When you are ready to start charging for your services, a Reiki business is the next step. There are a few tips and tricks I have picked up along the way. Here in NC, it is pretty easy to set up a business. If you live in other states, be sure to check the laws specific to you. Most states have a website that will walk you through all the steps and paperwork involved.

Here are the steps for starting a business in NC:

1. Come up with a name for your business.
2. Check to make sure the name is not already taken.
3. Decide if you want an S-Corp, C-Corp, or LLC. Another option would be to go with Sole Proprietorship. More information about the differences between them can be found in the links on the next page.
4. Fill out the appropriate paperwork based on the type of business you want to create and pay the fee.
5. Apply for an EIN through the IRS if you want to file your taxes for your business separately. This is free and a number is generated for you instantly.

Once you have a business, you might want to consider creating the following:

• Business Email
• Business Cards
• Facebook Page
• Instagram Page
• YouTube Channel
• Website
• Podcast

Please keep in mind you can still be in business even if you don’t have any social media or a website! Although these are helpful tools. don’t let it stop you from booking clients. There are a lot of free website hosts out there. However, I recommend doing a paid service. The quality is better, you get your own domain name, email, and various other features. I only pay $25 a month for my website. I use VistaPrint. Then you can create business cards that match your website.

There are various forms you want to have for your clients to fill out. A waiver is good for liability purposes and also a consent form. You may also want to have a form similar to what a client would fill out for a massage or doctor’s visit where they have space to write what they would like assistance with and also a place for notes you can write after they leave. Then you can keep a file for that client and have easy access to what you’ve done during each session.

The most important thing to remember is YOU ARE NOT A DOCTOR! Stay within your scope of practice. As a Reiki practitioner, YOU CANNOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE! You can suggest they follow up with their physician, see a chiropractor, therapist, etc.Your job is to give them Reiki and talk to them about anything that comes up in the session related to Reiki. It is helpful to have a referral system that way you can already have quality medical professionals you can refer them to.

Also, it is illegal in NC to place hands on someone unless you are a doctor, massage therapist, or ordained minister. Remember Reiki is an energy exchange. You do not have to place your hands on a client for them to receive the healing energy. Use your own discretion on a client by client basis as to whether you do touch them. And, as always, have their consent!