Contents:
Types of Events
Getting the Event
Negotiating
Organizing for the Event
At the Event
Follow Up
Reflexology, especially foot reflexology is wonderful for events of all kinds. It’s pampering for employees, wedding parties, birthdays, anniversaries and good at health and other kinds of fairs so people can experience it and have a break from the event. At professional events 10-15 mins is a good amount of time and at other events you can choose between 10-60mins.
Why do you want Reflexology at your event?
Because people looooooooove it! They absolutely do… and it’s good for them at the same time. Good for health, good for relaxation, good for clarity and productivity, good for stress management. Just extra good!
1) Types of Events
Networking, Non profit events, Booths at festivals, Sports events, Health events, Corporations, Private parties, Wedding parties,Retreats, Pamper Days at Spas and Chiropractic offices, And more
2) Getting the Event
Where to find them:
Craigslist, non profits, advertised in papers and magazines, google ”events in los angeles”, word of mouth, networking, event companies, event planners, city websites, mobile massage and reflexology companies
Call and talk to someone responsible for the event! Sometimes just making that connection can open doors. IF it doesn’t work for that event, they may remember you for another event. Get them your info and card. If you feel like it… offer them a complimentary session. Follow up later!
Join a mobile event or spa company. Adhere to their policies. Be on time.
Be on a non profits list of people to call. Offer to give a free introductory workshop at a non profit organization so they get to know you. Some non profits will have events where you can charge.
Offer to a company. If corporate, have a professional looking packet of information to give them including your biz card/brochure, information on reflexology, information on yourself. But most of all… make immediately available how it can benefit their employees and ultimately their company!! This is what they want to know.
3) Negotiating
Most events: fairs, booths, some company booth events etc. you can charge a minimum of $1 a minute, some more like the current going chair massage rate.. Private parties and some corporate events you can charge more, perhaps a flat fee for the event or by the hour.
A few events may want you to do it for free and that’s your choice if you want the exposure, can have a signup sheet for followup and can give out business cards…. particularly if it’s just a half day or a few hours.
4) Organizing for the Event
Make sure you are really clear ahead of time what’s expected of you, have a clear money arrangement, have all your supplies, have a map and directions even if you think you know where it is (google maps, mapquest or a map book). Make sure you know where to park, whether you have to pay or it’s included, or they reimburse you, and any other parking arrangements
Plan to arrive an hour early. This will give you time if there is extra traffic, an accident, or you get lost. It can also help you get an optimal location at the event. Most events will probably tell you to arrive at least half an hour to an hour ahead of time.
Get the name of the room, department, booth number etc ahead of time, so you know where you are going.
Be aware it could be really really busy or really really slow or somewhere in between.
Have a creative plan to have people notice you. Have signs. Have a board. Talk to people when it’s not busy, tell them what you have to offer. Offer a short freebee when it’s really slow to someone so others can see what you do. Have things to give away if possible.
Get together signs, board, signup sheet, biz cards, brochures, tape, scissors, pens, markers and other supplies that you use.
Have enough of your professional supplies so they don’t run out if it gets really busy.
Linen/towels for table. Paper towels/towels for chair. Hand sanitizer, wipes, cream if used at the end. Have a watch and/or a clock for timing the sessions.
Have liability insurance! Have some peace of mind and protection.
ABMP is a good and reasonable source for insurance.
5) At the Event
Corporate
You might be at a corporate health event, a lunch and learn or some other kind of company happening. Dress professionally. Check in with your contact person when you arrive and let them know you are there. Ask if there is anything else you need to know.
Sometimes companies have specific people showing up at specific times. If the event is very busy make sure the flow is happening and you’re not waiting around for a specific person or you’ll get way behind Contact admin responsible or front desk if someone isn’t showing. Adhere to any policies or rules the company tells you.
Always remain professional and remember you are working even if it’s a fun day.
Stay until the end of the event unless the organizer or admin person tells you to go home early.
Party
Check ahead of time to see where you’ll be setting up. See if you can have a room away from the main area. Have a divider if necessary.
Offer some free time for the host or hostess. They might book you again.
Be respectful of their home and their friends and associates.
Don’t drink alcohol, flirt, or eat all the food on the table! Remain professional!
Outdoors/fairs etc.
Know where yo’re going. Find out if you can park close at least initially to drop off your equipment if it’s a big event. Ask the coordinator if there can be a space for you out of the sun if it’s very hot, or indoors if its cold. Always ask! If they say no sorry this is all we have, then you’ll have to guage whether you can make it work. Make sure your clients face is not in the sun if you can help it or yours for that matter. Wear sunscreen and a hat if it’s particularly hot. Take breaks and drink plenty of water.
Look for ways for people to notice you and be interested. Have flyers, cards, brochures, discounts and something to give away.
When you have a break get to know some of the vendors and let them know what you do.
Network and give them your business card. They are great resources and can often become your client, refer someone to you, or let you know of other resources for events or generally for your business. Show an interest in what they do.
All
Always be respectful, follow the norms
Use sanitary wipes and paper towels. Wash your hands/use hand sanitizer between clients
Be friendly and informative.
Have business cards, sign up sheet for follow up (unless host has said not to bring and you've agreed)
Keep to time if busy. Keep to allotted time as much as possible that you've agreed upon with the host.. 10 min, 15 min, 20 min etc.If you're not busy you can do extra time for a person if you want and if it fits in with the host event.. You'll have more time to explain things and answer questions from people.
Make sure your chair/table is clean and safe.
5) Follow up
Call back the company you are working for if it’s a mobile company
Call back other companies for follow up, see if you can go in weekly or monthly and offer your services. Find out if there are more events.
Offer some kind of bonus for employees and for staff.
Follow up possible clients on your sign up sheet
Offer a freebie, discount or bonus
If appropriate…ask for a referral…you never know.
Remember…
• You never know where a referral might come from! Sometimes they come not just from the likely sources, but also unexpected sources..
• Never put yourself or your client in danger..
• Always be professional
• Follow all standards, codes and ethics of your profession
• Follow rules and protocols of your host: Private or corporate
• Remember…today people see you as the expert in your field. Use this as a chance to educate people as much as you can on the benefits of reflexology and of a healthy lifestyle.
• Show you care
Copyright @2009
Mitta Vicki Wise RN, CHT
http://www.yourholistichealthcare.com/reflexology.html
Certified Foot, Hand and Ear Reflexologist (American Academy of Reflexology)
You may copy this article ONLY if you put my name, credentials and website link clearly seen with the article.
