate you will probably be expecting them to pay your going rate. It's common to lose some clients at that time. But if your behavior is professional and they're well informed about the cost of massage in your area, you may be able to retain them.
Give a great massage and and after they're dressed and you're saying goodbye, whip out that appointment book again and ask for them to book their next appointment.
"I have time next Thursday afternoon at 1 PM... if you're available."
Pencil them into your datebook... but give them an appointment card with your phone # on it and make sure they know they need to call you if they have to cancel or if they wish to reschedule the appointment.
Adopting professional behavior and techniques now, while you are still a student will help you to succeed once you are finished with school... but it will also help "Educate" your clients on what to expect once you become a "professional!"

 

[Melony]

Thank you so much members, I have been having the worst time getting my practicals done. I am also in the middle of ordering my table, so I have been having to borrow at table over the weekend from my school so that currently limits when I can do them.

 

[Cub-oh!]

M.T.I.T

while doing my practicals i do my immediate family since they are handy and other than that i ask people at work if they have time on the weekend since i go to school during the day then work at night thats the only time, it was hard at first but now everyone jumps at the chance! other than that i would go with your fellow classmates as well. if you feel more comfortable with one or two ask to trade massages when your both free, that way you get both of your practicals done in time