Steamy Wonder Update

Wow, it's been a few years since I added the Steamy Wonder to my services and I still haven't posted my promised update of how it's worked out in my practice...oops!




I started out with adding a complimentary 20 minute steam with each session for them to experience it for the first time. After that, it was a $30 add-on. (Without really adding on any time to the session.) About 2 out of every 3 clients seems to love it, and many have added it to their regular routine. After having worked with the steam for a while, there's a few things I have changed:

• I only steam for about 15 minutes now instead of 20. This includes the cool-down time at the end of the steam, so really more like 10 minutes of solid heat.
• I've moved into a new space and don't have a good area to hang the tent with the pulley system. I realized my previous post didn't make it clear that the pulley system is optional, totally not required. I liked the pulley system, but some clients did mention that it looked like a huge casket hanging from the ceiling... (yikes?!). Now I stand it on it's end and partially tuck it behind my armoire. It doesn't take up much space and is still easily accessible.
• I used to use a sheet as a drape, and would slide it out after putting the tent over the table - leaving the client uncovered under the tent. I have recently switched to a bath towel for a drape, and leave it on the client during the steam. They can choose to slide the towel off to the side if they want, but most leave it on during the steam. It's comfortable and leaves the client feeling less exposed. It also helps to soak up some of the sweat, and then after wiping the client off with hot towels, I switch out the drape to a clean sheet and remove the bath towel.

About 2 out of every 3 clients seems to love it

I offer it as a combined service in my Bodywork Buddy online scheduler. So, for example, under my "deep tissue massage" service group, I have these choices:

• 90 minute deep tissue massage plus steam
• 90 minute deep tissue massage
• 60 minute deep tissue massage plus steam
• 60 minute deep tissue massage
• 30 minute deep tissue massage plus steam
• 30 minute deep tissue massage

I can run a report on specific services within Bodywork Buddy to show how much of my income each year has been from what service. Handy, right?

The small investment of adding the steam service has definitely been worth it. *Pro-tip: Be on the lookout for a used Steamy Wonder in good condition to save money.

So, there's the scoop! Do you have any specific questions on how I use the steam in my practice? Let me know and I can answer them in another post.

BTW, if you're interested in checking out Bodywork Buddy for your business needs, there is a 

free trial to see if it's a good fit for you. *Special discounts for Board Certified therapists and members of ABMP!*

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 since 1999.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Bodywork Buddy Member Spotlight: Angela Schiavi

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Today's member spotlight is Angela Schiavi. Angela owns Nurtured Soul Ashiatsu and Massage in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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  Q: What inspired you to become a massage therapist? A: I have wanted to become a massage therapist since I was 7. My aunt always wanted me to rub her feet and I enjoyed how much it helped her and how much she enjoyed it. 
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• Q: How long have you been doing massage? A: I have been doing massage since 2003, but only practicing in my own business since 2014.

• Q: What is your favorite thing about being a massage therapist?
• A: My favorite thing about being a massage therapist is helping people feel better, and having found Ashiatsu, I am able to assist my clients better.

• Q: What is the most challenging issue for massage therapists? 
• A: For me, I feel the most challenging part as a massage therapist is breaking the stigma that massage is "just a luxury " instead of "preventative wellness. I love to educate my clients on how massage is so important for them.

Hold on to your worth and your clients will see that you're worth it.

• Q: What advice would you give to other MT’s to help build their business?
• A: I am still working on building my business. I would say it's really important to hold integrity for yourself and your business, don't give away so much just trying to get clients. Hold on to your worth and your clients will see that you're worth it.
  
  
  
  

*New Feature* Client Message

Last week we added a new feature that allows clients to leave a quick note for you when they schedule online. This is great if a client has a gift certificate they are redeeming, they need to tell you something that pertains to their appointment, etc.

It's completely optional, so clients don't need to leave a message in order to schedule.

When a client does leave a message, a speech bubble icon will show up next to their name for today's schedule on the dashboard as well as in the calendar. You can click on the bubble or hover over it to read the message.

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 since 1999.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Pillossage Class

I took Pillossage with Karen Kowal a few weeks ago in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

It's no secret I love Mother Earth Pillows (they're like heaven!), and I've been wanting to learn the thermal connective tissue release technique that Karen created using them ever since I first saw it at NERC (AMTA New England Regional Conference) in 2008. I was working in the Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy booth, but got a chance to check out the other booths and fell in love with the aromatic Mother Earth Pillows. I hadn't gotten a chance to receive the work at that time. (Bummer!)

I found in class that it's nearly impossible to stay awake while receiving this work!  It completely zones clients out while receiving it. It's a great addition to any session, especially for those chatty clients that can't seem to relax.

From that first feather stroke down the body wrap pillow over the spine, clients seem to just sink into the table a bit more and really open up to receive. It's a gentle technique making it work well for most clients.

My clients comment all the time on the great aroma of the pillows. I've been incorporating them into my work for a while (mostly just to help keep clients warm) but after Karen's class, I have all sorts of awesome tricks to add in to my sessions with the warm pillows.

I found this arm and shoulder work in class especially yummy:

Went to write this blog post and realized I didn't get any pics with Karen while in class! Looks like I might have to make a road trip to her next class sometime soon for the self-care workshop she teaches. ;)

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 since 1999. www.BodyworkBuddy.com

6 Problems Massage Therapists Solve Using Bodywork Buddy

1. Phone tag with clients
   
   If using the online scheduling aspect of Bodywork Buddy, massage therapists can greatly cut down on phone tag with clients and the back and forth of trying to get an appointment time that works for both client and therapist.
   
   The online scheduler will show open appointments in real time to clients looking to schedule while still allowing the therapist to keep control over their schedule.
   
   Clients want the convenience of online scheduling, so not only does it eliminate phone tag but it gives your clients what they want!
   
   
2. Being unprepared for tax time
   Have you ever waited until the end of the year or even April to go through your entire book and add up your income? Uh... me neither....
   
   BWB actually makes it really easy to make recording your income a daily habit. And if you don't do it for every session? Those sessions will stay on your dashboard as overdue appointments so you'll remember that you still need to complete those and add payment info.
   
   
3. Setting boundaries and enforcing policies
   Policies are included on the email reminders sent to clients, and you can also add them to your online intake forms for clients to agree to.
   
   It's important to have clear boundaries and policies, and BWB helps you enforce those.
   
   
4. Tracking growth of business
   Do you know where your business is for this quarter? This month? How have you grown since this month last year? BWB makes it easy to find out with just a few clicks.
   
   
5. Tracking gift certificates and packages
   "Oh you have a gift certificate but you didn't bring it with you or you don't know the number? No problem! I have it on file."
   
   
6. Having a professional online presenceThe BWB microsite design has been made specifically for massage and to help you have a professional online presence. With massage specific images and videos, our online scheduler helps show clients what you do and how you can help them. You can also add your own images and text to completely personalize your microsite.

It's important to have clear boundaries and policies 

What's Your Definition of Success?

I've been mulling over this topic for a while now, and keep trying to put into my own words what I'm thinking and feeling.

But this story of the Mexican fisherman is so on point for me, that I decided to just share this today and also the 10 lessons from this story shared by Courtney Carver on her blog BeMoreWithLess.com:

10 Lessons From the Story of the Mexican Fisherman


It's a quick read and worth it. I promise.

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 since 1999.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com

Stuck in a Rut?

I recently added an electric fireplace to my massage studio (it's cozy!) and to make space for it I moved my table and rearranged a few other key pieces in my space. I've been at this current studio for a little over a year and this was the first time I moved my table and furniture. It got me thinking that it's a great thing to do whenever we start to feel stuck in a rut with our work.

I found myself a bit out of my element that first week massaging with the new setup. (In a good way!)

Here's some other small changes that I think can help shake things up when we find ourselves getting bored:

• Add products to your sessions.
  Essential oils, foot creams, heated Mother Earth Pillows for just a few ideas.
  
• Learn a new modality.
  Ok, so I'm totally biased when it comes to Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy, but it's only because it made me fall in love with massage again at a time when I was feeling really burned out in this field. Learning a new way to work can get you out of a rut and also keep your clients amazed that you're always adding new techniques to your practice.
  
• Change your music!
  Man this one is huge for me. I get bored with my music quickly, so it's really important for me to keep it fresh and try new things. It can be like an instant pick-me-up to have some new music playing where I don't know what is coming next.
  
• Change your routine.
  Even if you don't learn a new modality or add in new products, you can easily shake things up by making changes to your routine. Usually start with the client supine? Try starting prone. Always end with the face? Try ending with the feet. It's simple but gets you out of your comfort zone just enough to make it interesting.

What ways do you find helpful to re-inspire your work when you've gotten bored?

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 since 1999.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com