Here is some of the information I recently shared in my August newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This month is focused on business and ethics information. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
Tidbits, Updates and Resources:
1. “There are many things you can’t control about the job-seeking process…But there is one thing you can control: the amount of work you put in.” Some great tips for standing out when applying for a job can be found in the article Your Resume is a Waste of time: 8 Better Ways to Get Hired for the job You Want by Jeff Haden at Inc.com
2. Massage Magazine provides a free e-book, 10 Tips for Success You Won’t Learn in Massage School. “No matter what specialty you choose, many people await your skilled touch—and those potential clients need to know who you are, where you are, and what you offer. That’s why you need to have inside strategies for promoting and maintaining a successful massage practice.” You can download a copy on the Massage Magazine website.
3. For those interested in working in a spa, there is a great article by a former spa director, Barry Eichner, found on Spa Standard: 10 Tips to Landing a Spa Job: Confessions From a Former Spa Director. “These are my inside tips to landing the spa job of your dreams. After a decade of working in spas, I’ve seen so many professionals launch successful careers. These 10 tips are what contributed to my selecting applicants to join my team!
10. Be flexible
4. Elite Continuing Education offers 9 Tips to Get New Massage Therapy Clients.
5. Because finances can feel overwhelming and, for many, confusing, the following article offers ways to make finances work for you. 10 Simple Money Moves You Should Make this Week at The Penny Hoarder.
PRACTICE TIPS, LICENSING UPDATES, AND ETHICS DISCUSSION
I receive a weekly update on anything published anywhere on the internet that includes information about massage business and tips or hacks. If you have any problems with the links, please let me know, or if you come across any information that you think would be good to share, please also feel free to pass that information along: info@holistichealingarts.net
Regarding Licensing
The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards is asking for massage therapists to participate in the 2017 Job Task Analysis and Career Patterns Surveys. According to the Federation, “This snapshot of the practice will be used for ongoing development of a fair and appropriate national examination to ensure the ENTRY-LEVEL massage/bodywork practitioner is competent to safely practice.”
The survey takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete and can be completed over several session. The survey is found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FSMTB_2017
Ethics Situation for your consideration
All people no matter their beliefs need healing.
Be there for them so they can "change" evolve.
Not saying something about it to him makes us complicit.
Assuming that you can change him or help him evolve by continuing to work with him is arrogant.
If you find you can't touch this guy with care and concern it would be best not to work on him.
How do we know that he isn't coming to her because of her race and that he now assumes she must be okay with, if not share in, his bigotry because she hasn't said anything about the hateful statement tattooed on his body?
Opened a dialogue by saying something similar: "As a person who strives to keep an open heart and mind to everyone, I need to tell you that your tattoo makes me feel uncomfortable and it's important to me that you know I care about people of all races and ethnicities."
How do you handle this situation? What are your thoughts?
Practice Tip:
Here is some of the information I recently shared in my August newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This month is focused on business and ethics information. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
Tidbits, Updates and Resources:
1. "What to say when you're asked to work for free. If you own a small business or are self-employed, sooner or later you will be asked to work for free. The more successful you become, the more requests you'll get. But with the right response, you can turn these freeloaders into something positive." Helpful information by Rhonda Abrams.
2. Some massage therapists have team members working for them, whether it be employees or independent contractors. So how do we help them market themselves? This 19-minute podcast, Helping Massage Therapists Market, (includes some promotional plugs for products and themselves) by Michael Reynolds gives some very helpful suggestions
3. ComoSense is a cloud-based solution for customer engagement and loyalty. It helps manage loyalty programs, communication plans, and other tools.
4. Another Insurance option is available for Massage Therapists and multiple modality practitioners. Massage therapists pay $96 per year plus $15 for an additional insured. Included: General & Professional Liability, Products and Completed Operations, Personal & Advertising injury, Damage to premises rented to you, identity recovery coverage, inland marine business personal property. Check out their coverages and policies at insurebodywork.com
5. Love doing hot stone or the idea of incorporating hot stone work into your sessions? Check out Synergy Stone Heat Wave tools. They are hand sculpted to provide powerful coverage during use and application. Learn more at Synergystone.com
6. What is the definition massage? The answer to this question can have a significant impact on a therapist’s practice and the public’s perception of whether to seek a massage session. The article: “Clarifying definitions for the Massage Therapy Profession: the results of the Best Practices Symposium" by Ann Kennedy, is a major step in helping to define what it is we do. The article, published in 2016, can be found in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
7. Great article on Commit Action (if you ignore the promo hype) about motivation and self-motivation. “How to get massively motivated in less than 60 seconds”. One of the skills the most elite entrepreneurs have mastered is what psychologists call Self-Regulation. Self-regulation and the ability to switch your motivation on—precisely when you want it—is a totally learnable skill. Included: 2 powerful techniques to switch on motivation like electricity and 5 tactical hacks to rocket yourself out of lethargy and brain fuzz.
8. Digital Marketer offers a free download “The 60 second Blog Plan”. How to create a blog content plan in 60 seconds or less by filling in 5 simple blanks (Yes, it's really that simple). You can sign up for the download at Digital Marketer.
9. I found 2 books, written by and for massage therapists, to offer some wonderful help in building and running a business. Both of these books can be purchased at Holistic Healing Arts Products page or through direct Amazon links.
Before You Leap: SIx Secrets to Making Your Passion a Real Business by Kelly Bowers (Kindle only)
Creating Lifetime Clients: How to Wow Your Customers for Life by Felicia Brown
Regarding Licensing
Massage Therapy licensing and oversight functions will be transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on November 1, 2017 (target date). The initial focus of TDLR will be to get the management of licenses smoothly transitioned. They will then begin working with attorneys to rewrite the rules to remove duplication, redundancy, and confusion. TDLR plans to hire significantly more compliance officers to ensure a crackdown on prostitution and human trafficking. In a recent statement, TDLR did state they would not initially change how CE’s are reviewed.
Ethics Situation for your consideration
You’re raising your rates.
First of all, give yourself permission. Raising rates does not a mercenary make. Everyone knows costs escalate over time.
Next, do your research. What is the going rate in your area?
Finally, give your clients advance notice, usually at least a month in advance.
One suggestion: Type a note outlining the increase and place it on the table next to their after-session water. Present your proposal in a way that will gain empathy, such as indicating that you’ve tried to contain costs against inflation. You will make the client an ally.
Practice Tip:
Keep Your Breath Fresh
This may seem strange to think about, but if you are giving a massage after meal time, it is important to be very aware of your breath. If you just ate something like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, your client will know it if you don’t take proper precautions. Even though you enjoyed your meal, bad breath can make getting a massage from you very uncomfortable.
Be sure to pop a few breath mints or brush your teeth before giving your next massage therapy treatment. Your client will appreciate it.
During the course of attending massage school at A New Beginning School of Massage, students are given a number of assignments that requiring research and writing. Some of these assignments result in very insightful and well thought out information and decision-making outcomes. I am happy to share some of their assignments for you to enjoy.
The article "The Painful Truth, Helping Clients Manage Chronic Pain," by Mark Liskey, in the November 2015 issue of Massage & Bodywork, addresses the ethical dilemma in dealing with clients whose problems cannot be resolved by manual therapies alone nor by any other means as well. These are cases that can really only be managed and/or co-managed, not "cured."
Liskey discusses the various pain models that people may employ to cope with chronic pain and how to recognize them in your clients. He discusses then how to deal specifically with each psychological coping mechanism so as to ensure the most refine and effective treatment plan.
It was enlightening to learn that there were different perceptions of pain and responses that people utilize/embrace to deal with their chronic problems. And in order to be successful, the therapist's approach when interceding needs to be tailored more specifically to the pain model in which the client is operating.
In most of these cases only pain relief, not a "cure," can be the aim of treatment and it is unethical to promise a goal that is unrealistic or unattainable. It is our responsibility to help direct the client to the most positive outcome and not to inadvertently impede or interfere with improving their quality of life. Not recognizing a pain model can have negative biopsychosocial effects.
Depending on the pain model, the therapist may need to support massage with strategies ranging from self-massage instruction, ergonomic advice, encouraging functional activities that don't trigger/exacerbate symptoms, to referring to vetted healthcare professionals within the area (diagnosticians, counselors, psychologists, pain-control specialists, etc.) when a case progresses outside their scope of practice.
In my practice, I hope to be more cognizant of the above factors in dealing with people who have been diagnosed with chronic conditions. It brings home the importance of establishing a network of health care professionals that I can feel comfortable referring to and with which I can co-manage cases. It also actually reduces the pressure of attempting to manage these difficult cases alone. Treatment outcomes are more likely to be positive if the physical, psychological and behavioral components are all considered.
Acknowledging, recognizing, and understanding the various chronic pain models and their varying behavioral impacts can help guide the therapist in how best to direct treatment and help improve the client's overall quality of life, even if he/she can not completely eliminate the pain.
During the course of attending massage school at A New Beginning School of Massage, students are given a number of assignments that requiring research and writing. Some of these assignments result in very insightful and well thought out information and decision-making outcomes. I am happy to share some of their assignments for you to enjoy.
As a person who always tries to have several hands in many baskets, and places enormous value on my free time, I was immediately drawn to the title of this article: Passive Income: 3 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Success, by Coach Cary Bayer from Massage Magazine, December 2015. Entering my 30's last November was a bit of a "wake-up call" for me, in terms of thinking of my financial future, and exploring ways to ensure my financial stability through retirement.
Though massage is typically thought of as a strictly hands-on, in-person profession, Bayer explores 3 models in which massage therapists can apply their skills to receive income without having to do any physical work. The first strategy the author offers is entitled Sessions other Massage Therapist Perform. This business strategy appears to work best once a therapist has established their own booming practice, to the point where there is a long waiting list for new clients to be accepted. Bayer suggests that instead of simply referring these "wanna-be" clients out, that the therapist instead hires other therapists to work for them, and splits the price of the session 60/40. The hired therapist would receive 60 percent, while the primary therapist would receive the remaining 40 percent for the providing the overhead and client.
The second suggestion for passive income Bayer shares with the reader is product sales. By establishing a relationship with a wholesale company selling wellness products, you can often receive a 40% discount from buying in bulk, and thus earn profits from sales. You are also helping your clients by providing them with a "one-stop shopping" experience. Of course, they recommend that you only buy and sell products that you already believe in or are recommending. Baylor concludes by encouraging the therapist to use a gentle marketing strategy, instead of pushing products on their clients.
The last possibility offered is entitled Affiliate Marketing. Baylor explains that this is an arrangement made between individuals and businesses loosely affiliating them to each other in some way. For example, a friend in a non-competitive, but relevant business, such as a yoga instructor or concierge can refer clients to you, while you simultaneously refer your clients to them. This can also include percentage fees for the referral, which are kept by the referring party. Personally, I think it would be more advantageous to work on a system of barter, unless of course, one party is getting more referrals than the other, which I suppose is possible and potentially complicated.
After reading this article, it seems like human capital and connections are at the root of passive income sourcing. The second two business options, which Baylor describes, seem most appealing to me. I have always enjoyed networking, and like the idea of bartering referrals to friends in supplemental lines of work for a win-win outcome. I plan to explore cross advertising with other service providers I meet.
During the course of attending massage school at A New Beginning School of Massage, students are given a number of assignments that requiring research and writing. Some of these assignments result in very insightful and well thought out information and decision-making outcomes. I am happy to share some of their assignments for you to enjoy.
Being an avid dog lover and student of massage therapy, I maintain a strong interest in learning about how to combine my two passions. While massage therapy for dogs is till in the infancy stage as a profession, there is a lot to be discovered about it, as our canine companions deserve the same relaxation and therapeutic effects that massage has to offer. "Massage for Dongs: Legal & Marketing Considerations" by Jonathan Rudinger, L.M.T., in the March 2016 issue of Massage Magazine, gives insight into the business aspect of massage for dogs, and offers some helpful hints on how to get started in this industry and what this job entails.
This article is appealing to me as a reader because it goes into depth regarding legal limitations on the practice of animals, and how to carefully word your advertisements as to not infringe on any state laws. For example, all states have different laws regarding the physical manipulation of an animal for therapeutic purposes, and you should not use the words "therapy, therapist, healing," or any other medical term that suggests treatment or diagnosis of an animal without a Veterinary license.
I found this article significant and surprising in the sense that there is such a fear in the animal massage community because of these legal limitations, yet thousands of people who have completed training in the canine massage still go on to practice their passion. They know and understand the risks, yet continue to do what they love; helping dogs--especially sports dogs or geriatric dogs.
After reading this article, I now know that I have to carefully approach canine massage as a profession. I will have to be very selective in how I word any advertisements regarding my skills and what I can provide for the dog. Also, this article explains how the best way to be successful in this industry is to network and be patient while trying to gain exposure.
I would suggest to anybody who is interested in massage therapy for dogs to read this article and take note of all the tips. This article mentions valid insight to this industry and gives you the "do's and don'ts" on how to approach this as a career option. While this path can be incredibly rewarding and fun, you should be cautious of the legal limitations as to not have your practice shut down or massage therapy license revoked.
Here is some of the information I recently shared in my August newsletter. Each newsletter has a specific focus. This month is focused on business and ethics information. If you would be interested in receiving my newsletters, please head over to my contact page and sign up.
Tidbits, Updates and Resources:
1. In the article “What are clients typing into Google? 3 Powerful and Simple Keyword Research Tools” at The Practice Academy, Jeff discusses “In order to attract the most visitors to your website and rank high in online search, you need to find out what potential clients are typing into Google searches”
2. In "Massage marketing Tip: Set Up Joint Ventures," Carol Wiley describes 2 types of joint ventures: joint marketing venture and endorsed offer joint venture. “One of the best ways to attract clients is to have someone else recommend you. That’s what joint ventures are all about.”
3. Carol Wiley, Massage Business Tips, has a great article: "Massage Marketing Tip—In-Person Networking."
4. Networking for People Who Hate Networking: A Field Guide for Introverts, the Overwhelmed, and the Underconnected by Devora Zack is a wonderful resource. The book can be purchased on Amazon in Kindle, paperback or audible format.
5. Do you use Twitter and Instagram for social media marketing? Using hashtags that are relevant can significantly increase your pool of followers. Kim Garst, with Boom Social, wrote a helpful article, How to Find Great Hashtags to Market Your Business.
6. Have you considered bartering massage with other service providers? The IRS defines barter as: "the trading of one product or service for another. Usually there is no exchange of cash. Barter may take place on an informal one-on-one basis between individuals and businesses, or it can take place on a third party basis through a modern barter exchange company". On the IRS website, you can find the legal requirements for reporting barter on your taxes and which forms should be filed.
7. Nina McIntosh’s book, The Educated Heart: Professional Boundaries for Massage Therapist and Bodyworkers, has been revised by Laura Allen. It now includes a chapter on professional boundaries and the Internet. The book has been released in Kindle and pre-odors are available for the Paperback format at Amazon.
8. Do you have questions about what is tax deductible and what isn’t? Margo Bowman and Kelly Bowers have put together a small book that helps answer those questions: Can I Deduct That?: 100 Things you Can (Or Maybe Can’t) Take as Business Deductions. It is available in Kindle format.
9. Looking for ways to promote your business but have run out of ideas? 50 Ideas for Massage and Spa Promotion by Gael Wood can give you some new ways of thinking and planning. It is available for Kindle from Amazon.
10. My friend, Korey Howell, who is a very successful photographer and business owner, offers “5 ways to establish a professional online identity”. Not only is the article helpful, but if you need a professional headshot, Korey and her crew are some of the best. And, they can come to you. Check out Korey Howell Photography.
11. "A cognitive bias is defined as a pattern of thinking that deviates from norm or rationality in judgment. Inferences about other people and situations are often woven in an illogical fashion, and individuals can create their won 'subjective reality' from their respective perceptions.” Intellectual Takeout posted an article,10 Cognitive Biases that Affect Your Everyday Decisions: We make up to 35000 decisions a day. Try to avoid these ways of thinking,” that includes these biases:
12. According to the World Economic Forum, these are the 10 skills you’ll need in the workplace by 2020 (most are needed now):
13. "Every day, we are bombarded by attention grabbing headlines that promise miracle cures to all of our ailments -- often backed up by a 'scientific study.' But what are these studies, and how do we know if they are reliable? David H. Schwartz, his TEDtalk video, dissects two types of studies that scientists use, illuminating why you should always approach the claims with a critical eye. Not all scientific studies are created equal.
Regarding Licensing
As rules, enforcement, and oversight changes, you can keep up by signing up for email updates from the Texas Department of State Health Services. You can sign up on the massage home page.
Ethics Situation for your consideration
Alice has been your accountant for 7 years. Two years ago, she needed help with a stiff shoulder. Alice was so pleased with the other benefits of massage therapy that she now receives weekly massages from you. Her standing appointing is Thursday at 4 PM. On Monday, you receive a letter from the IRS stating that a mistake was made on your last year’s tax return and you have overpaid by $800.
How do you handle this situation?
What if the mistake was that you underpaid by $800?
How do you handle this situation?
Practice Tip:
Some suggestions for table linen care to help them last longer and be more inviting to your clients: