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5 steps to Being Professional as a Massage Therapist

Friday, August 28th, 2009

1. Respond to Potential clients

Answer your phone, try to get back to voice mail and e-mail within one business day.

2. Look Serious.

It doesn’t have to be a uniform but take a look at yourself in the mirror before you leave.

3. Your clients should know you.

Introduce yourself, wear a nametag, be yourself - clients need to be educated on what it is you do, be open and honest and you’ll attract clients that are right for you.

4. Get to know other professionals.

It’s not just about knowing what others are doing, and being caddy. It’s about knowing other professionals, their strengths and how you can refer business to them. This holds for any profession and especially massage therapists, knowing a great Hot Stone Bodyworker, Thai Yoga, or Prenatal can keep you on track if you have other expertise.

5. Build a presence.

Have your name be synonomous with what it is you do. Use marketing of all types to make your name be at the top of the list when someone thinks of “insert massage or your specialty here”

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What Makes a Great Massage Session

Monday, February 9th, 2009

A great massage session happens when both the massage therapist and the massage client are well-informed.

The client is typically (and always should be) asked to fill out a brief medical history and self-evaluation of what their needs are whether they be simply relaxation or specific focus on areas of tension or pain.    It is important to be open and honest about what is going on, massage therapists have heard and seen quite a bit.  I myself have seen clients without limbs or even digits.  I was thankful for the forwardness of the man with three toes - had he not said anything I may have been a bit surprised, however, because he was open about it we were able to discuss how this may be a factor in the issues he later stated and his massage was better tailored to his needs.

The massage therapist also needs to be honest and open about what the session will be like for the client.    It should be remembered that clients typically don’t speak the massage language.   Effleurage is not in their vocabulary.   It’s important to get details about what kind of pressure they like as “pressure” is a subjective term.  One man’s deep is another man’s pain.    Checking in during the massage is key.   Walking the massage client through the whole experience is great.   Answer any questions they may have about your background, experience, and expertise.

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Posted in Featured, Massage Therapy | 2 Comments »

Hoping for Space

Monday, January 19th, 2009

I have my fingers crossed, I’m hoping there is extra space for Shiva Rea’s Move4Change yoga session in DC today.    Perhaps I can use my charm or any sort of begging in order to get in.   Taking this risk also means walking around DC with a yoga mat on my back.   It will be worth it though if my persistence pays off.   The opportunity won’t present itself quite like this again.   Sure I can go to a workshop, she’s been at Kripalu quite a few times so I’m sure I could catch her close to home.

I just see myself in the class.    I’m very excited and hopeful to be a part of it as much or if not more than I am for the chant4change which will include 400 people.    Being in the area for the big event is awe-striking.   This is a HUGE deal,  not something I was totally unaware of before, but being in the DC area for the days leading up to the event has been just amazing.

As I hope for space and what I want I also hope that things are going well for everyone out there, that right effort is being met with prosperity and joy.

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Posted in Featured, Yoga | 1 Comment »

Want Change?

Monday, January 19th, 2009

Can the positive shift keep going?   Yes we can and One Love are themes of president-elect Barrack Obama and hopefully the years ahead.

Looking at both, togetherness seems to be the bond that ties.    Can we get along?  Can we take the time to listen and give eachother time to express ourselves.   This may seem important to the country but it is also important on a more local level as well.   It starts at home.  We all need to feel like we matter.   To be unified we must first come to understand ourselves.   These two themes apply to self as much as they do to those around us.

Yes we can -  an affirmative approach and positive outlook can drive us to realize more than we may with the alternate view.   It’s easy to see the negative or reasons not to take action, but those views simply get in the way of action.    Defeat without even making an attempt.   Are you simply looking to reduce your effort?   Making attempts requires taking action.   It is much easier to sit back and say you can’t than it is to take the first step in achieving a goal.   Persistence pays off, trying once may fail, but it is the decision to try again that separates the big fish from the little.    In a study of high profile CEOs versus CEOs of lower performing companies, it was simply the number of decisions that were made that made a difference.   It was not that they were correct more often, but that they made more decisions that separated the great CEOs from everyone else.

One Love -     This too focuses on togetherness, however, love of self is truly important as well.    How you see yourself heavily influences your view of how the world sees you.     Perception is everything, if you see yourself as worthy of love or unworthy of love, you will be seen in that way.    Focus on your own view of yourself before taking the “judgment” of others too harshly.     There are many ways to achieve this, yoga, meditation, affirmations,  all of which can help you feel more connected to your own thoughts and therefore help you better connect with the world around you.

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Presidential Stress

Monday, January 19th, 2009

Considerr this the commemorative post for Inauguration Day. I’m currently in the eye of the storm, well actually North Virginia, and everyone is talking about Tuesday. I myself, am here for Chant4Change, which is a Kirtan event taking place on Monday night here in the capital. My friend and I drove, about 8 hours give or take to get here. We’ve been warned to expect delays due to the Big Event. There seems to be quite the hurry and scurry, you can tell those that are on their way. Whether they’ve dressed for the occasion or not, there are buses and license plates from all parts of the country.

I cannot help but think what kind of weight is on Obama’s shoulders- talk about a being in need of a good massage on a regular basis. People come to me and list off all sorts of reasons for their stress and strain. However, I don’t think many can compare to leader of a nation. I feel somewhat remiss that I know little about Mr. Obama. All the focus seems to be on the amount of Change that is to come. How much change is yet to be determined. For the moment all eyes are on the capital, all eyes, are on Obama. For those that are eager and even trying to get into the spotlight, the bar has certainly been raised.

Some simple suggestions for the president-elect on how to manage the stress of the next four years.    Not surprisingly,  these are similar to what other Americans can and should do regularly to combat stress.

  • Practice breathing techniques -  whether using circuit methods (count 4 inhale, count four rest, count four exhale) or simple deep breathing inhale exhale ten times.    Giving yourself pause, can be very grounding and relaxing, whether or not your the President.
  • Exercise Regularly -  Previous presidents were known for running into McD’s rather than a simple jog through the park.   Whether your presidential workout includes heavy lifting, make sure that cardio is part of the routine.  See what kind of goals you can achieve in four years.   You may not get to the whole peace between nations level, but perhaps you can make peace with your body.  Maybe Yoga is for You?
  • Drink Plenty of Water -  It can’t be repeated enough, water is the best choice as far as beverages are concerned no matter what your party platform.

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Better Online Booking

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Online booking has been a great feature.   You can make an appointment without even picking up the phone, it’s like having a secretary 24-7.     The appointment gets to me, on my cell phone no less, and you sent a confirmation as well.  The new  format is much easier to navigate and you can check my upcoming schedule.  All appointments remain confidential, only you and I can see your appointment, others simply see that the time is no longer available.

I often call to confirm appointments and discuss session goals.   Appointments can always be made over the phone.

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