Am I missing something?

So I'm going to jump straight in with my thoughts...

I'd like to think that as far as common business sense goes I'm pretty good. Infact, I'd even go as far to say that I was definitely blessed with the common sense gene. However, depsite feeling as though I'm ticking most of the small business 'boxes' I still can't fathom any pattern.

Networking, tick, (although admittedly I could do more of this!) client tracking, tick, twitter, tick, facebook, tick, client follow ups, tick, loyalty incentives, tick, marketing goals, tick, amazing health centre, tick, and of course amazing product (ie complimentary therapies and myslelf practising Deep Tissue/Remedial Massage) TICK!

As time passes, I also believe it's worth taking a look at client numbers on a monthly basis...how many new clients did I see, for example, Jan 2007, 2008, 2009? and so on..I also think it's worth streamlining my marketing so I'm dividing my clients into categories: regulars (those who book in for their next treatment before leaving the centre); infrequents (those who book in after a gentle reminder that I haven't seen them for a month or so); injuries (those who only get treatment for specific injuries/problems that arise on occasion); and one-offs (I treat them once and then, I like to think, they disappear into the ether forever).

Surely this way the loyalty of clients doesn't get overlooked, as well as offering different incentives to one 'category' of client that wouldn't, perhaps suit another.

Then there are the pregnancy clients which I keep completely seperately. Some ladies again, need that one-off massage to help them through a tough week; others (and I'd obviously like more of these!) enjoy a massage roughly once a month throughout their pregnancy to keep them relaxed, help their backs and legs as they gain weight and generally off load any anxiety/stress they're experiencing. Again, it is these ladies that I would also like to see for baby massage courses, then as they realise how their bodies are stiff and aching from holding their little one all the time and the toll breastfeeding takes on the body, I like to remind them that a remedial massage would sort them out!

So, despite my best efforts I find it frustrating that I simply can't predict a pattern in my 'busy-ness'. Some days/weeks are inundated with clients. I'm tired but energised, thriving on seeing several people everyday, helping their injuries, easing their stress, stretching their muscles. And then....nothing....the panic sets in and I can't understand what I'm doing wrong. Did I forget to follow up? No. Did the client benefit and enjoy the treatment? Yes. Is it summer holiday time? No. Has there been a freak weather episode? No.

In the past these "quiet spells" whether they last a couple of days or (god forbid!) a couple of weeks, usually balance out with the expected madness that follows but should this occur at all? And why is it I always have a lot of people wanting the same day and time? This intrigues me.

Maybe it's the industry I'm in..

Maybe the seemingly lack of predictability is the actual pattern..

Maybe I'm just extremely impatient and in fact want a client base that will just take some time..

One thing I have noticed is that I seem to be quite good at giving advice when it comes to other peoples' businesses. Friends, who have asked for advice, actually think I make a lot of sense (which in itself I find rather amusing!). And yet, I've never studied business or marketing but seem to have a general knack for it. So it's possible that the lesson is to enjoy the ride of business - you can only measure so much. And when I really start to doubt whether there's enough time in the day to get all my stats done I remember,

"even the most successful people in the world have only 24hours in a day"

Isn't that fantastic?!

Comments

[Karen Revell]

Yes business can be erratic at times and sometimes there is no explanation other than we are trying too hard - trying to force our way rather than attract the energy towards us.

It may also be that when we are busy with that sudden thrust of clients that we take the eye off the ball with the marketing and so allow a little relapse in our efforts for that consistent flow of clients. Think about ways that you can automate that marketing flow a little more to maintain consistent messaging.

One thing I know for sure is that the Conscious Health Centre is a great place to go for a treatment and with such a great quality of service it will only get busier over time.