Wouldn't it be fantastic to spend your days helping animals feel better? Are you an animal lover who is considering a career in animal massage? To help you decide if it's a career that fits you and your lifestyle, here are a few things to consider:
1. Are you prepared to be a business owner? Animal massage is a relatively new field, and you will be a pioneer. This also means that not a whole lot of people know that this service actually exists and that you will most likely have to go into business for yourself.
2. Business Plan. It is a service business. Your income will depend on how many people in your area want your service. Do your homework and write a business plan. I can't stress this enough; before starting your own business, you need to do the research necessary.
3. Research your competition. Are there any other animal massage therapists in the area? (To find animal massage therapists in your area, check IAAMB's website). How are their businesses doing? What do they charge? How did they get started? How long have they been in business? Where do they find their clients? What else can you learn from them?
4. If you can find an animal massage therapist in your area who is willing to let you come along with him/her for a day or a week, I highly recommend it. You never know how you'll like a job until you actually try it. And don't think of them just as competition - these are people who could refer clients to you when they are booked up, sick, or away on vacation. Maybe you could start an animal massage therapist meetup group where you can all exchange ideas and learn from each other.
5. Cash Flow. How many massages do you need to do each week to make the kind of money you need? Do a cash flow (an income/expense analysis). I know, it gives you a headache just reading those words, but if you don't know how to do this, find someone who does and who is willing to help you. Many colleges have Small Business Development Centers where you can get help. Or look up organizations for small business owners, where you can get help and also network.
These are only a few points to help you get started in your planning. You might want to contact your local small business organization to see if they have any upcoming classes where you can learn all the ins and outs of starting a business.
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