How many businesses do you know that have survived, let alone thrived, for over three decades? In an era where people close their businesses for different reasons like burnout, financial related matters etc, it was fascinating to sit down with our very first client in PBP Web Design who has been in business for 36 years. Remarkable achievement I must say!
In this episode, James sits down with Linda Gagnon, owner of Healing Hands Therapy Inc (beautiful name if you ask me). They spoke about her business, her journey in the massage therapy industry, and how she’s managed to stay relevant and fulfilled for three decades; that’s 30 whole years of running a business. In case you missed it earlier, I would also like to point out that Linda was James’ first client, such a full circle moment.
So, what can business owners take away from Linda’s story? Here are some of the key lessons she shared.
- Your Passion can generate money for you: While we have sayings advising people to separate their passions from their income, Linda’s story shows us that your passion can become a source of income if you lean in and learn the business side of it.
Linda discovered her passion for helping others, long before she ever thought of it as a business, and that’s really the foundation her entire career was built on: a genuine passion for helping people, not just a plan to make money.
Her story shows us that your passion can well be a source of income for you; it doesn’t have to be just something you do for relaxation purposes.
- Building a brand identity: Remember how I couldn’t help but express how much I love the name, ‘Healing Hands’? That’s because I think it’s such a beautiful name and perfectly captures the effect of what Linda does.
Learning about how the name came about was also interesting because it was not forced; a client described her work that way and it resonated with her deeply.
This is a good reminder that your customers often understand the value you provide better than you can articulate it yourself, and if you pay attention, you just might have a better understanding of your brand identity than having several consulting meetings.
- Linda’s Approach to Client: One of the more striking points in the conversation was Linda’s approach to client care. Rather than keeping clients coming back indefinitely for the sake of revenue, she focuses on helping them reach a “maintenance” phase, a point where they need her less, not more.
It might seem counterintuitive to actively work your way out of repeat business, but think about what that kind of integrity does for trust. Clients notice when you’re genuinely invested in their well-being rather than their wallet, and become your marketers without you saying a word about it to them.
- Adaptability and continuous learning: The massage therapy industry hasn’t stood still, and neither has Linda. With new techniques emerging, she has made continuing education a non-negotiable part of her practice, and this tells of the diligence of her person.
Ask yourself as a business owner; what’s changed in your industry in the last five years? If you don’t have a quick answer, that might be worth looking into. Staying relevant means staying curious, and the moment you stop learning is often the moment your business starts falling behind.
- Diversification and personal fulfillment: Outside of her clinic, Linda is also an author. Writing gives her a creative outlet that helps her balance the intensity of running a hands-on business.
As a business owner, it’s okay to diversify your business if you discover other services or business you could be offering to clients. While focus is important at the early stage of your business, recognize when it’s time to diversify and embrace it wholeheartedly.
- The power of networking: It’s worth pointing out that Linda was James’s very first client when he started out in business. Years later, they’re still connected, still working together in some capacity, and still able to sit down and have this conversation.
Relationships are very important in business and shouldn’t be treated lightly or absent-mindedly. Treat your partners and clients with care and respect,and you’d find yourself with life-long profitable relationships for both parties.
Want the full story? Watch the complete episode on YouTube here to hear Linda and James’s conversation in full, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Premier Edge Podcast so you never miss a future conversation with business owners sharing the lessons they’ve learned along the way.