With the changing energies of the new year, our satisfaction around our job is shifting. Is this a message that it’s time to go solo? Your eyes stray to the clock and you resign yourself to another hour of work. Clients have been back to back all day and a headache is spoiling your concentration. This month’s pay check in no way reflects your efforts, and bills are piling up.  Your boss has just acquired a brand new car. Yours is a wreck. Perhaps the time has come to go solo! Going it alone in your own business can be a frightening step to take. Losing the security of a paid employment can be unnerving.  So what’s the most fool proof way of setting yourself up in a potentially thriving business of your own? Firstly, as a therapist, you have an obligation to yourself to stay well and stress free. Try to choose the option most suitable to your personality. Will you hire a room within an already established business, work from your own home, set up a salon of your own, or travel to client’s homes? Each avenue will require an amount of set up cash; either for deposit, rent, equipment, uniform and products, even a new, reliable vehicle. Finding the right location is vital. Choose a location where what you do will be in demand. Check for businesses close by offering the same treatments. Are they doing well? What are their strengths and weaknesses? This is important toward your own popularity. Never undercut another business. Let the quality of your work and the friendly atmosphere be the attraction. If you buy an existing business find out why they are closing down. Were there problems? Get an accountant to check over the accounts and see the cash flow. Always get a written undertaking from the current owner that they are not opening up close by and in competition with you. Also ask for an undertaking that the existing clientele will still patronize your business. Does the sale include good quality usable stock that has plenty of shelf life? Is the equipment in good working order?  Is the building close enough to home for you to reduce the stress of commuting or will you live above the premises?  Is the area safe from crime? Check the security record. Working from home requires discipline and routine. Some friends and family will assume you are available to be dropped in on during working hours. Be firm about your timetable so that clients know when to book and when to respect your privacy. Don’t allow them to call at any time of day or night and expect your attention. If you choose to work from home, ask yourself if there a room available or must you convert a garage or outbuilding? Do you need planning permission for this? How much will it cost? Are you legally entitled to use your home for business? Check with your mortgage and insurance advisors.  Will there be adequate parking in the neighborhood? Are you likely to antagonize your neighbors with clients coming and going during the day and evening? Never be alone at home with a new client you may not know. Stay safe at all times. The same rules apply to a mobile therapist. If you are entering someone’s home, make sure you feel safe and can get out if necessary. Your vehicle insurance must cover you for business use. Always ensure you lift portable equipment carefully. It’s surprising how heavy some portable therapy couches can be. Many local authorities provide training courses and some may be free.  These can help you to understand financial, legal planning, and accounting requirements. Marketing is vital to the success of a business, however small. Banks can advise with sensible future planning. They can lend money to set up at affordable rates.  A viable business plan must be set up and put forward. A good accountant is valuable to your business. They will explain tax laws and help you to determine legitimate expenses. A solicitor or lawyer can advise on contracts, employment laws, negotiating leases and conveyancing. They can draft up company rules and terms of employment. Always have the correct adequate insurance for yourself and your equipment. Sailing solo in the therapy world can be rewarding and satisfying.  Enjoy the experience and thrive on the good feelings of love you are spreading! Views:]]>