Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/291744
Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 29 PLAN YOUR SPACE Setting up your treatment room may be relatively easy, or you might have to do some major remodeling to conform to government regulations. Either way, you will also be thinking about creating a space full of comfort and visual appeal. Take the time to plan all aspects of your new studio before you begin the actual work. Maybe you'll install some outside lighting for clients coming in the evening, or set up a more attractive entryway. Do you want more power outlets? Soundproofing? Better window coverings? New paint? What fun it can be to put together your work space the way you want! Keep all your receipts for the improvements you make for your business, since these are expenses you can write off later. Go to www.irs.gov and look up "Home Office Deduction" for guidelines about home-based businesses, including federal tax deductions you can get, and forms that you will need at tax time. Talk to your tax consultant if you have any questions. PROMOTE YOUR MOVE When you're close to opening your home esthetics practice, start thinking about advertising and promoting the new location. You will want to let your current clients know you are moving. If you work for an employer, review your agreement about retaining clients and be sure to follow whatever terms you agreed to. Hopefully you have always given clients your business card with your cell phone number and email address, so when you tell them you are moving, they will have the ability to contact you. You may be wondering whether to lower your prices when you move. No! Keep them at least the same as they are now. Never lower the prices for your services. You can, however, offer limited-time opening specials as an enticement, showing the regular prices alongside. Having a good website and other marketing materials is essential. Members of ASCP can set up a free, fully hosted website and create customized marketing materials by logging in to the Members section of www.ascpskincare.com. Whether or not you include your address in your marketing is a matter of your own comfort level. Keep in mind that strangers will not know it is your home address: anyone will simply assume it is a business location. If you choose not to give your address so you can screen potential clients first, keep in mind this may decrease calls and bookings. At least give the nearest major cross streets so potential clients have an idea how convenient your location is for them. Beyond this, marketing a home practice is the same as marketing any practice. Get to know the owners of local businesses where you can leave your brochures and cards. I have posted flyers at a nearby coffee shop and placed ads in our neighborhood association newsletter. Join your local business association. If you belong to a church, club, or other group, let them know you're in business. Set up a referral program, offering a discount or free add-on services to clients who send you new customers. The best advertising of all is word of mouth. You Did It … Now Enjoy It The number of legal and logistical hoops you'll have to jump through to start a practice at home means those who follow through are the ones who really are sure it's the right move for them. When the dust settles and you can greet your first clients at the door of your treatment room, it's a wonderful feeling. Here's to your success in your new home esthetics practice! Claire Johnston is a licensed esthetician and Reiki Master near Portland, Oregon. Contact her through her website, www.clairejohnstontheworks.com. Keep all your receipts for the improvements you make for your business, since these are expenses you can write off later.