TRANSITIONING TO A VIRTUAL BUSINESS

Have you ever had a virtual massage? Chances are the answer is no. How would that even work? I remember saying to my first online coach, “If only there was a way for me to get my hands through the computer screen, I would be able to reach more people.” Well, that is precisely what happened with my business this year.

It is incredible what we are capable of when we are forced to switch gears. For the past 12 years, I have worked in a traditional clinic setting, working with clients using a technique called Myofascial Release Therapy. This is a form of massage therapy where no lotions or oils are used. This very slow yet powerful technique has guided me toward working in the client’s abdomens, which has resulted in decreasing anxiety and calming the nervous system, as well as reducing pain that resides elsewhere in the body. Upon witnessing specific patterns and results, I began showing clients how to connect their own hands to their abdominal fascia by assigning gentle techniques for them to use at home as a part of their self-care routine. Well, this was it! That was how I could pivot my skill, training, and business into the virtual space, where I could reach my hands through the computer screen.

How did I move from an in-person massage therapy business to a virtual training business? Here are five important steps that I used to help get me there:

1

- Learn as you grow.

You can create anything you want and earn an income online regardless of your background or skill. The key is to learn as you grow. You do not need a fancy website or all of the technical stuff figured out to start. There is a tutorial for everything on Youtube; you just have to search for what you need. With so many different ways to create paid offerings online (coaching groups, training videos, e-books, consulting), you have to find a platform or system that resonates with you and start learning from others who are already creating something using the platform you want to use.

2

- Trust your skill and expertise;

or product if you have one. People are looking for and needing what you have, even if you are in a heavily saturated market. During one of her global training sessions, a popular online coach said, “You Are The Secret Sauce.” People will hire You because it is You. It does not matter how many years you have studied, how many books you have written, or what product you are selling. You are your business.

3

- Make connections.

Reach out to make genuine connections with people to grow your network. Personal emails and private

messages generate a massive impact on online business. Even if that person does not purchase what you are offering right away, they most likely will later on down the line or provide you with referrals from their network.

4

- Drop the self-judgment and show up.

I know it is scary to put yourself “out there,” I feel that too. But people cannot buy anything from you if they do not know what you have to offer. Promoting yourself publicly through social media or sending advertisements via email is a free and effective way to sell your product or service. People need your gifts; if you do not talk about them, how will they find you?

5

- Hire your friends!

Give back and create even more impact. If you need something edited, ask a close friend and compensate him/ her for their efforts. If you have a friend who does web design or creates marketing materials, hire them for the back-end stuff you do not have time or energy for. A win-win for both businesses and the referral marketing that comes along with it is enormous!

I still cannot believe that exposing my bare belly through the internet is my job now, but it has become the best approach to reach more people across the globe. Being vulnerable is a crucial component to any business, and therefore I must lead by example. We are all capable of taking care of our bodies; we just need to be shown how. We have always held this power in our own hands and just need the ‘knowhow’ to unlock its potential. I am honestly still blown away with my clients’ results and the ripple effect that this has created. Witnessing their success is indeed the biggest reward of all.

By: SUSAN RUHE

Founder of Love Your Cells

Website: http:// www. loveyourcells. ca/