Oh woe is me rant about my non-existent small business

[Ample Prosecco]

Meant to link to the FB page as that shows how active she is promoting the various options.

Bei Facebook anmelden

Melde dich bei Facebook an, um dich mit deinen Freunden, deiner Familie und Personen, die du kennst, zu verbinden und Inhalte zu teilen.

www.facebook.com

 

[Equi]

Massage is a bit of an odd one. I’m not clear what qualifications are needed and therefore could not differentiate someone who did a year long diploma from someone who did a weekend course. I’ve always therefore just viewed massage as a nice luxury - eg on holiday - but if there’s an actual problem with my horse or myself I use a physio or a vet physio. Who both also do massage but only after a proper assessment.

So pricing is awkward because how is anyone to know you are worth more than the competition?

Word of mouth is hard too because the benefits are fairly subtle. So telling a good massage from an average one isn’t easy either. I’ve never left a massage thinking ‘wow can’t wait to tell people about this!’

Can you diversify into more specialist massage: masterson method for example. Most massage therapists I know offer massage alongside other services. Eg sports massage alongside PT and coaching.

I also think £50 sounds a lot. The guy my OH uses as Coach and masseuse competed internationally, has been sent to events to massage Team GB triathletes. He charges £30 for a massage.

This was what I came to say. I know and have used someone who does massage but it is once in a while when horse has no issues and it’s purely a nice treat. If he had an issue I will contact a vet physio.

 

[SEL]

One of the therapists I met on a CPD course (slight fan girl moment because I follow her YouTube stuff ) has a permanent position 2 days a week at a top dressage yard.

Not only is it guaranteed income but obviously it's her name the owners, riders, grooms give out if asked.

If you can get a regular presence at a yard - doesn't have to be a competition yard - then it really does help.

 

[Rowreach]

What would that be then?

The USP ...

 

[Ceifer]

The USP ...

Yes.
I think the OP has tried a lot - offers, sponsorship, going to events and trying to drum up business.

Someone commented earlier that USP is being the best in their field of expertise. I’m not sure if I would classify that as unique but maybe it’s just my perception of the word. Unique in my book is doing something nobody else is doing, not just being good or best in field.

I agree with @Ample Prosecco that doing equine and human sports massage possibly isn’t enough to sustain a living full time which is possibly where the crux of the problem is.

 

[fredflop]

Do you work weekends? If not that would be a good place to start.

 

[Kaylum]

Gift vouchers make perfect presents for equestrians. Human and horse.

Always have your diary with you to book in your next appointment pretend your very busy.

Do you do seated massage? Offer a seated massage group sessions for yards.

 

[Fire sign]

I pay £80 a month for my horse to be treated by an equine chiro, (made an actual difference to her performance) £60 for a saddle check every 6 months ( important for a young horse I think ) and £95 per visit to a qualified osteopath for myself when I was suffering from considerable pain .. ( wonderfully successful and would have gladly paid double ) I think this is the going rate for a professional for their time really so wouldn’t flinch at £50 for a good service