I Think You Should Vote For... (aka: Why Politics & Massage Don't Mix)

You don't discuss politics during your massages (or maybe you do, in which case, here's why you shouldn't),  so why are you doing it on your business Facebook or Twitter account?

Before you offend at least half of your clientele (or would-have-been clientele) with a politically charged post, consider how it comes across. 

The following is a quote from stevenclark.com.au referencing the message sent from a political bumper sticker on a company car:

“We reserve the right to treat anybody who doesn’t agree with our political opinion as a lesser customer.” The message is OFF MESSAGE. The message is “Our brand is political. Our brand takes sides.”

freedigitalphotos.net

I think Steven has a good point.  (And according to his qualifications, I believe he must know a thing or two about marketing).

I don't care if your politics happen to be in alignment with mine, businesses mixing politics is my #1 pet peeve.  Especially when it comes to massage.  Even if we're in agreement, politics never evoke feelings of relaxation.  It is the polar opposite of the goal of a massage business.

I'm not talking about your personal Facebook or Twitter accounts here.  (Although, if you have clients on there then the same rules apply - blog post coming soon on the benefits of using Lists!)  But your business account is not the place for politics.  (Unless you're posting about legislation that directly affects the massage industry, or sharing a neutral news report on legislation.)

In short?  Keep your posts relevant to massage therapy, and save the politics for heated discussions with your relatives at holiday get-togethers.  

Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling. 

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years. www.BodyworkBuddy.com