To leap into the great unknown or....

[LoveSong]

Happy New Year Folks! Here's my situation:
I currently rent a small room in a small gym in a small town outside a bustling urban area. My landlord is a gem: he charges very little for the space with no added fees, and allows me access to his client database. He's also a client and praises my skills in front of his clients.
Since beginning this arrangement in August of 2007, I have had difficulty building my clientele (I am learning marketing on the fly, and gobs of it here on this board). I am both a new MT and new to this area. I do have several loyal clients who book on a regular basis.

I recently saw a listing for a commercial space 10 minutes from my home (the gym is 35 minutes barring bad traffic) for twice the rent. The pro's are these: there are 3 rooms, so I could lease one out to another bodyworker; it's in a huge thriving bedroom community; it's got nice curb appeal and visibility from a very well travelled road; there is plenty of parking; the area is generally quiet. The con's are: the rent doesn't include utilities; I would need to purchase some additional furnishings like a desk, a cabinet for linens, etc.

The other major factor in this decision is that I have a means of covering the rent via a generous family member should I not be able to immediately meet my bills via my business. My gut says jump on the opportunity because the location appears great and these spaces rarely come up in this part of town, but I've also got reservations because maybe I haven't given my present location enough time to mature.

Gah! What else should I consider in order to make this decision?
Thanks in advance!

 

[SamJenkins]

Demographics - are there other massage therapists in the immediate area?

 

[Jazmine N]

Do you know any fellow MT's to share the space/cost? If not, do you have a way of getting word out that you would have space available?

 

[Karen H]

What is your business plan?

If you don't have one, get a user-friendly guide and go through the steps. It's a very powerful experience that will help you decide whether to pursue the new location or develop the old one. Thoroughly investigate the new area and honestly assess the complete financial picture. Remember you can start with inexpensive furnishings and upgrade later. Focus on what kind of work you want to do and what kind of experience you want your clients to have. Let that be your guiding light and it will help you stay on course.

Best wishes to you in choosing a path!

 

[La chick]

Thanks for the input, everyone. Here's some new information:
I was able to get a lot of demographic information about the area and it has more than twice the population (approaching 60,000 and growing rapidly), and greater population density, higher education/income, more growth, etc. There are 9 MT's listed through the AMTA finder service, 4 more that I found doing an exhaustive internet search, 7 day spas, a Relax Nation and a Massage Envy.

I'm going to look at the space today. It has 3 rooms (one common/entry, plus 2 treatment rooms) and a shared bathroom (the other offices are a speech pathologist and a marriage counselor). I know other MTs have to share bathrooms--is it a deal breaker? I don't know. And I could advertise on Craigslist and at 2 local schools to get renters. They don't need to be Mts, either, a complimentary professional would be fine. I know they are out there.

I'd love more input about things to think about

 

[dani_e152003]

It's not as easy to get stable room renters as you might think. Typically, there's gaps between renters & frequent turnover until you luck onto the right person. If you need the income from a renter to make this move feasible, then I wouldn't do it. However, if you can afford the space anyway & a renter would just be an added bonus, then great!

 

[Grannyjill]

... to get renters. They don't need to be Mts, either, a complimentary professional would be fine.

You might want to try renting to a psychologist. It sounds like it would be an excellent fit with the others in the building.

 

[livingdead]

... to get renters. They don't need to be Mts, either, a complimentary professional would be fine.

You might want to try renting to a psychologist. It sounds like it would be an excellent fit with the others in the building.

which is exactly what i do - a LPC and a personal coach as well as a yoga teacher

lots of possibilities!

 

[I love my mutts~]

Hi Dianne!
It sounds like you have most definatly done your research! I think that would be a great oppertunity for you!
How did the space look?
Here is a question for you, are you happy with the services you can offer where you are now? Are you looking to keep building the sports massage and deep work, or are you looking to branch out to doing some other services also?
Another question, would the regulars you have now follow you? That is helpful if they will.
I do not think sharing a restroom is a deal breaker, each therapist has their own routine and you can schedule so that it isn't a problem.
Good luck! can't wait to hear how it goes!

 

[Uk MonkeyFinger]

I'm with Blisss, from what I've heard and observed amongst those I know of the MassagePlanetL membership, finding good renters is difficult.
Sure it can be done, but it's more difficult to find good "team members" than one might think...

 

[Pati]

it's more difficult to find good "team members" than one might think...

I don't doubt this statement a bit. I'm the type of person who embraces a challenge---they tend to make me work a little harder and consequently do a little better!

I saw the property today and I think my clients would really benefit in a number of ways over where I am now, not the least of which is noise control and having a nice quiet room for transitioning in and out of the massage. Premo, I think a few of my clients would follow, but some may not. The up side to that is that my pool of possible clients will be significantly larger. (Starting with all the people I have spoken with who say they would never go that far for any service) Around here, nobody wants to leave Mount Pleasant to go to James Island, and Mount Pleasant really is where all the action is.

Fortunately I can swing the rent without subletting, but I'd love to have another income stream, even if it is uneven.

The other thing I've heard is that rentals in this area rarely come up and are seldom vacant long. Just from watching the listings for the last few months I can see that this is a thriving business community.

 

[MHMCHH]

Good

Hi Ella

I've been enjoying your problem solving evolution. You are obviously a very positive lady and choose to energize yourself this way.

Do you have a specialty, something in your technique or ways of doing what you do that stands out? Deep tissue massage? An unforgetable head and neck massage? Sports massage skills? Experience of a specialized nature of any kind?

What are your strong points? If you don't mind me asking?

You don't need to answer if you don't like to. I was more giving you positive thoughts to ponder rather than personal questions. But it may help with ideas to bounce around.

Do you notice any specialized areas of activity around you? Example some type of sporting aspect or music? Professional musicans and singers are a concern here and I suppose could be elsewhere as well. Musicans must hold instruments for hours on end.

A singer should have his or her air system as open as possible. The neck and shoulders, diaphram and pecs should all be relaxed and open, ready to extend range.

Finding a niche for yourself could be a consideration?

Best wishes on your new journey.

 

[Remkade]

Ella, it sounds like you really want to find a way to make this happen for yourself. You're aware that it may take awhile to get all your ducks lined up in a row but that doesn't seem to scare you any.
Is it possible for you to work at both locations, at least for awhile... keeping your job @ the gym to serve the membership there, but still having your new location to market for?
As Old Dog has said, this might be a great opportunity for you to work with a different "population." With their being about 30 minutes between locations, I feel there is likely going to be a bunch of people who wouldn't bother to cross town to your private office. I know I would drive that far (or farther) if I was impressed with the MTs work.
Do I think you can do it? Yes. It sounds like you have the emotional support needed both here and in your Real Life to make this particular dream of yours happen.
I hope you're able to find a great renter or two, for your new location!

 

[nitwig//0]

Old Dog--I've been told that my legwork is exceptional, and consequently I've really marketed to athletes. (It helps that I have space in a gym!) I also seem to draw clients with migraines, which I find fascinating because my project for Asian techniques was a routine designed to alleviate the symptoms of migraine by addressing any points that relate to sight, sound, and smell. The funny thing is, OD, I only got my license in April and moved to this area in July. I can't really say that I specialize yet because I haven't even taken any CEUs (That changes soon). If you really tried to pin me down, I would say that I specialize in pain relief.

Maestra--I had already planned on having a transitional phase that would allow me to build up the buzz for the new place while addressing my current clients' needs for a gentle transition. My table fits in the trunk of my car, so if I have to cart it around for 6 weeks while working both places I don't mind. Whatever it takes, right?

And yes, I have tons of support in real life and on this board. I've learned so much from everyone here and I'm so grateful to be able to avail myself of the wisdom of others!

 

[Tiocfaidh ar la]

Check zoning ordinances. Make sure you can legally operate an MT business at this place.

 

[zxcvbnm]

Sounds like you have started gathering info for a business plan. Good! Keep going!

Don't stop now when you're just establishing some forward momentum. Keep pulling info together and put it all together on paper in a feasible plan. Do NOT leave out the financials! While that may be the hardest part, it is also one of the most critical.

As the old strategic masters would say, "Plan hard, fight easy."

 

[OG LOC]

Good

Hi again, Ella

Exceptional legwork already makes you special. Leg work is great for those suffering from lower back pain. People that stand all day or night, waiters, bartenders, Doctors, surgeons especially. I think about each work as seperate, that way I can tailor a marketing plan.

Let's take a look at a heart surgeon as example. They stand for hours at a time with their head slightly forward and tilted downwards. This is because they are looking through magnifying glasses. Problem areas, feet and legs, neck and shoulders. Waiter, legs and feet.

As you can probably tell, I'm one for specializing when it comes to marketing massage and technique.

I'm happy the others are speaking to you about business, renting, financial etc. This is not my strong point. I suck at it actually. Lucky for me I married an accountant.

I hope these few words helped.

 

[adam_l38]

It's not as easy to get stable room renters as you might think. Typically, there's gaps between renters & frequent turnover until you luck onto the right person. If you need the income from a renter to make this move feasible, then I wouldn't do it. However, if you can afford the space anyway & a renter would just be an added bonus, then great!

I have to agree. I made the jump in August and have a healing suite with a large entry/waiting area, three treatment rooms and a private bath. In one month I had one full time and one half time tenant and have been looking for another to fill the half time available since August.

Be sure to factor in utilities (mine ended up being much more than I estmated), business insurance (different from malpractice insurance), supplies and janitorial for the common areas, and build in some cushion for you having to manage the space. This means a lot of different things, like cleaning up the sidewalk from fallen leaves, or a call on the weekend that the toilet is backed up.

I'm very pleased to have taken the opportunity I did, but it has been work and I will feel even better once I get the place rented out in full.

FWIW - Craigslist is a mixed bag for people looking for space IME.

 

[p055umcub3r]

ella,

what did you decide to do?

 

[fantabulousfatima]

I took the leap!

I was locked in to my old place until the end of this month, so I can see clients in either place.

My new space is fabulous! I was able to get a great desk and small love seat at the Habitat for Humanity Home Store for almost nothing, and it supports a great cause at the same time! I printed up post cards on Vista Print and have mailed about 150, with more to go as I get the time. I have a couple new clients: one who is the mother of one of my daughter's classmate, and one who found my website and needs serious work: I sold him a package.

I am having trouble finding someone to rent the other space, but the right person will come.

So life is good--hectic, but good! Thanks for asking!