Hello and advice please. 1st client!!!!

[Jovita]

Hiya,

I qualified in reflexology last year sometime and since then have completed courses in Indian Head Massage and Reiki 1 & 2. I have been givinga fair few free treatments to my friends (although haven't done many reflexology treatments)but after sending out a load of leaflets in a local paper last week I was called this morning and now have my first client!!

To say I'm nervous is a bit of an understatement....!

Can anyone please give me any advice about how to calm my nerves and seem very professional? I'm going to do some reading, a practise treatment andsort outmy consultation sheet and foot chart tonight. I have a white tunic and will make sure I look the part. The treatment will take place at a therapy centre so I don't need to worry about safety requirements (my client is a male, I'm female) but what else can I do to prepare? I would prefer it if my first client didn't realise they were actually my first client!

Any advice or personal experiences would be gratefully received....

Thanks!

Wholenutbar xxx

 

[carmineqqe]

Well done for taking the big step!

I had my very first client for Indian Head Massage just 4 weeks ago and was really nervous. I work from home so I was especially nervous about making sure that the room was comfortable and welcoming and that I welcomed them into my home. For the whole of the day before I went through scenarios in my head (from practicing how I would greet them at the door (!!) to chatting as we went upstairs to the room to the business side of things - consutation, aftercare and payment)

After driving myself almost to the point of insanity it bacame time for her to arrive - and I chose not to indicate that she was my first client.
From somewhere came the professional and confident therapist that I would want to go and see. She has been back to me for 3 more treatments since then, recommended 2 further clients and has absolutely no idea that she was my very first client.

I also found that I have treated every further client like they are my first and given the same level of care - I find it helps me to make sure that I have no slips in my high standards

Good luck - and let us know how it goes

Claire

 

[unoriginalady]

Well done for getting your first client!!!

The most important tip i can give you is to be yourself. Don't try to hard to impress as this is where you can sometimes slip up.

When i had my first client i was really nervous. But i told myself to be professional and 'cool' and give the impression that i am really experienced. I didn't tell the client that she was my first, as i wanted her to feel at ease, and thought that ifsheknew she was my first client she may feel anxious and unsure of my skills. I managed to pull it off, and she is now one of my most loyal clients.

Make sure you are organised and have everything to hand when the client arrives, and try to build a rapport with them the moment they step through the door. This will make them feel at ease and more willing to talk to you(this is essential when taking a history). Play some relaxing music and burn some nice aroma oils so that you feel relaxed and ready to give the client your full attention. Tell yourself that your client will leave feeling refreshed and renewed after the treatment, and will want to book with you again. Think positive and you will give off plenty of positive vibes.

Don't forget to ask the client if they would like to book another treatment before they leave. I'm sure he will say yes straight away!!!

Most of all, just be yourself and let you personality shine through.

Good Luck

Kate x

 

[zessneits]

Many congratulations!

I had my first fee-paying client on Friday evening and I was also somewhat apprehensive, tho' it went extremely well.

I have been regularly treating family and friends over a long period and then in Spring time I decided to try and branch out a little, first by telling others and offering complementary treatments - this action went very well and the feedback gave me the confidence to go a little further!

Professionnalism is key to success as is one's ability to be welcoming and to be confident in their own capabilities. I'm sure that scenarios will arise that were not covered in training, however this forum is an ideal place within which to draw on experiences of others

Hope you go from strength to strength

 

[bob oso]

Thanks so much for the great replies - I'm sorry its taken ages to get back to you - things have been really hectic recently.

Well, my first treatment is now behind me. To be honest I don't think that it went very well and it did knock my confidence somewhat. I dofeel however, that my client wasn't really an 'ideal' first client. As soon as he walked in he was asking about my qualifications and what I did my degree in etc, which made me worry that I appeared too young (I'm 27!). He didn't really have much wrong with him, didn't seem to know what reflexology was about and kept asking fairly heavy questions (what is reiki?)during the treatment which I found hard to answer as I was so nervous and trying to concentrate. I felt somewhat intimidated by him as well - which didn't help at all. Basically I think I gave a good treatment (he finally relaxed about half way through and nearly fell asleep) but came across as very nervous and more than a little stupid!

BUT....

I have put that behind me now (well, I did learn a fair bit about what NOT to do!) and had another client last week. While I was still really nervous, I felt calmer and much more capable. I must have done a good jobtoo- the client hasbooked me for another 6 weeks and recommended me to others so that I have more bookings!

Hooray! Iam so pleased and more than a little proud of myself for overcomingthe initial setback and conquering my shyness.

Hopefully from now on its onwards and upwards!

Thanks again for the supportive responses.

Wholenutbar xxx

 

[Kitt Shelby]

Dear WNB

Just think...maybe your first client was a therapist as.......I know fine well I have had some in myself, trying to suss out the competition.

I have also had calls from folk "enquiring" about therapies offered (I rent out rooms also) and have even had a hypnotherapist wanting to hire out a room as long as no other hypnotherapists were there!!

Don't worry about folk who have an issue.

Just be confident that you passed your courses and you ARE getting clients.