No matter what stage you are in your career, there are always hiccups and challenges along the way. How you handle those challenges can determine your success. Here are some tips from longtime therapists who’ve weathered the storm.

“Know how many massages you can effectively do in a day,” says Colorado massage therapist and educator Clint Chandler. “I schedule people on the hour because I do better when I have momentum going. Some people need breaks. Figure your own schedule that’s conducive to your clients’ success.”

• “Consider what’s best for the client,” say Alma and Ken Carroll, whose 43-year career includes practicing at an elite California tennis facility. “Our business turned a corner when we abandoned the concept of clients getting a whole-body massage and became open to spot therapy work.”

• “Follow up with clients,” says Prema Lindsay Smith, who has been practicing in Michigan for 42 years. “With first-time clients, I like to follow up with a telephone call or text in 24–48 hours to evaluate their response to the session.”