If you're reading this blog, you're probably a massage therapist yourself. So, this list is likely no surprise to you... but hey, maybe this list will make it's way into the viewing eyes of a loved one who needs some ideas. <wink, wink, nudge, nudge>
(easy ways to share this post in the right hand column.)
What other items would be on your wish list? *These are not affiliate links, these are just products I truly love!
Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy MassageSoftware, 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, and has been an associate instructor for Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy since 2007. www.BodyworkBuddy.com
A post last week from Massage Table Outlet about the importance of self-care for massage therapists has inspired me to write this post. Unfortunately, it's a topic that I feel doesn't get enough emphasis in our field.
- Massage Table Outlet
Therapists often don't realize the importance until it's too late! So while my list here is playful, please take care of yourself and take this information to ♥
Only schedule enough time in between clients to change the linens on the table.
Fuel up on gummi bears and Mt. Dew during your work day.
Forget everything you ever learned about proper body mechanics.
Use your thumbs AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE in your work.
Consider doing massage as your daily requirement for "exercise" and never do anything additional for your body.
Try to work 7 or 8 days a week.
Don't stretch - this is for sissies.
Say YES to everything and everyone - especially clients.
Never learn any new techniques. Stick to the exact same work you've been doing since massage school so you're sure to be bored out of your mind.
Play the same massage music every day... for years.
Charge just enough to feed yourself and possible not make your mortgage or rent payment each month.
Take on all of your client's emotional and physical baggage yourself - make yourself a martyr.
Give all of yourself all the time to every one....except yourself.
Don't learn to work with any kind of tools.
Spend your off time doing hands-heavy hobbies like playing piano, gardening, kneading dough, etc.
And last but not least: Never receive any bodywork yourself!
Do you have other tips to add on how to quickly burnout as an MT? Comment below - I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy MassageSoftware, 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, and has been an associate instructor for Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy since 2007. www.BodyworkBuddy.com
Have you ever heard of Animoto? It's a cool little site where you can take video clips and pictures - add text & music - to create a free 30 second video.
It's a great tool to create a commercial about your massage practice to add to your website. It's fairly simple - after creating an account and logging in, you can choose your pictures from several different sources including your Facebook account. Add any text you want and choose music to go with your video... and Animoto then does the rest.
Here are some tips to create an awesome commercial:
Keep it short. You can purchase a longer video, but 30 second videos are free... and really, 30 seconds is the perfect length for a commercial. You want to entice people, not bore them with a long video.
Animoto has a very large library of music to choose from... however, in my opinion, not much of it goes nicely with massage therapy. I'd recommend uploading your own music. Keep in mind that there may be some legalities to uploading just any music... To be on the safe side, I recommend using music from ASOMAssage*. (ASOMAssage is a music membership site with royalty free massage music - only $9.95/month membership gets you 6 hours of downloadable music each month! It's a great service, despite their use of that talking popup that I just advised against in last week's post...) The music in the video below is a sampling of the beautiful massage music you get with a membership. If you're a member of ASOMAssage and would like to use some of their music for your videos, please contact them for details.
Use pictures of yourself - not other therapists. Trade with a photographer to get some nice, professional photos.
Remember to put your website address and phone number in the video. Direct clients to schedule online if you offer that service.
Post your video on your website and Facebook page.
Here's a little example of what you can do -
Have you made your own commercial with Animoto? Post a link here so we can check it out! *I am an affiliate with Asomassage, which means I will receive a referral commission if you signup for this service. However, this commission does not influence the information I provide in this blog nor does it mean that you will pay more if you buy through my links. I always provide honest opinions and reviews to share my findings, beliefs and experiences.
Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy MassageSoftware, 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, and has been an associate instructor for Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy since 2007. www.BodyworkBuddy.com
Saturday, May 1, 2010
At a glance reports, charts, and graphs are available with the click of a mouse - giving you an instant update of the health of your practice. Easily track income to expense ratio as well as gift certificate sales, client referrals, even percentage of most popular services rendered. Bodywork Buddy massage software is feature-rich and user-friendly. Made for the massage therapist, not the computer tech!
