"Massage News to educate everyone about Massage Therapy because the journey is endless."

One of my favorite quotations is from James Lovell: "There are only three kinds of people: People who make things happen, people who watch things happen, and people who wonder what happened." In order to cultivate a successful business, you have to be one of those people who make things happen.

Sometimes it seems the things I want to accomplish could fill a never-ending list, so I have to prioritize. Like most people, I need a certain amount of money in order to be able to meet my obligations. Therefore, the activities that will definitely bring in money have to be first on my priority list: staying on top of my billing and insurance filing, and filling appointment slots. Just as important is keeping sight of my goals. I can't imagine just rolling along without definite goals for growing my business.

I have two main goals. First, since day 1 of opening my business, I have been on a mission to get one new client per day, 365 days a year. Since we're closed on Sunday, that means that some other day during the week, I have to get two. I'm happy to report that for the fifth year in a row, I have exceeded that goal. I keep a sticky note with the magic number written on it on my computer screen so I'll see it every day. I'm focused on it.

My other big goal is to get my name and the name of my business in the local news at least once a month, for free. I accomplish that by sending out press releases. There's no reporter coming to the door to see what I'm up to; I have to pursue that and be diligent about doing it. Are you performing community service somewhere? Send out a press release. Been to a continuing ed class lately and learned something new? Send out a press release. Having a grand opening? Send out a press release. Moved to a new location? Attending the World Massage Festival or other professional gathering? Send out a press release. You get the idea; the point is you are the one that has to take action. Don't be shy, and believe that taking positive action will yield positive results. Be one of those people who make things happen!