I had a fantastic meeting this morning with a very enthusiastic Swedish Institute student, studying massage therapy. She was desperately excited to learn how to start a private practice. I love working with students and recent graduates, because at the start of their career, they have so much excitement and enthusiasm, and it's infectious and inspiring to be around that sort of energy. Over the course of our conversation, we got further into what really excites her, and worked together to identify who her ideal clients are. She's super stoked to work with dancers, in particular, but doesn't know where to begin. We started to brainstorm together about where her ideal clients are, and I pointed her in the direction of SCHOOLS. What's wonderful about being a student and soon-to-be graduate, is that she's immersed in students. I encouraged her towards looking for dance students - especially schools like Juilliard, Fordham, and LaGuardia. If she can identify, reach out in a friendly way, and connect with even one dance student, it get's her foot in the door to start working on others via referrals. I suggest with anyone getting excited to start a business, especially while just out of school, to offer your services for free or at a discount, in the beginning. Think of it as good practice, which you need, as well as an investment in that person and their potential referrals. Also, if you're currently a student, this is the best time to start working on your social media presence and start putting it out there via Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media, which is essentially free advertising, and an opportunity to interact with and connect with others.
I don't want to brag, but April has been Amazing!!
I had such a fantastic experience joining Geoff Dawe for his Spa Talk at the Swedish Institute. I've never spoken in front of such a large, engaged, excited group of people. The majority of attendees were Swedish Institute students and alumni, as well as other wonderful teachers and Swedish Institute Faculty. I learned a key phrase from Geoff Dawe about positivity when engaging with clients. When asked about his day, Mr. Dawe responds with a devilish grin: "Well, I don't want to brag". This simple interaction speaks volumes to clients and is a memorable response. When we come to work as practitioners of whatever field we've chosen, it's so important to remember to leave our emotional baggage at the door. Clients always remember your services and how you've gone out of the way to make them feel happy and special. Leave clients feeling great about you, not stressing because you've had a bad day. Who knows, maybe your positive vibes will rub off!
Meet Rachel, Founder of Wellness Business Consulting
Rachel Beider is the head consultant at Wellness Business Consulting, est 2014. As a successful small business owner of a wellness practice, Rachel saw a growing need within the community for strategic business advise and planning. Being a business owner or running an independent practice can feel very isolating and often overwhelming. Clients come to her for guidance on starting, managing, or growing their practices. Rachel's 2015 client list includes a busy Yoga Studio in Brooklyn, a Luxury Spa in Long Island City, a Beauty Salon in Greenpoint, a Clinical Psychology Practice in Williamsburg, a Skin Spa in Brooklyn, a Language Instructor in NYC, an Acupuncturist in Chelsea, a Child Advocacy Group in Sunset Park, and a Nutritional Counselor in the Lower East Side. Rachel's own practice, Massage Williamsburg, has seen over 11,000 individual massage clients in Brooklyn, and works with over 30 Licensed Massage Therapists. Aside from being a business consultant, Rachel is a licensed massage therapist, is a Board Member at Pacific College, empowers laboring women as a birth doula, and holds certifications in Prenatal Massage from Swedish Institute, Aromatherapy from NY Institute of Aromatherapy, and in Perfumery from Cinquieme Sens via Pratt.
Welcome to the New Website
I am so pleased to announce the new website for my consulting practice! I hope you'll find everything you need here. I will be posting blog entries about business, marketing, growing your practice, and lots of business resources. I look forward to working with you soon! I am available to speak in person as well as over the phone. Please reach out if you have any questions! - Rachel