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The Massage Therapy Alliance of America - A New Alliance For Therapists!

We are so excited for Massage Therapists!!!  But, instead of re-explaining it here, go to the source at http://www.mtaamassage.org 

 

Some of the debate that will take place on this topic will be heated. If opposing sides discussing issues is not your cup of tea, just visit the website. FYI!

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Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on February 7, 2011 at 3:40pm
So exciting to see how many Therapists are joining in so quickly. They really do want to have their own Association apart from all the Educators and Schools etc. Now will soon see if they are willing to step up to leadership and lead the many thousands of therapists of this profession. It is just great to see this growth. So much work to be done to get the word out to the schools.  
Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on February 7, 2011 at 4:58pm
There are many issues that need to be worked on. I hope everyone will unite to promote massage. This group will have many accomplishments!
Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on February 8, 2011 at 3:18pm
I shared about this Alliance with my co-workers at Massage Envy Pensacola today.
Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on February 9, 2011 at 5:24am

Thank you, Darcy.
Darcy Neibaur said:
I shared about this Alliance with my co-workers at Massage Envy Pensacola today.
Permalink Reply by Relax & Rejuvenate on February 9, 2011 at 9:18am

I am not sure why this organization is necessary given the existence of AMTA and ABMP. Why dilute efforts with a 3rd party?

 

Claiming you were founded "by and for" the group you are serving does not mean a whole lot, what is the advantage in this? I would be the other two started that way as well.

Permalink Reply by Lisa on February 9, 2011 at 10:48am

From a marketing point of view, I find the site a bit unprofessional looking. I'm big on that. :) What's up with the photo of an older woman and baby?

 

If we want to be taken seriously, we need a serious "face" to our organizations. This site doesn't do that for me. and if one wants to take on the likes of the AMTA and ABMP, it will have to be done in a more polished way in order to compete.

 

"About the logo: The photo was chosen to represent commitment to the promotion of massage therapy to merit the respect and confidence of people of all ages. An official logo will be created by the newly"

 

For me, the photo doesn't represent that at all AND doesn't have anything to do with massage.

 

just some feedback. :)

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on February 9, 2011 at 12:16pm

Hi,

 

We are not starting an Association or 3rd party. We are not taking on anyone. There will be no dilution, as therapists will not give up their insurance coverage to join the Alliance that does not sell insurance. So there is no competition for anyone. This effort is to bring everyone, including those out there with no representation, together. This should benefit both ABMP and AMTA, as "new" people will be introduced to their programs and insurance. Half of our therapists are out there are not affiliated with any Association. We will try to approach them and get them in the loop. I spoke with the owner of ABMP, Bob Benson, about this and he was very supportive. ABMP has supported all our efforts so far. They see our intention is to grow the profession, not to control it.

 

I think the Associations are very busy with their programs. There is so much going on that needs attention, that the situation cries out for more therapists to get involved in the profession. So many people want to serve. They run for office and the same one's just keep getting elected. A lot of talent could be improving this profession, but they are always waiting for the next election to make a difference. Sitting back has rarely been an option to me. This program has started.

 

We are an Alliance of just therapists. Massage therapists only will be allowed to vote on policies. We will look for weaknesses in the profession and try to sure them up. Therapists need help with sales, promotions, legislation and protection. By protection, I mean if David Letterman or Elisabeth Hasslebeck are derogatory towards therapists, it's hard for the Associations to holler too loudly because they could lose membership. If that is one our goals, we can step up for them, as an insulator. We are here to help the profession. And we will show you that in the years to come. Thanks for your comments and time!

Mike

 


Relax & Rejuvenate said:

I am not sure why this organization is necessary given the existence of AMTA and ABMP. Why dilute efforts with a 3rd party?

 

Claiming you were founded "by and for" the group you are serving does not mean a whole lot, what is the advantage in this? I would be the other two started that way as well.

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on February 9, 2011 at 12:28pm

Hi Lisa,

 

I am sorry the interim website doesn't please. I'm sure the new BOD will change it. Sorry, but I don't feel right deciding the Alliance's logo for them. That should be a project for them.

 

I am not as particular about the need for the logo versus the picture. It is what it is and I explained why I used it. The photo will be gone when the BOD takes over. If the photo is enough to make people think I'm not serious, that is up to them. This is going to be a great Alliance and do many things for the profession:)

 

Again, no one is taking anyone on. We will compliment Associations and their efforts to grow.

Lisa said:

From a marketing point of view, I find the site a bit unprofessional looking. I'm big on that. :) What's up with the photo of an older woman and baby?

 

If we want to be taken seriously, we need a serious "face" to our organizations. This site doesn't do that for me. and if one wants to take on the likes of the AMTA and ABMP, it will have to be done in a more polished way in order to compete.

 

"About the logo: The photo was chosen to represent commitment to the promotion of massage therapy to merit the respect and confidence of people of all ages. An official logo will be created by the newly"

 

For me, the photo doesn't represent that at all AND doesn't have anything to do with massage.

 

just some feedback. :)

Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on February 9, 2011 at 12:52pm

Hi Lisa,

 

Personally I love this picture. To me it represents all the clients I massage. My youngest has been 8 years old and my oldest 89. I massage several adolescences on a regular basis as well as a few over 70 and all age groups in between. This picture is a great reprentation of all the clients I see on a monthy and bi-weekly basis. Thank you for your comments. I welcome them all.  

Lisa said:

From a marketing point of view, I find the site a bit unprofessional looking. I'm big on that. :) What's up with the photo of an older woman and baby?

 

If we want to be taken seriously, we need a serious "face" to our organizations. This site doesn't do that for me. and if one wants to take on the likes of the AMTA and ABMP, it will have to be done in a more polished way in order to compete.

 

"About the logo: The photo was chosen to represent commitment to the promotion of massage therapy to merit the respect and confidence of people of all ages. An official logo will be created by the newly"

 

For me, the photo doesn't represent that at all AND doesn't have anything to do with massage.

 

just some feedback. :)

Permalink Reply by Lisa on February 9, 2011 at 1:51pm

Hey Darcy,

 

My issue with the photo is that without any mention of massage, you would have no idea that it is a massage site. People visiting web sites don't typically want to search around for what they are looking for. Therefore, an image used on the home page of a site, needs to scream (in a professional way) what the site is about. That picture doesn't. And as an organization that is suppose to represent all therapist, it's imagery should represent all therapists. For instance, that picture doesn't actually represent ANY of my clients. So right there, you potentially lose a visitor because they won't look any further. We are in a fast pace world where people don't want to poke around a site to figure it out. You need to capture their attention immediately. Only then will they stay around on the site and take a look. That picture looks more representative of someone's personal preference than an image that represents all massage therapists. Just my .02 from a marketing standpoint.


Darcy Neibaur said:

Hi Lisa,

 

Personally I love this picture. To me it represents all the clients I massage. My youngest has been 8 years old and my oldest 89. I massage several adolescences on a regular basis as well as a few over 70 and all age groups in between. This picture is a great reprentation of all the clients I see on a monthy and bi-weekly basis. Thank you for your comments. I welcome them all.  

Lisa said:

From a marketing point of view, I find the site a bit unprofessional looking. I'm big on that. :) What's up with the photo of an older woman and baby?

 

If we want to be taken seriously, we need a serious "face" to our organizations. This site doesn't do that for me. and if one wants to take on the likes of the AMTA and ABMP, it will have to be done in a more polished way in order to compete.

 

"About the logo: The photo was chosen to represent commitment to the promotion of massage therapy to merit the respect and confidence of people of all ages. An official logo will be created by the newly"

 

For me, the photo doesn't represent that at all AND doesn't have anything to do with massage.

 

just some feedback. :)

Permalink Reply by Lisa on February 9, 2011 at 1:58pm

also...just another thought...

 

i understand the need for financial support in creating a new organization, however, with many MTs already signed up for AMTA and ABMP, so unless this organization offers something the other two don't, I believe it will be difficult to get people to sign up with costs involved.

 

can someone explain to me the difference this organization will offer versus the other two that are already established? Relax & Rejuvenate had a very good point above.

Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on February 9, 2011 at 2:02pm

Lisa,

1/3 of "The Picture" says Massage Therapy Alliance of America. If you can't understand this, that is ok! I don't know that if people saw the Association logos it would tell them exactly what they were either. You are really making an issue of nothing. The new board should and will make this decision. Thanks again!

 


Lisa said:

Hey Darcy,

 

My issue with the photo is that without any mention of massage, you would have no idea that it is a massage site. People visiting web sites don't typically want to search around for what they are looking for. Therefore, an image used on the home page of a site, needs to scream (in a professional way) what the site is about. That picture doesn't. And as an organization that is suppose to represent all therapist, it's imagery should represent all therapists. For instance, that picture doesn't actually represent ANY of my clients. So right there, you potentially lose a visitor because they won't look any further. We are in a fast pace world where people don't want to poke around a site to figure it out. You need to capture their attention immediately. Only then will they stay around on the site and take a look. That picture looks more representative of someone's personal preference than an image that represents all massage therapists. Just my .02 from a marketing standpoint.


Darcy Neibaur said:

Hi Lisa,

 

Personally I love this picture. To me it represents all the clients I massage. My youngest has been 8 years old and my oldest 89. I massage several adolescences on a regular basis as well as a few over 70 and all age groups in between. This picture is a great reprentation of all the clients I see on a monthy and bi-weekly basis. Thank you for your comments. I welcome them all.  

Lisa said:

From a marketing point of view, I find the site a bit unprofessional looking. I'm big on that. :) What's up with the photo of an older woman and baby?

 

If we want to be taken seriously, we need a serious "face" to our organizations. This site doesn't do that for me. and if one wants to take on the likes of the AMTA and ABMP, it will have to be done in a more polished way in order to compete.

 

"About the logo: The photo was chosen to represent commitment to the promotion of massage therapy to merit the respect and confidence of people of all ages. An official logo will be created by the newly"

 

For me, the photo doesn't represent that at all AND doesn't have anything to do with massage.

 

just some feedback. :)

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