Reflexologists, how many is too many?

[tieneibia]

I read a post a few weeks ago, but can't find it again. It was someone asking about becoming a Reflexologist and setting up a practice.

One of the replies talked about how many other reflexologists there were in the local area.

My question is how many, is too many?

I want/need to return to work (when my young son is full-time at school) and probably considered past it at 42, to do my old job of Graphic Designer. I have always been interested in Reflexology for self help and have been researching courses and would like to take one early next year (I have now singled out the one I think suits me).

On one hand, I don't want to flood the market, but have a very strong urge that I should take this opportunity to retrain as I may not have this chance again. I am already self employed (as I had a few design jobs come my way a year or so ago) and know for the hours I want to do, I will have to stay this way and will probably combine office work on a contractor basis with the Reflexology at evenings and weekends.

Please, does anyone have any advice?

Many thanks
Peppermint

 

[Jb2]

Here's a link to a search I did for you ... perhapswhat you're looking for will be in this list of threads from a number of forums.

[link=http://www.healthypages.net/forum/searchpro.asp?phrase=set+up+reflexology+practice&author=&forumid=ALL&topicreply=both&message=both&timeframe=%3E&timefilter=0&language=single&top=300&criteria=AND&minRank=0&sortMethod=r&submitbutton=+OK]http://www.healthypages.net/forum/searchpro.asp?phrase=set+up+reflexology+practice&author=&forumid=ALL&topicreply=both&message=both&timeframe=%3E&timefilter=0&language=single&top=300&criteria=AND&minRank=0&sortMethod=r&submitbutton=+OK[/link]+

Holistic

 

[Alianne C]

Many Thanks Holistic, I'll take a look through them.

 

[Kaviani999]

Have replied to your post on the other thread.

Lesley

 

[exexbupaiotivfeyt]

Hi Peppermint,

No amount is too many.Quantum physics would suggest that abundance is the way the universe indended.

If you consider that there are a lot of therapists in your local area, then that wuld suggest there is a good market for your services in that area.

The trick then is to have a uniqueness about you, that would have clients come to you in preference, and remember, there are more than enough clients to go around.

I would get up to speed with case studies, and then charge top end of the localmarket. People don't want cheap, they want quality and service, especially in the therapy business.

So my suggestion would be to go out and do what you love to do, have fun doing it, and the universe will provide a nutrient rich, fertile playground.

 

[mbeohuuhiesiulewt]

Well said Mark, I wanted to say the same thing.

Think about how many hairdressing businesses you see advertising, in the Yellow Pages alone. And,thousands more hairdressers are qualifying or starting outon hairdressing courses, at our colleges, as we speak. What makes you want to go to your particular hairdresser, what sets them apart from the hundreds of others you see advertised? It may be that you're a regular client and you trust them, but what motivated you to go to them in the first place?

Think how many pairs of feet there are in your area, if we don't get sufficient business, we should not blame it on the competition, but on how we are promoting ourselves either individually or even, perhaps asa profession on the whole[sm=soapbox.gif].

 

[???? ?o ???????]

Thanks All for your replies.

Thanks Mark and Calmer for your uplifting thoughts.

I think I should go for it and quality of service and marketing will be key to how I succeed.

The course I'm interested in encourages work placement to gain experience, which I like the sound of.

My previous experience of Graphic Design in a Publicity department may even help with my literature/marketing etc.

Thanks again

 

[M.P.M]

Funnily enoughI have had one of those situations of "are there too many like me" tonight. I have just found out that there is yet another two therapists doing the stuff that I do in my area. I find that it's a strange job that we do. I get a new client or re-booking and I feel on cloud nine and then I find out that there are more of me in the immediate area and I think gawd, what can I do to get potential clients coming to me and not them. It is so HARD isn't it? I know that I have to think of that little extra that I can offer and promote that, but sometimes it just gets to you doesn't it?? I seem to be constantly thinking about how I can attract more people. Is that just the nature of the beast??

 

[Rylie]

Unfortunately, the nature of the business we are in means that our market is limited (like it or not).

(Nearly) everyone goes to the hairdresser and in my experience,many people with£25-£30 to spend on themselves would rather spend it on looking good than feeling good, so the market can carry lots of hairdressers, and I know many complementary therapists who include beauty therapies in the treatments they offer because that's their bread and butter.

Lesley

 

[Swadegleif]

I suppose with any self-employed venture there isn't time be complacent. Be on the lookout for new ideas and markets.

Once I've done my course and hopefully passed, I still would not have enough time to work as a Reflexologist full-time.
I have realised that I will have to be on top of the marketing, even for just a few clients a month (not to mention keeping
my new found skills in tip top condition).

The programme Risking it All on C4, (if anyone has seen it) has some very interesting marketing ideas, usually brought
in when the business in question is flagging usually hairdressers and restaurants in past programmes.

As Lesley says, reflexology isn't like a hairdressers where you come out looking great for £25 -£30, although my last trip cost £107 just
for some highlights and a cut and there was nothing special about the hairdressers, it's just what it costs around where I live.

May be as the promotion of Reflexology goes on, more people will be aware of the benefits and book treatments, but that in turn
will entice more people to train. I just feel, if I don't get on with my training, someone else will.

Bexx,
Seeing a potential problem in the first place is good, then you can act on it. Wishing you all the best with enticing new clients!

Peppermint