Resources - Preface Supplement

Student Success Checklist

Program durations vary from school to school ranging from several months to several years. Sometimes the business course is taught midway and other times near the end of the program. Some schools include 15 hours of business education, others 100. I've created a checklist to guide you through the steps to prepare you for success by the time you graduate.

I divided the school term into six segments with a checklist of goals, activities and skills to accomplish by the time you are done with that segment of your education. Some of these items might not be applicable (depending on your career path). Thus depending on the length of your particular program, your segment could cover a span of time from less than one month to more than four months.

Segment I

Identify your long-term personal goals.
Collecting business cards and brochures of other practitioners.
Catalog your personal and professional strengths and challenges.
Know the advantages and disadvantages of various career options.
Begin identifying you career goals.
Interview three successful self-employed practitioners.
Interview three practitioners/managers who work in spa or clinic setting.

Segment II

Determine your start-up costs for a private practice.
Create an estimated budget for the first year in private practice.
Identify local agencies to start practice (license, permits, zoning, etc).
Ascertain the permits you need (and cost).
Develop a personal budget for when you graduate.
Formulate a break-even analysis.
Research salaries (labor & statistics).
List sources of startup financing.
Chart the difference between running your own business vs working for someone.
Assemble materials for a resume.
Specify your ideal and minimal requirements for employment.

Segment III

Design an ideal employment contract.
Draft a resume.
Start keeping track of products that clients like.
Determine marketing materials needed for self-employed as well as employed.
Make a list of people who could be referrals for jobs and clients.
Identify potential employers.
Research preprinted marketing materials.

Segment IV

Create a list of networking groups (when, where, cost).
Identify your networking needs.
Clarify the type of work you want to do.
Choose three target markets and complete target market profiles.
Compile a list potential employers.
Check out several potential office locations.
Interview several practitioners and clinics regarding renting office space from them.
Survey out at least 10 wellness practitioners' websites.
Decide whether to be self-employed, employed or a combination.
Meet with a financial advisor.

Segment V

Finalize long-term and short-term career plan and goals.
Assemble a list of products you want to carry including suppliers' contact information.
List elements to include on your website.
Complete a competition analysis.
Clarify your differential advantage.
Draft a business plan, emphasizing marketing.
Finalize start-up financing requirements and sources.
Arrange start-up financing.
Make a business start-up checklist.
Finalize your resume.
Set up a business email account.
Design your marketing materials.
Print interim business card.
Schedule job interviews.
Role play job interviews.
Create a practicum client feedback survey.

Segment VI

Begin building music selection.
Set fee schedule.
Finalize business plan.
Create list of practitioners for cross referrals.
Go out on job interviews.
Join at least one networking group and attend meetings.
Set up computer system.
Assemble paperwork for licensing and permits.
Schedule three presentations or demonstrations for after graduation.
Create client forms.
Send letters to practicum clients.
Send packets (e.g., letter, brochures, cards, discount coupons) to referral sources.
Have a job lined up or an office space rented.
Print marketing materials (some can be bought pre-made).
List needed furniture, equipment and supplies.
Set up business checking account.
Set up a support system.
Get website online.
Set up a Facebook business page.
Set up a Twitter account.
Send press releases about your practice opening.
Set up a weekly marketing schedule.
Get insurance policies in place.
Apply for business licenses and permits.