Are you ready to strike out on your own? Unless you work out of your house , that means renting space. Here are some tips to consider:
AS THE LESSEE - YOU PAYING RENT OR SUBLETTING :
~ If you can afford to " get into the space" , you can likely afford to stay there. Be prepared to put up First , Last, and Security Deposit and possibly a key deposit. If you cannot afford this, you are likely not ready to rent or sublet your own space.
~ What are you getting? Is there really any comparison between a $300 "room" or- for $400 , you also get support, cleaning, a waiting room, a place within established locale, and support towards your own self promotion?
Are your clients getting hassle free, convenient parking, or do they have to search and pay for space? Is the location easy to find, and in a safe area?
Is the space quiet, as well as offering privacy? Is the space disability accessible?
~ Is a full time , 7 day a week space best? - It is going to cost more - or better to sublet for a year or two as you build business? Can you schedule your clients on 2-3 days a week? Most can. That could be 15-20 clients. You could grow from there.
~ Can you, for a small fee, "try out " the space? This is something you should definitely do before making more extensive decisions. Bring in a client or friend, and do a session as a trial run.
~ Do you have a niche, or can you create one? Maybe it is "pain management", or comfy hot joint compresses with aromatic oils, or bodywork for times of emotional support. Get a simple website up and write about that!
~ Can you put into solid words what you want and need from a space? If you expect to burn smudge, redecorate, bring in animals, work with "sound" - you need to say that. It is possible that you will be restricted as to what is possible to do in any given space.
~ Are you ready to offer promotions and outreach? New businesses need to hit the ground running in most locales.
~ Is paying for print space in publications best? Or is that becoming obsolete and expensive? Would it be more fruitful to engage in very direct and personable local outreach, as well as offer incentives for referrals?
AS THE PERSON LEASING OUT SPACE :
~ Are you ready to welcome others into your space? Supportively?
~ Are you willing to discuss financial qualifications and details up front and first? Asking for details about a person's business plan or their vision for the near future is essential. Ask up front in the initial Application and in the interview : "Can you afford this? Do you have the up-front entry costs ready?" If not, you need to find others who do.
~ Have you thought out answers to questions like access, costs, what the rent covers?
Having basic information for written agreements ready up front is a wise choice- such as initial duration of lease agreement, and conditions to renew. An initial 3 month trial
agreement covers the contingency of having "first, last month and security deposit" in hand. If the Tenant is doing well, mutual agreements for the future can be more confidently made.
~ Are you ready to do a background check and an overall good intake? An APPLICATION TO RENT , that you design and create with questions, helps sort this out. Check references. Ask if the person already has a client base- or not. I cannot stress enough, - check references.
Comments