Saturday already

I can't believe I haven't posted since Saturday. It's not because I have been swamped with massages or quilting (although I do have 5 last minute Christmas quilts to do for a customer) or anything I just have a hard time remembering to do it.

I guess it is like any habit, just takes a little time to get in the routine of it. I will try to post more often.

I used to work on Saturdays, the only day I would always take off was Sunday, figured I needed one day off each week. Now I feel I work late enough in the day that most anyone can get in if they try so I take Saturday and Sunday off.

The longer I am in business the more changes I have made. When I first started out I took anyone who walked in the door, now I don't take walk ins, haven't for several years. I feel out of sorts when someone just walks in and I am not prepared - mentally and energetically for them so they probably don't get the best from me at that time. I also hate to encourage them to not plan ahead. I decided along the way that I wanted to target a certain percentage of the population.

My target market is, people who value my services, who can afford frequent massages, wants to get them often and wants to send all their friends and work aquaintences. Someone who plans in advance and books the next massage as soon as they get done with their massage.

OK, so reality sets in, that is my target market, obviously I can't have everything that I want but I do have a good client base of this kind of clients - I love them. Then I have the ones who only call when they are in pain - you know the kind. Them " I am hurting and need in right now" Me - "I am sorry but I am booked today, how about I get you in tomorrow or the day after?" Them -" I don't care if you are booked why can't you get me in now?" Me thinking but not saying - "your lack of planning does not make an emergency for me" Me actually talking - "how long have you been in pain?" Them - "about 3 weeks now and I just can't take it anymore. I guess I will call around and find someone else then" Me thinking - "good luck since it is 4:00 pm and you insist on getting in today, even if you did find someone who can take you at such short notice during the typically busiest part of the day - are they really any good and can they help you."

Then they call you back the next week at the last minute and say " I tried getting in last week and you didn't have time for me, I never did get a massage and I am still hurting can you get me in today?" Sheesh!!!!

OK enough of my rantings, I do hope you have a good weekend, it is supposed to be nasty weather all weekend here in MO.