Taster Sessions/Pamper evenings

[2DIGNI5]

Hi everybody,
I wonder if anybody could give me some advice on doing taster sessions at charity events. I've done reflexology and Indian Head Massage at a couple of events now and what I currently offer is 20 minute sessions which are mainly based on relaxation exercises rather than stimulating moves. Today, I have been asked to do a pitch at the local district brownies/guides fete. I've been told that I will be able to work inside and that they'll find me a quietish corner. The only events that I've done so far have been adult only and as this will be quite a lively, family event I have some reservations. I know that it'll be a good opportunity to advertise but I wondered if anybody else had done a similar event and how it worked out. They have offered me screening for privacy but I haven't used this before and thought it might conceal me too much. How do you work with hoardes of kids running around? I doubt whether I'll be able to play any relaxing music either or if I do it will be drowned out by the P.A system.
Thanks for your comments
Sarah [sm=idea.gif]

 

[Alex W]

I like your style get them while their young! I have never done anything like this but what a good idea, it will really help get your name known as well as telling the gp about reflexology. It still surprises me how many people don't know what it is.
Good luck!

 

[#rombEmepomb]

Hiya
Ok here is my initial thought... parents have an innate ability to switch off noise, childrens noise does not tend to matter so much or be seen as annoying by parents as much. Also you are going to be at a fun event...there is nothing quite so wonderful as the sound of children laughing and having fun....everybody but everybody loves having there head massaged so i dont think the peace is so essential for that. The reflexology as well, instead of having people lie down partially sit them up - my taster evenings are usually done this way and because there is a lot of coming and going in the therapy evenings...i tend to chat with them and explain all about reflex...

Hope that helps
T
x

 

[click]

Hi Sarah,
I've never worked with quite this situation, but have done reflexology demos where there wasn't much privacy. I wouldn't worry too much. The fact that they are young will probably mean they are less bothered about this - or will you be treating parents? In any case, the open setting should ensure you get plenty of interest and people to work on. It might not be ideal in terms of noise, but you'll probably be surprised at how much people can switch off when they enjoy the treatment. I'm sure all reflexologists would agree that it is better to give an imperfect treatment than to leave someone ignorant of what it is at all!

Go for it!

Matt x

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi Purple Princess

I see you live in Loughton. I live in Ongar which isn't too far. If they need someone else, I wouldn't mind offering my services. I also do reflexology and IHM.

Sara x

 

[HoneyBunches]

Having just done one of these(a family event not a brownie/guide fete!!) I would say you will be fine. As long as you make sure you are kind of in a corner so that you don't have too much going on around you .
At the evnet I just did someone started shouting at someone else during a treatment my friend was doing . neither she nor her client even heard they were both so engorssed in what they were doing.

I did reflexology using my Lafuma and IHM with a fold away chair. Both were fine - so just enjoy like you have before

 

[Saya]

I am thinking of doing IHM taster sessions at a local fete but wondered what people charge and for how long. What do people concentrate on for short introductory sessions?

 

[Nunitak]

guys just a note.....make sure your insurance covers exhibitions/taster evenings, most insurances will not automatically cover this (as i recently found out)
Janey
I leave out the facial and do back, shoulders only a couple on the arms then the rest on the head, approx 20mins....this is normally about 7.50 or 10.00 depending on where you are and what you have to pay for your pitch.

Hugs
T
x

 

[Junie]

Hi everyone,
Many thanks for all your advice. I certainly feel a lot more confident about doing this event now. In answer to your questions, I presume that I will only be working on adults but I will treat children (with parental consent, of course). I normally use my lafuma for the reflexology and a fold up chair for the IHM and at previous events I've found that people usually do relax so I suppose a bit extra noise shouldn't make that much difference.
Hopeful2, I usually give 20 minute sessions of IHM and reflex. With the IHM, I do roughly the same as Tigerbee in that I concentrate mainly on the back and shoulders and the head. I don't do the face because usually it's women that have it done and if they come unprepared they're usually wearing make-up, so best avoided. Also, watch out for ladies with lots of laquer on their hair. Try and get them to brush it out before you start if possible as you can end up in a bit of a mess. What I charge also depends on how much I'm charged for a pitch and how long I've got. I'll charge anything from £3.50 up to £5 but so far I've not been charged too much for a pitch.
Thanks Tigerbee for mentioning insurance cover. I automatically assumed mine would cover me. I'm going to check mine now.
Hi Sara, you're not too far away are you? I haven't got the booking form yet for this event but I can make some enquiries.

Sarah

 

[qzeoanxt]

Hi Purple! I am needing some advice and think you may be able to help me. How does one cover the contra-indications at these events - I have got the opportunity to do IHM at a therapy weekend next month and again in the autumn and am unsure how to cover myself re this. Any advice or help would be much appreciated.[sm=hug.gif]

 

[Clo Clo]

I've done IHM at a few fetes. It usually goes down very well
I take a gazebo with panels on three sides- worth the effort involved putting it up as it shelters you if it's too hot or if it drizzles, but only worth investing in them if you intend to do a few. I also put an old bedspread I have got on the ground as a carpet.

Fold up picnic chairs are great for the treatments as they are just the right height. I take two, one for treatments and one for ppl who are waiting for treatments. I also take a board advertising what I am doing and the price. I use baby wipes to clean my hands between treatments and have the contraindications printed on a peice of thin card which I ask clients to read beforehand.

 

[Pompal 09.]

i may do a school fayre in a few weeks... tasters of reflex, IHM and reiki. i bought a gezebo, as it was s good price and i fancied one for the garden but thought it may be a good idea. then i got the side bit but they dont blinkingwell fit... grrr!

gawd, chairs for them waiting as well... i'll need a removal van!

 

[sharxbyte]

Hiya
I usually have a disclaimer form which they must read and sign stating that they are fit and well for a treatment and have not disclosed anything which may hinder etc....

T
x

 

[Mia Jones]

Hi Moonfern. I normally take a very short form with me which I ask the client to fill out before a treatment. This covers all the contra-indications for IHM and Reflexology. I ask for their name and address and to sign and date the form. This way, I feel that I am fully covered. Also, as mentioned before check that your insurance covers you. Luckily, mine does cover me for events. Also, if you take names and addresses you can follow up with letters offering discounts etc. Up to now I haven't had to do this as I've always had a good response from bookings made following the events. From previous experience, if you don't seem to be getting much interest on the day get a friend/relative to have a treatment. Once people can see what's going on you start to get people coming over to see what's happening and things start to get going. I haven't done any events outside yet but I'm doing one soon in a marquee at a craft show. Don't hesitate to ask if you want any more advice/information.
Best Regards
Sarah

 

[twinkle LOVES cheesecake]

hi tigerbee,

as a favour, could you let me have a note of the wording you use? thanks!

 

[hrchede]

I would love to know too Tracy as I am struggling as to what to put down on paper. Hope you can help!!!

love
yasmin x

 

[Sailors Girl !]

Hi Rosie, Yasmin
Yes sure....
if I havent sent it to you within a couple of days just give me a shout....
T
x