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

Series: How to Set Your Massage Referral Program on Fire / Part 9

Last weeks referral tip was about Moving it Forward.  This week, we look at any problems or hiccups in the process and focus on smoothing the system out if needed.

Referral Fire Starter Tip #9: Troubleshooting.

Even the best referral program can run into some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

1. No one is using the program. If you’re not getting any referrals, you either haven’t created a strong enough rewards program, or people don’t know about it. If you think the issue is with promotions, start mentioning your referral program at every opportunity. Add it to your regular mailing, mention it to all your clients, and consider doing a separate mailing to promote your program.
2. The referrals you receive aren’t interested. If you’re getting plenty of referrals but they’re not becoming clients, that means you need to increase the quality of the referrals you’re receiving. Make sure you let your clients know you’re rewarding based on qualified leads. You can also ask a qualifying question on the referral form to make sure your clients are thinking in the right direction. A simple question will make your client think twice about writing down anyone and everyone, without regard to whether they fit your ideal customer.
3. You’re getting too many referrals. This shouldn’t be a problem unless the referrals you’re receiving aren’t qualified. Otherwise, most people wish they could be in your shoes – so overrun with business that you’re wondering how to turn off the flow.
4. Your program is too expensive. If it seems like you’re spending more money/time on referral rewards than they’re worth, there’s either a problem with your perception, or you’ve stacked the rewards too high. Most business people know how much a new client is worth to them in terms of business over the next year or years. Compare that amount to the amount you’re paying to your referrer. If each new client is worth about $50 in new business over the next year, you don’t want to offer more than that as a referral bonus. If you are offering $100 credit for each new client referred, no wonder it seems expensive – it is! Adjust accordingly.  (If you charge $65/hour, and a new client becomes a regular of once a month - that's $780/year!  So from this valuation, offering a free massage for every 3 clients referred is still a great deal for you!)
5.  Your program is taking too long to administer. If you’re spending hours each week administering your program, you need to simplify and automate. Create systems to help you track and reward your clients, and streamline your process so it can operate quickly and easily. Cut out extra steps, get rid of things like punch cards and by-hand tracking, and make it all digital if possible. If that is too complex for you, a single index card with names and numbers of referred clients can work, too. Pick something that fits your style and remember that simple is best.

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

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

                                                                                          puzzle photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Emergency Fund [Infographic]

A cool little infographic to followup our post a while back: What If You Couldn't Work Tomorrow.
Some great tips on creating an emergency fund!

Series: How to Set Your Massage Referral Program on Fire / Part 8

Last week's post was about making it easy for your referrers.

Referral Fire Starter Tip #8: Moving It Forward

You’ve got a stack of names and contact information... now what?  How do you connect with those leads and turn them into clients?  In tip #2, you mapped out your referral program that included a planned process of reaching out to those referrals.

1. If you're getting addresses for your referrals from clients, mail out a postcard offering a discount or special for them to try out your services.  Be sure to include that their friend thought they'd be interested.
   Don't email.  If you don't already have an established relationship with them and don't have permission to email them - then don't.
2. If you're not collecting mailing addresses, have referral cards to hand out to your current clients.
3. Report Back. Your client will likely want to know how it went when you contacted their referral. Drop them a line by email or in the mail that says, “Thanks for referring Joe! We met last week. I truly appreciate your trust in me.” Then you can inform them how they can claim their referral reward. Short and to the point does the trick.

Effective communication at every stage of the process will smooth the way – communication with your new prospect, communication with your staff (if you have staff), and communication with your original client. Letting everyone know what’s going on and why may seem like overkill, but it really makes everyone feel like part of the process.

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

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

Exceeded Expectations

I asked on our Facebook page how a career in massage therapy has exceeded expectations, and was pleasantly surprised at all of the great answers!  

• • 
    

    
    

    • 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. ;)

    
    
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    •  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 :)

    
    
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    •  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!

    
    
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    •  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.

    
    
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    •  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!

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

    
    
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    •  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