Niche Massage Nowra was created out a need to balance family and self fulfilment.
As business owner Amy explains; When her husband was deployed overseas for 7 months through the Defence Force and a new born having recently arrived, Amy had two choices. Either sit by and feel upset about it or use the time to do something for herself and still meet the needs of her family.
Traditional job opportunities in the area didn’t create flexibility of being a mother and with her husband heading abroad, Amy took the initiative to build her own business.
Having a prior interest in massage and attending a small course when still residing in New Zealand, Amy decided to start a small business from her interest and begin to provide services to her local area based on what she had already learnt.
Due to her own circumstances it wasn’t realistic to heavily invest in extensive formal training, so Amy continued to attend small weekend courses to incrementally broaden her knowledge and provide more to her customers.
Her awareness and reassurance that she did not have to know everything resulted in establishing her own niche and tailored focus.
In this episode, we not only cover Niche Massage’s story from concept to operation but some of the motivators and challenges that have been experienced along the way. We talk about customer retention, asking for follow up bookings, positive feedback and the impact Amy and her husband (aka the Chief Car Washer) have had by using professional car signage in their area.
Niche Massage Nowra is proof that you can start small, operating within your own zone of knowledge, and run a successful business.
It’s never too early to get started.
What did you get out of this episode? Here’s what I learnt;
1. Starting Small – Amy wasn’t a qualified remedial massage therapist and has never advertised herself that way. While having a little experience prior, Amy began with a simple weekend course. What she learnt could then be offered to others. There was enough value in that first course to get her started. This dispels the myth that you have to be highly qualified and experienced to justify providing a service. As long as you are up front and honest in your capabilities then you’re poised to create your own zone and value.
2. Not panicking when things are quiet – Amy questioned the sustainability of her business at times when her customers were few and far between. By being consistent, having a vision and being true to herself , Amy was able to build loyalty and get through the challenging times. Jumping over hurdles such as asking people for return business has helped build not only the business but Amy’s confidence. Want some other suggestions of protecting yourself in those quieter moments? Check out ‘Planning Ahead and Embracing the Quieter Moments in Business‘.
3. Workshops – Amy is looking to expand her business and services by creating workshops for others. It’s a great way to scale the business without a dramatic investment of time and money. After all, you already have the knowledge and use it on a day to day basis so why not share it with others to bring them more value and education.
4. Self Discipline – There appears to be an expectation at times in small business that you are grinding away 24/7 and the 9-5 work routine is only but a memory. This is one of the challenges of being self employed but you can certainly find balance. For your mental health and general well being it’s critical to carve out time for yourself to re-energise, to clear your mind and step back from the day to day and see the bigger picture. Encourage creativity and remind yourself why you are doing what you’re doing. It helps you come back to your business fresh and motivated and reduces the likelihood of burn out.
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Check out Amy’s Workshops and Blog
11 Mintbush Crescent, Worrigee, NSW, 2540
