Chapter 1: Reflection on Business Closure

The conclusion of a business often prompts deep reflection…

Closing a business is rarely as straightforward as one might anticipate. I never imagined I would achieve such success with my metaphysical store, particularly one with a physical location. Despite the modern trend of online shopping, many individuals still cherish supporting local businesses and connecting with familiar faces.

I am profoundly grateful for the support I have received from my community in Manitoba. Over the past six years, I have oscillated between managing a small herbal and metaphysical shop, conducting in-person appointments, and offering virtual consultations via Zoom.

Transitioning into a unique service, I blended Akashic Record readings with Reiki treatments, utilizing a Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Frequency mat embedded with 20 pounds of crystals to enhance the healing experience. This setup provided the grounding necessary for meditation and proved to be incredibly effective for deep healing.

A few months ago, I announced my closure, and the response was overwhelming. Following the announcement, I was inundated with booking requests, far exceeding my capacity to accommodate them. Daily, I received heartfelt messages and expressions of gratitude for my work. As many of my clients are not active on social media, I found myself explaining my closure repeatedly, navigating their reactions along with their well-wishes.

For many, my departure felt akin to a loss. From their perspective, my exit represented a personal loss, which, while flattering, added a layer of stress. Not everyone was receptive to my need for a break or my decision to close the business. Some sought personal farewells, which I was unable to provide.

A key takeaway for running a successful business is to treat each client as though they are your sole customer. I consistently approached each interaction this way, leading many to feel they were my only priority. This approach meant I often dedicated significant time to responding to messages through various channels, including apps and social media.

This experience has taught me the importance of establishing stronger boundaries and learning to prioritize my time—something I’m only now beginning to master. Raised with the belief that hard work is paramount, I spent the last six years sacrificing my evenings and weekends to ensure the business thrived. I dedicated countless hours to research, client communication, planning activities, and managing an influx of bookings.

Interestingly, a successful spiritual practice often thrives without traditional advertising. While it may seem counterintuitive, word of mouth is the most potent form of promotion. Satisfied clients naturally want to share their positive experiences with friends and family, which can lead to a bustling practice, albeit tiring.

Here are some lessons I learned throughout this journey:

1. Plan Your Time Off: Schedule vacations at the beginning of the year, and arrange your calendar around them. Trying to squeeze in breaks later rarely works.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure you leave ample time between appointments for self-care. It’s easy to get caught up in back-to-back bookings, but it can lead to burnout.
3. Financial Planning: Regularly review your financial status to ensure you’re aligned with your goals. Set high targets, achieve them, and then allow yourself to rest. I often found myself planning for new expenses and never took the time to pause.
4. Embrace the Seasonal Fluctuations: There will be quieter periods; instead of panicking, use this time for product or course development. Remember, lulls don’t last forever.
5. Stay Alert During Busy Seasons: Be prepared for sudden influxes of bookings. Clients often cluster their requests around specific lunar phases or during Mercury Retrogrades.
6. Focus on Quality: Aim to provide exceptional service consistently. Think about the client’s experience from booking to departure, ensuring every detail is attended to, from a well-stocked water cooler to a clean restroom.
7. Consistency is Essential: Deliver a five-star experience every time. Clients appreciate the predictability of quality service, which fosters strong relationships.

I wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering launching a service-based business to take the leap! If you're hesitant about whether clients will come, rest assured, there is a demand for what you offer. Trust that the universe will provide.

Finally, keep your goals front and center, as service-based ventures often take on a life of their own!

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Chapter 2: Essential Tips for Service-Based Success

In this video, "How to Grow a Service-Based Business in 2023," you'll discover strategic insights and practical advice for scaling your business effectively.

The second video, "How to Start a Service Business | The Journey," offers an inspiring look into the initial steps and considerations for launching your own service-based business.