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Is It Over Yet?
In today’s (4/19) edition of The New York Times, the title of an article says it all—“Recession Is Ending? Some Americans Don’t Buy It.”
Economists and pundits are starting to speak of a moderate recovery in the U.S. economy, although the official keeper of recessions, The Business Cycle Dating Committee, has not formally stated the recession has ended. The Times article interviews Americans whose circumstances don’t quite match up with the sentiment of economists.
Unemployment has essentially remained steady in the past few months, and consumer spending has begun to tick up slightly. But most of us measure our economic health by our own jobs and prospects. So has the recession ended for you? How healthy is your appointment calendar?
A Blog from ABMP's President
Let's Make a Deal
Fortunately for me, the recession never started
Through several years of hard work I’ve managed to build my massage business to a point where I’m just where I want to be.
How?
Very specific target markets, added value with specific massage packages and superior customer service!
Regardless of where I’m at outdoors, I’m always looking at others in their industry asking myself, “How can massage benefit these individuals”? Are they on their feet all day? Let’s create the “Ten Little Piggys Foot and Massage Package”. Are they working on a computer all day? How about the “Stiff Neck and Lower Back Massage Package” for those that cradle a telephone or sit at a desk and are on the computer all day?
The possibilities are endless!
Do I lose clients here and there? Sure. Yet, I’m always looking to create a new niche for an influx of new and exciting clients!
What creative solutions are YOU coming up with??
Kris Kelley
http://www.massage-marketing-solutions.com
Comment by Kris Kelley — April 19, 2010 @ 10:57 am
I don’t know if other LMTs find this, but this time of year has historically been one of the slowest for me (September is the other slow month). This year is no exception. My appointment calendar is still OK though – nothing to panic over. Prenatal clients will always keep me going and clients with bad backs.
Comment by Rosemary — April 19, 2010 @ 5:19 pm
Life has gotten in the way of my practice. One death, one good soul moved to Los Angeles, another moved to CT. Two hit schedule changes which makes it almost impossible for them to see me. The economy has not been my problem, so far.
Comment by the rev — April 19, 2010 @ 7:27 pm
I massaged more clients in the last 2 weeks 27, then I have all year long. My practice has been steadily building.
Comment by Darcy — April 20, 2010 @ 2:33 am
I have not felt the effects of the economy over the past year or so. September is a very slow month for me within the year but now through June is a busy time for gift certificate redemption from Christmas and Valentines Day. I average 20-25 clients per week.
Comment by Heidi — April 20, 2010 @ 8:27 am
My area has been hit very hard by the recession–almost 20% unemployment, 2nd highest in the state (NC)–but business is still rocking. I think when people are stressed out over the economy, they still need a massage!
Comment by Laura Allen — April 21, 2010 @ 9:39 am
The recession has not ended nor do the consumers feel comfortable yet to spend freely. As a practitioner, I have felt the pains of the economy since 9/11; it does seem to be moving forward, but there is still some room for improvement. I did see a boost in the appointment book during the tax season, but now it is post-tax season and the calendar is trending back to the previous two years. However, corporate on-site services has stayed steady over the past five years. It all balances out and I look forward to the day where consumers are once again comfortable with the thought that they are number one and take time to give themselves preventative maintenance.
Comment by Jonathan L. Burt — April 22, 2010 @ 9:48 pm