When you start a business you are going to want to get your name out there as much as you can, by giving massages to as many people as you can. One great way to do this is marketing events, and events where you will get to work on many people. These events can be very beneficial, and sometimes it will even be worth it for you to practice massages for free, but be aware of people wanting your services for free and promising you a ”business opportunity.”
People will approach you looking for a therpist to do massages for all types of events, and if they know you are a new business they will pitch the event as a networking thing or a way to help your business. LOOK OUT! Sometimes that is exactly what the event will be……but sometimes not.
About a month ago I was asked to do free chair massages at an event for a local business that is pretty large here in Burlington VT and a company that most business people would want to get involved with. I was told it was for three hours with as many breaks as I wanted, as well as I would be practicing massages for the “head-honchos” of this company. The person who was in charge of running the event told me it would be a networking opportunity, I would get lots of tips, as well as I could make 100 gift certificates to pass out in the goodie bags for each guest to take home.
When I arrived at the building where the event was taking place I was excited and ready to talk, and give massages. My energy was high and I was psyched! When I first walked in I noticed the woman who was my contact person, I got my station and my schedule. I gave her my certifictates that I made (by hand) and went to set up. It was not long that I took a good look around and realized that all the other volunteers were students. Men and woman who were still in massage school getting credit towards their certification. I then looked around more and all I could see were woman standing around, laughing, drinking wine, not interested in all about business’s or networking. My schedule said I was booked full for the three hours, which was fine-”tips” I thought and if not atleast I could give out my business cards. I was so wrong. The woman were all there to get free massages, free pedicures and manicures, along with the free stuff they had in the raffle. I gave free massages for three hours straight-nobody gave me a tip, and very few people asked for my business card. Its not their fault, I was misled. You could also argue that maybe I am not a good massage therapist, but I do alot of events and I always atleast get tips or give out business cards.
Please understand that I am not saying “don’t do events” but what I am saying is make sure everybody involved is treated fair, and don’t get taken for what people will promise to be “business oppotunity’s” I have decided that after a year of pretty much doing all FREE massages I can pick and choose the events I want to give my time and skills to and you can too!
Bee Healthy. Bee Happy. Bee Well.
