Dealing With the Death of a Client

A fellow MT and friend had a client pass away last week.  As she was contemplating attending the funeral, and how to best go about being a support for the family - I realized that this is not something that massage school prepares us for.  (At least, not mine... did yours? If so, I'd love to hear more about your experience.) 

Dealing with death is difficult enough on it's own.  Add in the professional relationship (and in the capacity of a therapeutic one at that) creates it's own special challenges.  

The stages of grief are:

• shock or disbelief,
• denial,
• bargaining,
• guilt,
• anger,
• depression,
• acceptance/hope.

The funny thing about these stages is that it isn't always nice and organized - experiencing the list in order.  Often times, these feelings jump all over this list, bouncing around to different aspects with no rhyme or reason.  

I don't have any secrets for dealing with the death of a client.  It's a very personal thing and how to best deal with it will vary from therapist to therapist.  Whether or not you choose to go to the funeral, or simply send a card... so I guess, although it would be nice to have some kind of preparation for this situation in massage school ... What would that entail?  

Grief is a crazy thing. 

Myths and Facts About Grief

MYTH: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.

Fact: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse in the long run. For real healing it is necessary to face your grief and actively deal with it.

MYTH: It’s important to be “be strong” in the face of loss.

Fact: Feeling sad, frightened, or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. Crying doesn’t mean you are weak. You don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by putting on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you.

MYTH: If you don’t cry, it means you aren’t sorry about the loss.

Fact: Crying is a normal response to sadness, but it’s not the only one. Those who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others. They may simply have other ways of showing it.

MYTH: Grief should last about a year.

Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. How long it takes can differ from person to person.

Source: Center for Grief and Healing

This help guide offers some great tips for dealing with grief http://www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm

Coping with grief and loss tip 1: Get support

Family, friends, a support group, a counselor, etc.

Coping with grief and loss tip 2: Take care of yourself

This one is often difficult for massage therapists.  We're used to being the ones who take care of others.

Remember to take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Eat right, get enough sleep, and up your appointments with your massage therapist.

Have you dealt with the death of a client?  How did you support yourself during that time?

Tweetable: Grief is a crazy thing.

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

Picture: freedigitalphotos.net

Massage Without Borders

Massage Without Borders is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide immediate or temporary relief for the massage therapy and healing arts community during times of  natural disaster or other long term crisis. 

MWB gathers resources and funding to assist our massage therapy and healing community initiating and empowering local recipients to be self sufficient during recovery from disaster and trauma.

MWB is having an online concert and auction to raise funds to help our fellow MT's.  The free online concert will be aired on Massage Nerd on January 29th, 2013 at 8pm EST.

The online auction includes a lifetime subscription to Bodywork Buddy.  (Valued at $299/year).Check out the auction and concert, and donate or bid in the auction if you can.  It's all for a good cause - massage therapists helping massage therapists!

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

Preparing for a Massage Interview - What Every Massage Therapist Should Know and Ask

Preparing for a Massage Interview - What Every Massage Therapist Should Know and Ask

By Laurie Craig

Before you can start working as a massage therapist, you have to perform a massage interview to get the job, and interviewing for a massage position is quite different than most other interview processes. For many massage therapists, the first job they hold directly out of massage school is for a chiropractor, or a spa / salon owner instead of working as an independent contractor, and it's important to know what to ask in order to accept the right position. Understanding if you will work as an employee or an independent contractor - especially when a massage therapist is beginning his or her practice - is helpful when deciding where to work.

Why You Need a Resume and Cover Letter When Interviewing for a Massage Position

While you will not be sitting at a desk or crunching numbers, you do need to prepare a resume and cover letter for your anticipated massage interview. Even though it is a non-traditional environment, your employer will want to see that you are a professional massage therapist who can represent himself or herself adequately, and a well-written cover letter can show that you have good communication skills - an invaluable asset when working with a diverse set of clients. Be sure to include information about your school, your modalities, and your intended certifications - the more a potential employer knows about you and your specific interests, the more you will stand apart from the rest of the crowd and the higher the likelihood that you will soon be interviewing for the massage position.

Coming in for a Massage Interview

When you receive a call to come in for an interview, prepare to actually give a massage. This might surprise some applicants, but you are interviewing for a massage position, and your employer wants to know what you can do and what your style is like. Because you want to be comfortable while giving the massage, be sure to wear an appropriate outfit for both a massage and an in-person interview. Often, clean, long black yoga pants and a collared shirt will do just fine. Unlike most interviews where applicants are expected to wear slacks and a button-down shirt, your potential employer will expect a massage therapist to be dressed for the test massage. Just to be sure, when you schedule the massage interview, ask over the phone what would be appropriate attire. Additionally, it is always a good idea to arrive at the massage interview fully prepared - a massage therapist should bring supplies to the interview such as sheets, and lotion or oil. While the interviewer will likely have these supplies on hand, it is always a good idea to be in control of the session by being fully prepared.

When interviewing for a massage position, depending on the size of the business, a human resources person or the owner will likely be the first person to sit down with you for a few moments and talk with you about your education and experience. During the massage interview, be prepared to talk about what you learned in school, what your strongest and weakest modalities are, what you envision for yourself as a massage therapist, and about your previous experience with clients. Then you will give a test massage, either an abbreviated (30 minutes or less) or standard (one hour) massage, showing your abilities to give Swedish and deep tissue massage. Interviewing for a massage position sometimes, but not often, involves you being asked to display competence in additional modalities that you have listed on your resume such as hot stone therapy, or sports massage.

It is important to be yourself during the massage interview. Just relax and give the same massage that you would give to a client. Do not be nervous, because it will come through in your touch. Your employer is looking to see your skill as a massage therapist, and the more natural and relaxed you are the better interviewing for the massage position will go.

Getting the Job and Working

If the massage interview goes well and you get the job, you will likely begin either as a full-time or part-time massage therapist. Be sure to speak with your employer up front about the method of compensation and your designation as either an employee or an independent contractor, because these are very different and can make a big impact on your revenue and tax filing at the end of the year. This is a very important question to ask when interviewing for the massage position as employees are expected to work during a set number of hours, can only work for one employer at a time, and must comply with the employer's standards of service and instructions about how to deliver massage therapy. From a financial standpoint, make sure that you understand during the massage interview if you will be an employee, as employers pay the majority of the employee's taxes, and the massage therapist is often eligible for benefits such as health insurance and paid vacation time.

Unlike employees, independent contractors are typically able to set their own hours, and are paid a percentage of the total revenue they bring into a business. They tend to have more flexibility about the type of massage protocol delivered and the types of services offered. If this is the type of work environment you have envisioned, you should establish this when interviewing for the massage position. For example, a massage therapist who is an employee at a large spa will be expected to adhere to the standard services as listed on a published menu of services but a contractor should legally have more flexibility. During the massage interview, ask if customers expect to receive a comparable massage regardless of which therapist they see, and if therapists are expected to closely maintain a massage protocol. If a massage therapist works as an independent contractor in a smaller spa or for a chiropractor, he or she is more likely to be able to decide upon which services to offer, the rate of the services, and the hours during which those services will be available. Another reason to clarify your status as an employee or contractor when interviewing for the massage position is because independent contractors are responsible for their own client records, and have control over those client records when and if they decide to leave their place of business. It's important to understand this early on in the massage interview, because with this independence comes the expectation of independent costs - contractors do not have taxes paid for by their employers, and often pay a large amount of money out-of-pocket at the end of the year.

Longevity as a Massage Therapist (Employee or Contractor)

It is important to understand all of the different elements that go into interviewing for a massage position, and know which questions to ask before you get hired. In addition to being prepared to give a hands-on trial massage, you should also determine during the massage interview what your potential employer expects from you in terms of compensation, hours, employee status, massage type, and career ambitions. That way you can be sure to begin a long-term, profitable, and enjoyable job as a massage therapist, either as an employee or an independent contractor.

Laurie Craig, the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Jerome Perlinski American Massage Therapy Association National Teacher of the Year award and the recipient of the American Massage Conference 2011 Educator of the Year award, is a respected health science educator and co-founder of Georgia Massage School in Suwanee, Georgia. She brings more than 25 years of varied experience to the massage school, combining her unique teaching skills, professional acumen, and passion for teaching with a comedic edge that students remember and embrace years after experiencing her classes. She also serves as a subject matter expert and test item writer for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards and has written test items for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. For more details, please visit www.georgiamassageschool.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laurie_Craig


http://EzineArticles.com/?Preparing-for-a-Massage-Interview---What-Every-Massage-Therapist-Should-Know-and-Ask&id=6215186









Image: freedigitalphotos.net

Cold Weather Add-Ons

Well, we're officially in the Winter season in the U.S. ... although it's raining here in Michigan today, when it's normally snowing by now.  But, it's still chilly!  

So it's a perfect time to consider some ways to keep your clients cozy on the massage table.

Here's just a few ideas:

• Table warmer.
  I LOVE my table warmer from Earthlite.
  (And so do my clients! They comment on my heated table all the time.)
• Flannel sheets.
• Add in hot towels.
  One of my favorite MT's begins the session by placing a dry towel under my feet, and then wrapping each foot in a hot towel.  She leaves my feet wrapped until half-way through the session when she's ready to work on my feet.  Nice and cozy during the session, and added bonus of having the client's feet fresh and clean when you're ready to massage them.
• Add in hot stones.
  Amazing what a few strategically placed hot stones can do for warmth and relaxation.
• Heated herbal rice/flax seed packs.
  My favorites are from Mother Earth Pillows.  I like to use the large rectangle pillow on the back with some compression before starting the session.  Then I'll move the pillow to their feet while I massage their back.  It's a great way to add in some cozy!
• Paraffin dip for the hands and feet.
  This can be a great add-on service that you can charge more for.
• Add in a steam treatment before the massage.
  The Steamy Wonder is a great way to add value to your services and charge more.  It's a decent investment, but can be worth it if you use it often.  This is on my wishlist.  *hint*hint*

While some of the above ideas require some initial investment, many of them can be easily implemented into your current sessions without much money or time.

What ways do you like to keep your clients cozy during their massages?

Tweetable: Consider some ways to keep clients cozy on the #massage table.

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

Customer service photo: freedigitalphotos.net

Free Holiday Timeline Pics

In case you missed these on our Facebook page a few weeks back, here are some winter/holiday timeline pics for your use on your Facebook business page or website.

Tutorial on installing a Facebook timeline.

Enjoy!

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

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 :-)

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!

View Bodywork Buddy's full TweetSheet.

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

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

Aromatherapy [Infographic]

Source

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

Just Be Yourself

Just a short and sweet post today.

I recently got some advice from my Dad that I thought was pretty valuable:  Be yourself.

(And this is coming from someone with an old-school handlebar mustache.  As you can see, my Dad is awesome!)

For one, if you are anything but authentic, the people you are trying to impress will see right through you ... eventually.  And for two, if it isn't the real you they are impressed with, what's the point?

If your clients know you as bubbly and super sweet, then why would you try and be snarky with your marketing just because it's working for someone else?  Is that really who YOU are?  Your marketing is an opportunity to share a glimpse of your personality with clients and potential clients.  Of course, it should portray professionalism.  But it should also feel real.  Especially in such a personal service such as massage.  If you have to try and be something or someone you're not, you're doing it wrong.

How do you put your personality into your marketing efforts?

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.

                                                           authentic photo: freedigitalphotos.net

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 are & 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.

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

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   

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [Infographic]

Cool Tool: Replace Your Phone Number With Your Name

freedigitalphotos.net

Sprint just launched a cool service to allow you to replace your phone number with your name.  How great would it be to just tell clients to call **YourMassageBusiness?  Pretty neat!

Have you done this or are you considering doing this?  What do you think?

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  

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  

Series: How To Set Your Massage Referral Program on Fire / Part 10

Last week's referral tip was about troubleshooting.  Now we're to our last post in the series!

Referral Fire Starter Tip #10: What NOT to Do.

We’ve spent some time talking about how to fix some of the things that can go wrong with your referral program; now, let’s discuss some things you’ll want to avoid at all costs. Any one of these pitfalls can sabotage your referral success:

1. Not following up. We talked earlier about the need to actually do something with the names and numbers you collect. If you don’t use them, it’s the same as sticking quarters in the ground and waiting for them to grow into dollar bills. You need to follow up and connect in some way with these referrals!
2. Not automating your process. Your referral process should run as smoothly – and as automated – as possible. If you’re collecting referrals electronically, there should be an automatic process for them to get forwarded on to you. Don’t let your referrals get bogged down at any point; a kink in the hose means a kink in your business.
3. Not keeping it simple. The more complex your process is, the more time and energy it will take to administer it. If you have to choose between keeping it simple or making it really cool, go with simple. Your referral program should be a money maker for you, not a resource swallower.
4. Not telling people about it. No one is going to go out of their way to take part in a program they don’t know about. Take every opportunity to let people know how they and their friends can benefit from your referral program.
5. Not paying attention to changes around you. If your client profile is changing, or your market is changing, or the products and services your clients are demanding are changing, you need to be aware of that. Your referral program won’t rescue you from being behind the times in other areas of your business.
6. Not valuing referrals and treating them like gold. The highest compliment a client can pay you is to refer a friend or family member to you. If they do and that friend has a bad experience, it reflects poorly on them. When someone sends an acquaintance your way, you need to go above and beyond to make sure that referral has a great experience. Not only will that make you look good, it’ll make the original client look good, too.

Conclusion

As you can see, creating a strong referral program isn’t rocket science. In fact, the more simple your program is, the easier it is for you to administer and for your clients to understand.

But don’t be deceived by the simplicity; referrals are the lifeblood of any serious businessperson. Having clients who constantly feed quality leads your way is like having a sales force of hundreds of additional people – without having to pay them a salary or benefits!

Keep the tips and suggestions in this series on-hand to make sure your referral program is as successful as possible. And when in doubt, go for the most simple solution you can design. That approach is sure to keep your program operating smoothly and easily.

Series wrap up:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

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