The hot weather has arrived! I read a recent discussion on Facebook about using hot stones during the warm weather months... while some therapists may choose to stop using hot stones in the summer, you could add in some "cooling" add-ons for your clients. (I think these could pair well with hot stones, or be just as lovely on their own.)
Chilled eye pillow, cucumber slices or cooled tea bags over the eyes
Chilled towels for the back at the start of the session
Refreshing flavored water offered to clients after massage (See A Muscle Therapist's Thoughts for some creative ideas!)
What kind of summer add-ons do you like to offer?
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. www.BodyworkBuddy.com
Using your own photos for your massage website is a great idea. (Remember When Good Websites Go Bad?) But when you're putting your own pictures out there, it's a good idea to watermark them so that others can't use and claim them as their own. What is a watermark? It's a recognizable image or pattern used to identify authenticity. While you can create your own watermarks in Photoshop or Paint.net (I sense a video tutorial on this coming soon!), there's also several sites where you can watermark your images for free. Below are two I use often.
Select the file you want to watermark from your computer.
Upload to the watermarking site and follow directions to enter text for watermark.
Download watermarked image to your computer.
Quick & easy!
Here's a photo that I have watermarked as an example.
Have you already been watermarking your images? What are your favorite tools to do so?
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. www.BodyworkBuddy.com
I used to work in a salon/spa. It was a beautiful place. The problem? It was designed by the owners, who had never even had a massage in their life.
The massage room was back by the break room. The entire place had beautiful ceramic tile floors. Beautiful, noise-carrying, ceramic tile floors.
During every massage, not only could I hear the conversations happening in the break room, but the constant sound of the hair stylists high heels clicking on the tile floor. (How they could work all day on their feet in heels is beyond me! But that's a whole 'nother blog post...)
The noise drove me nuts. But never mind me... the real problem? It was bothering my clients, too.
While I didn't end up staying there long enough to bother with trying for a solution, I figured there are many other therapists out there in possible similar situations.
While I'm no expert on soundproofing, here's some ideas on how to semi-soundproof your massage room, or at least make the noise less noticeable. (Without breaking the bank.)
I like the concept in this video. Remember, you don't have to do every wall, or every part of the walls, to make a difference.
I know what you're thinking... why would I want foam covered walls? But, you could get creative.
One solution to hide the foam is these awesome curtain panels from IKEA. This therapist has a layer of blue fabric in the back, and then a few decorative panels in front for a cool look.
Both the curtains and the curtain panels would not only hide the foam, but add texture and visual interest to your room.
If you don't want to do the foam/cover up approach and don't mind investing a little more material and labor, another way to do some soundproofing is with Green Glue. Their site includes suggestions for soundproofing existing walls by adding a layer of drywall after using Green Glue.
So, this cuts down on the noise through the walls... but what about that ceramic floor? It's wise to invest in a rug for you room, with some thick padding.
Also, a soundproof door bottom. (who knew there was such a thing?)
If you're dealing with noise coming from windows, try some acoustic caulk.
Another approach is to create some white noise. Fountains are great for this. Or if you can't do a fountain, stream nature sounds - ocean waves, bubbling brook, thunderstorm, etc. or play an MP3 or CD in a continual loop.
The zenvi face cradle is a great way to have your massage music right at your clients level - so the main thing they will be focusing on is your wonderfully relaxing music.
Have you worked in noisy environments? What worked well for you to cut down on the noise level in your massage room?
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. www.BodyworkBuddy.com
Notice how everyone is doing everything from their phones? This includes visiting your massage website. Is your website mobile friendly?
Here's a video tutorial on how to create a mobile version of your website for FREE. (There's also a paid version - very reasonably priced - if you prefer some of the extras like click-to-call and ad-free.) Sure beats hiring a professional for $500+ to create a mobile site for you!
Once you've created your mobile site, remember to follow the directions on the site to setup a redirect so your clients will auto-magically be taken to your mobile site when visiting from a phone.
Did you find this post helpful? What other technology tutorials would you like to see?
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. www.BodyworkBuddy.com
Things I've learned from my dog that are crucial to running a massage therapy business:
Trust your gut. Listen to your instincts.
Do what you love.
Be open to receiving.
Take sheer joy in everything you do.
Play a little bit every day. (or even a LOT).
When someone crosses your boundaries, let them know immediately.
There's no such thing as too many squeaky toys.
Discover new things and be open to learning more.
Be a good listener
Be authentic - don't pretend to be something you're not.
Thanks & big sloppy kisses to Iggy for these lessons and more.
What have you learned from your pets lately?
Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy MassageSoftware, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling.
Despite having a cancellation policy in our brochures, telling clients when they call, and even taking credit cards for evening and weekend appointments, I would say our #1 issue that upsets clients is if they are running late.
We do tell all new clients to arrive 10 minutes early to "fill out paperwork and use the bathroom so that it does not cut into your massage time" and most do. However, on two occasions this past month, people call to say they are running late 10-15 minutes. Our response, "Ok, just get here as soon as you can and we will have you do the paperwork afterward so you can get the most of your time." Some are understanding, but there are others who ask if they will be cut short.
"Unfortunately, your therapist may be able to go over a few minutes, but she does have an appointment scheduled after you". (We do have 15 minutes in between to change sheets, say bye to clients, etc, not to go over on time.) This sends the client spiraling into why that's not fair, they want to reschedule, etc. I apologize and explain their appointment was scheduled from 10-11, and while the therapist does have some wiggle room, that time was reserved for them. "You were told at the time of scheduling about our cancellation policy. Unfortunately, if you want to reschedule, there is a $30 fee."
I obviously let things slide as much as I can and make it work in the clients favor when possible (and when they are kind about it) but I would be interested in how other therapists handle this.
How have you handled this situation? What has worked well in your practice to enforce a cancellation or late policy? What do you do when a client gets upset over your policy?
Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy MassageSoftware, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling.
Have you not added a timeline cover pic to your Facebook page yet simply because you haven't had the time to figure out how? Here's a simple tutorial on how to add or change your cover pic.
Go to your Facebook business page. (Or personal page, for that matter).
Click on the "Add a Cover" button.
Click on "Upload Photo". Then choose a photo from a file on your computer and click "open". (Massage pictures and directions on how to save them to your computer are in this post: 6 Free Marketing Posters).
The photo will then appear as your timeline cover pic. You can left click on the pic and drag it into position. Once you have it where you want it, click "Save Changes".
And there you have it. A nice new timeline cover pic for your massage business Facebook page.
I know many of you have already figured this out, but I have seen several pages without cover pics lately, so I thought this little tutorial might come in handy.
Are there other tutorials you would be interested in? I'd love to hear your feedback and ideas for other how-to posts in the comments below.
Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy MassageSoftware, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling.
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