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Bodywork Buddy Blog

Bodywork Buddy: business management software for the solo therapist that keeps you organized and makes tax time a breeze.

Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Face Cradle Cover Idea


Big thanks to Rebecca who sent me this great video showing how to wrap a pillowcase around a face cradle.  Great idea!

Do you use pillowcases for face cradle covers or do you prefer specific face cradle covers?





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 14 years.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com 

Friday, August 2, 2013

How I made over $10,000 in one day


Today's post is from guest blogger Hillary Arrieta of Gaiabodywork.com in Richardson, Texas.






Summer time is here and for many massage therapists its a time of struggle. Clients go out of town or get busy with family activities and don't make time for their regular massage routines. I've come up with a summer strategy that I've been perfecting for the last few years. This plan allows me to make mad cash and also have a full book for the summer. While not every strategy is one size, fits all - Today, I'm going to share MY secrets with you!

First and foremost- YOU MUST- MUST! Build an email list. Your current clients are your best commodity. Some people think that email is dead- But I'm here to tell you that email is very much alive and kicking

SO Step #1- Build a solid email list and email them often. I actually email once a week (full disclosure from the start- I let them know to expect it) and use a fun little program called mail chimp - Its free and easy. 
Don't believe me? check out what Marie Forleo has to say about email lists and overcoming your fear about email TOO much.

Okay so now you have an awesome email list- WOOHOO! Easy marketing!

Step #2 is build an active social media presence. Get people to interact on your Facebook and Twitter accounts- This way they will get your posts about your sale in their hot little news feeds. I do this by asking "getting to know you" Type questions- Who doesn't like talking about themselves?! 
I've noticed that anytime I ask a question about food- "what's your favorite flavor of ice cream?" or animals- "are you a dog person or a cat person?" I get lots of engagement! 

Okay- so now you are all set up for success-

My secret is this - Every year on the first day of summer I hold an annual summer sale on my massage packages. It's for one day ONLY- no extensions. Get it! This allows for a sense of urgency to be created. I take an entire month to promote it. That way, people can get their cash together and can plan on spending big money. 

I create a webpage on my site specifically devoted to this sale and set up an online store. On the Sale date, I email the link and post it continuously on social media using hootsuite - another great program - and let everyone know they have a limited time to buy at this price. I send another email one hour before the sale ends as a "last call." When the time runs out, I simply delete the webpage and the sale is over. Brilliant!

For me, It works like a charm.

This year, in less than 24 hours, I raked in over my goal - which was $10K.
I set my goal super high and exceeded it!!!
How exciting for me:)

My clients purchase the packages and scoot on over to my online booking site (Bodywork Buddy, of course) and book my calendar up.

It takes planning and knowing your client needs and wants. Creating a strategy instead of winging it can make all the difference.

So get out there and make a plan for success!

And tell me,
What do you do to hype up your business during slow season??




Hillary owns  Gaia Bodywork in Richardson TX. and has been a licensed massage therapist since 2004.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Five Lessons I've Learned [Guest Blog Post]


Today's post is a guest post from my friend and fellow MT Hillary - enjoy!

online scheduling for massage therapists


Five Lessons I've Learned From 
Running My Own Private 
Massage Therapy Practice











About two years ago I set out to become self employed in this crazy economy. It was a super scary leap of faith but now I am much more fulfilled by my work. I've learned some things about how to make my practice successful and here they are:



1. Organization.  
In the beginning, it was important for me to figure out my processes and make plans for implementation. I decided what my ideal client would be like, how I was going to retain ideal clients, how I would handle no shows, late clients, and confrontation.  These things are not always fun to think about but we all know that they will come up, sooner or later. 
Having a plan or a policy in place helps create consistency in your practice and will show clients that you are well prepared to address the issues that come up. It will also give you confidence in handling uncomfortable situations. You can even create “scripts” for no shows or inappropriate clients. Knowing what you’re going to say beforehand and having a plan of action will give you the professionalism needed to be successful.

2. Use tools to help you. 
An email list and an online booking option have been some of the most helpful tools I've added to my practice.  
Being a gen Y-er, I hate talking on the phone. I will avoid it at all costs so having an online booking system suites me well and my GenY clients. Even older generations prefer to book their own sessions. 
Anyone up for a game of phone tag? No thanks! 
I am a Bodywork Buddy user and absolutely love all of the features it has to offer. My clients love booking sessions at their leisure and the system is so user friendly. It also helps me keep track of my expenses and soap notes- (and a ton of other stuff too) LOVE that! It’s just one thing I don’t have to worry so much about and I feel like I’m covered!

3. Invest.  
Buy good equipment and supplies. It’s okay to spend some money on the front end for good stuff that will last forever. I saved up $1200 for equipment before going out on my own and sat down and decided what services I was going to offer, supplies I would need, and how to get the most bang for my buck.  My clients notice the quality and I love the fact that I have everything I need and I’m not shelling out lots of money every month replacing or restocking.

4. Work on yourself. 
Personal presence is something that is worth thinking about. 
How you communicate verbally and non-verbally will ultimately determine your success when working with other people.  
Some questions to ask yourself:
  • What is my posture saying about me?
  • Is my hygiene on point?
  • Do I look people in the eye?
  • Would I feel confident with me if I were a massage client?
Personal presence also means looking at the “energy” you’re putting out there. Are you aware of yourself? Do you listen to your clients or can they tell that you are off in la la land?  
When I was in massage school, we learned about “grounding and centering” ourselves. I was in my early twenties and had no clue what that meant but now I use this exercise EVERY DAY. When I begin and end my massages I try to calm myself and connect deeply to my inner mama bear - My fierce and nurturing center. It’s a powerful practice that I know my clients pick up on- and it tells them that I am confident and that they are safe to relax.

5. Seek out Sage advice. 
The moment that propelled me in to manifesting my massage practice is one I’ll never forget. I was sitting in a private yoga therapy session, feeling overwhelmed, unhappy, and stuck in my current work environment - my therapist took me on a sensory journey that was so powerful that it created Gaia Bodywork right then and there. She asked me what I wanted my practice to FEEL like, Then she asked me what I wanted it to SMELL like, TASTE like, and so on. With her help, I had set a powerful intention that became a reality. 
Business coaching or life coaching can be a blessing! Some of my favorite “sages” are Marie Forleo, Danielle Laporte, and my semi local bad ass biz coach Lauren Sheehan of the Feminine Rhythm.

I hope these suggestions have inspired you and your practice!


Love & Light 

Hillary owns  Gaia Bodywork in Richardson TX. and has been a licensed massage therapist since 2004.



                                  Thank you, Hillary!

order/chaos photo: freedigitalphotos.net 

Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanksgiving [Infographic]


This Thanksgiving, the Bodywork Buddy team is incredibly thankful for our members.  Without you, Bodywork Buddy wouldn't be possible.  Thank you!

And now, some useless facts about Thanksgiving :-)


Happy Thanksgiving [Infographic]




Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Cool Tool: TweetSheet


Check out this nifty site that creates a graphic report of your activity on Twitter: www.vizify.com/tweetsheet

It's free and only takes a few seconds.  A great way to get a glimpse of what twitter marketing is working best for you!







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



Saturday, November 10, 2012

Pinterest


I posted this video on our Facebook page a while back.  But with this recent article detailing how Pinterest is now sending more web traffic than Yahoo Search, I thought it was worth a blog post about using Pinterest for your massage business.



I'm not sure that using Pinterest will directly bring you more massage clients, and I've found conflicting information on whether or not it helps with search engine optimization.  But that being said, if you happen to be on Pinterest anyway, and enjoy it - why not create some pins for your massage biz?

I think a board with info on self-care for clients would be valuable.  Put your Pinterest link on your website and direct clients to your boards for info on health, massage, self-care, etc.  It could be a great resource for your current clients if nothing else.

What do you think?  Do you have a Pinterest account?  Have you noticed an increase in traffic to your website from it?

Share your Pinterest page in the comments below so we can all follow you.



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

Monday, October 29, 2012

Burpees Are Evil


I know this personal trainer who swears by this philosophy: if you hate something, DO IT.  And do a LOT of it.  In the realm of fitness, this translates to burpees for me.  UGH!!  I seriously don't like these.  So, you know, that trainer suggested that I do a TON OF BURPEES.

Her reasoning is this: if you keep doing it, eventually, it will get easier.  The best way to tackle what you don't like - and get better at it - is to just do it.  Nike may have been on to something with their tagline.

So, in the realm of massage business, what are your burpees?  Is it public speaking?  Your elevator speech of telling people what you do?  Online marketing?  Asking clients to rebook?
I'm guessing it isn't actual massaging... you've probably got that part down.

Pinpoint what it is about your massage business that you don't like, and just do it.  You might just find that it not only gets easier, but you get better at it.

As for those burpees... I'm still working on it.





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

Monday, October 22, 2012

The Truth About Self-Worth and Your Value


The Truth About Self-Worth and Your Value
I think a lot of massage therapists can relate to this article by Astra Spider.  I know it really hits home with me!  Especially the lines: hiding is not in integrity with who you areThere is freedom in knowing that, if you tell someone about your services and they choose not to hire you at that time, it is OK. There is freedom in knowing that, if you tell someone about your services and they DO choose to hire you at that time, it is OK.  

It is all OK.

What are your thoughts?




The Truth About Self-Worth and Your Value


By Astra Spider


This one's for all you Soulpreneurs.

I understand.

It is challenging to put yourself "out there." Marketing, talking about who you are, what you do, what gifts you have to share with potential clients. Guess what - you have a business. And so, you have services and/or products to sell. Being a soul-centered entrepreneur, your business is powered by your creativity and would not exist if it weren't for the driving force of your soul's purpose. So - hiding is not in integrity with who you are.

Undervaluing what you have to offer your audience is not in integrity with who you are. Feeling guilty for selling your services or products is not in integrity with who you are. Feeling sorry about receiving money for your services and products is not in integrity with who you are. Entrepreneurs - Soulpreneurs - you are amazing. You are inventors. You are creators. You are fearless mouthpieces for your soul's purpose. A recent message came through from the Universe and I find it to be one of the most valuable pieces of wisdom that I can apply - in business and in life - and that is:
"There is no fear."

Think about the repercussions! How incredible it is to realize - any fear you have been feeling around putting yourself out there has been conjured up with your mind! I find this freeing, don't you?

Those fears, your dear old friends, were put in place at some point as a form of protection. Protection from rejection, protection from moving ahead lest you fail - or, possibly even scarier, lest you succeed! (Gadzooks!)

And it is ok. It is OK to have had your fears in place. Your mind is a funny friend - protective, yes, but sometimes overbearingly so. When the Universe says there is no fear, she is pulling forth the memory from your soul of the Gift of Freedom. There is freedom in knowing that, if you tell someone about your services and they choose not to hire you at that time, it is OK. There is freedom in knowing that, if you tell someone about your services and they DO choose to hire you at that time, it is OK. It is all OK.

They may buy your book, and they may read it! It is OK.

They may not understand your subject matter, and they may move on to the next page on Amazon. It is OK.
The Universe pulls forth the memory from your soul that you are here for a reason - and that you know your reason - and that being who you are and doing what you do is enough.

It is why you are here.

It is all you ever need.



Astra Spider is "The Shamanpreneur for Soulpreneurs" and channel of the Universe, supporting soul-centered entrepreneurs in awakening your inner-wisdom for soul-soaring success in business and in life!
Visit Astra's website and opt in to her newsletter to receive your free copy of her e-book, "9 Key Steps in Opening to Your Abundance," at: http://emerge-embrace.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Astra_Spider
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Truth-About-Self-Worth-and-Your-Value&id=7197488








Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Forgotten Chest [Video]


Here's an interesting video of different techniques to work the chest using Mother Earth Pillows.

What do you think?  How much work do you do on the chest?  Do you agree it's an often forgotten area?










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   

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Massage at the Paralympics: Followup Post


In August, I wrote a post about fellow therapist Jen Tamang volunteering at the Paralympic Games in London.  As a followup,  I asked Jen a few questions about her experience.


Many thanks to Jen for sharing her story!

What first got you interested in the Paralympics?
My first exposure to the Paralympic Games was when I was selected to be on the international sports massage team for the Athens Paralympic Games in 2004. Working in the Athletes Village was amazing and I felt so thrilled to be working along with top therapist's from around the world.  This was just a great opportunity to do two things I love, travel and massage!  I learned so much about the tragedy and triumph of many athletes and could not ignore the energy of their passion to be there competing.  When I returned home, I realized many ways to remain involved with a particular sport that I grew to love called Goalball, which is for the visually impaired.  WMU has a wonderful blind/low vision program and Kalamazoo also is base for the State of Michigan Commission for the Blind.  I went all the way to Greece to learn about this sport that was so active right in my back yard!  :-)



What did you have to do to be chosen to volunteer there?
For both Athens and London, it was over a year long process to be selected for the massage team.  Out of thousands of applicants only a handful are chosen.  It is a true honor!  A series of applications narrow down the possibilities and then a phone interview as well as background checks and on-line trainings for your venue and role specific duties.  Scurry to get what was needed and then wait and wait and wait.  Worth every wrinkle.  

How many hours did you work each day?  
A typical day was about 8 hours per shift including an hour break for a meal in the volunteer cafeteria.  With about a 90 minute commute door to door, it did make for a long day, but I really enjoyed feeling like I was living there and people watching was always interesting too.  

How many people did you work on?   
Our shift consisted of 30 minutes sessions per client.  I would see anywhere between 5-15 client's depending on how busy the day went.  Never knew until you show up and it was almost all walk-in basis.  On slow days, we were allowed passes to the Olympic Park and walked around and enjoyed just being there!

How many were the athletes?
Athletes have priority if there was a line of people waiting, but we worked on anyone who lived in the Village.  Coaches, trainers and Chef De Missions came in looking for relief from their very important and stressful job!

How much down time did you have and what did you do or see in London while you were there?
Typically, after 2-3 days of working, you would have a day off.  The shift manager was very relaxed about switching days off as long as you had someone to cover your shift.  They know you are there to enjoy the experience and not just work work work.  Although there was plenty of that too.  :-)

What was the most inspirational thing you saw while there?
There were so many inspirational moments and this is why I make the time and effort (and $$) to keep going to these events.  I come back completely exhausted, yet renewed and with a totally different outlook on life. Priorities shift and become clear.  It is exhilarating to work on individuals who are normal everyday people and then get to transform and showcase their superhuman athleticism on a world stage.  I indulge in feeling that I am a part of what I can to help turn their dream into reality.  Massage has such a profound affect with these athletes.  Making a great athletic performance into a WINNING athletic performance.  That is gold for me!

Jen also added how awesome it was that 2.5 MILLION tickets sold (that is sold out!) to watch the events and opening and closing ceremonies and to even get into the Olympic Park!  The impact this will have on the young generation (in England at least) seeing and experiencing these games will be amazing in the hopes that they will be a more aware and compassionate group of humans.  Even the impact for adults is inspiring to give recognition to these amazing athletes.  It's pretty darn cool that the Paralympic Games were so well received and sought out by the London and surrounding community.

What do you think?  Have you ever considered volunteering for such an event?





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  


Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Exceeded Expectations




      • I thought that once I was out of school that would be it. I would have a trade and go on with my "job"! I learn new and exciting things everyday either from another therapist, my clients, my co-workers. I am always growing in my profession and the knowledge and experience available to me is truly limitless! Love what I do!




      •  Emotional it is very fulfilling. Financially, although I run a big shop, its still a struggle, but I am thankful. Physically, I am thankful to not have secretary spread from an office job. ;)




      •  I love how I learn something new from Every Body, AND some days what I learn is immediately applicable to someone else, like the universe tried extra hard to pull off awesome synchronicity :)




      •  yes it has! Never dreamed of being to be so successful that I could pay my mortgage, support my family and allow my wife to stay home with the kids and to still enjoy to do all the things in life I love. Plus being able to go to a job you love is beyond words!




      •  Its the most spiritually fulfilling job a person can have. I especially love the success stories that come from my rehab clients. When someone's carpal tunnel syndrome or migraines are relieved from my work. It's amazing! PLUS I have a flexible schedule which means I get to spend more time with my children. Super bonus!




      •  When I first started school, I thought I would just learn a trade. Little did I know that it was going to be my passion and be in love with my career. It's not only made me care more about my health, but become more compassionate for others. Truly am I blessed for being a therapist.




      •  I was sure how far my career would I have been practicing for 10 years. I even was blessed with an opportunity to teach for 4 years. Massage has opened many doors. I have been so graciously allowed to contribute to the massage community & can wait to see how many more years I will be blessed to contribute.

      •  Started in 1996!! Took a leave from 2003-2008! Had my first child...self employed renter in a small salon now!! Work 10-15 hours a week!! Kids NO daycare!! Work around husbands schedule!! Have retail products and massage and net 2500/month!! What more could a wife/mother ask for!




      •  My favorite part is when a person comes in bent with pain and WALKS out.



      •  This week, for the first time, a client broke down and cried on my table. It was unsettling at first, but she was so grateful to feel good in the midst of an emotionally taxing storm in her personal life. I'm so thankful to not only help people feel good physically, but to help release people from their mental and emotional pain as well. It is an absolute honor, and I hope to always be able to touch those who need it with love and compassion. ♥ I never knew that "work" could be such a reward before becoming an LMT.




      •  My favorite part of being a LMT is that a client walks/shuffles in, gets on my table, I work on their problem(s) and they are thanking me on the spot, and walking upright. Recently I had a woman who had been living with a pain in her shoulder for 8 months, and after 15 minutes of trigger point therapy it was gone. Another was a 12y/o boy who has had a stressful youth - problems sleeping, home life, etc. and at 12 y/o he was convinced nothing else would work, he fell asleep on my table and told his mom he wants to come back to see me. :) I love my career.




      •  Not crazy about starting out, spending more $ than I've made the past year. But....I love the happy, stress-relieved clients. What better job is that, where people always leave so happy?!




      •  On top of all the other great things about being self employed, helping many people every day, and being in love with the work itself, I didn't think it could be really lucrative, but I was wrong. It can be- and it is!




      •  ‎30+ years later, I'm still here. Every day I am humbled by how blessed I am to have broken out of the mold and followed my own path. Who knew? :)





      Pretty awesome, right?  So then as a followup, I

       asked (TWICE!) how a massage career has not 

      met expectations.  The response?


      <crickets>


      Hm, I think that says a lot!

      How has massage exceeded your expectations?





      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


      door photo: freedigitalphotos.net