A great Blog Gloria

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A new massage therapist, eh?

Nice!

I remember the day I graduated and when I passed the national test. (I've tried my best to forget the licensing process nightmare for the city of Las Vegas as an outcall massage therapist.)

Here's a quick marketing tip to get started.

You have a Facebook account, don't you?

If not, go to www.facebook.com and set one up.

Then, come and visit me here:

http://www.massage-marketing-solutions.com/massage-marketing-facebo...

Attract clients, grown your massage business and have fun.

It's all detailed in the link above!

Cheers!

Kris Kelley
www.massage-marketing-solutions.com

Today's Blog! How To Retain Clients.

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-do-i-keep-my-clients...

Today's Blog! Preparing for your massage exams.

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/01/ready-to-take-your-massa...

By Request: The Fascial System

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/01/knee-bone-is-connected-t...

Does Networking Really Work?
http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/01/is-it-worth-networking-t...

Massage for Haiti @ Privai Academy, Asheville, NC has some great items to raffle off.

If you want to buy a raffle ticket let me know. If you win, you pay for shipping costs.

1. On Site Massage Chair (Donated by Massage Warehouse)
2. Free registration to the World Massage Festival (donated by Mike Hinkle of WMF)
3. Thai Yoga Home Study DVD Course (Donated by Thai master Michael Buck)

Lots of other items coming in too! Jewelry, books, herbal baskets, gift certificates etc.
Contact me at gloria@privaiacademy.com

$1.00 each

Today's Blog: Massage for Haiti - Hands across America and beyond

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/01/extending-our-hearts-thr...

A career in massage is one of the greatest and most gratifying opportunities to give in a time of need.

A little advice, if you don't mind...

I have a question about what I should do once I graduate and have my license.



My ultimate goal is to work with athletes providing sports and deep tissue massage, and whatever else that would incorporate. Right now though, I'm strugling with what I should do once I leave school. I'm debating on whether or not I should go to work for one of the massage envy/heights type places just to get the experience, but I don't want to get burned out as I'm a big guy and I'm sure I'd be asked to do lots of deep work continuously in that situation.



I also have a friend that's almost done with his residency to be an orthopedic surgeon. He wants me to move to Nebraska with him to work on his patients, he'll be part of a partnership that works with University of Nebraska's athletic teams. That's awfully tempting since it would put me working with athletes faster, but my wife isn't fond of the cold weather and I would have to go through 500 more hours of school/training once I got there.



The last would be to start my own practice. I would stay at my current job and build up clientele during the evenings by providing out-call massage until I'm able to get my own place set up. The only thing is I don't know how long it will take to build the clientele up and I would be away from my family a lot, but I think it would only be short term.



What would ya'll suggest? I'm constantly going over these in my head and it would be nice to get a fresh perspective. Thanks in advance!

Ray,
First I think I would do what is best for you and your family. The Nebraska move sounds good, but just how good is it. I'd hate to make that move and find that it fell through. I would be very sure before I'd make that move if I was you. Bottom line is talk things over with your wife and I'm sure things will work out. Good Luck.....Dan

Hi Ray,

I'm with Dan. Sounds like a lot of "ifs", traveling, time a part and more school, costs, phone calls with the Nebraska aspects, just to have your own practice. And Ray, that just starts the work. Sometimes it is better to work for someone else for a while, save some coin and then strike out on your own. I know people that work for Massage Envy that are truly happy.

About the deep tissue, add more modalities to your toolchest. Don't just do deep. You're right if you burn out or are injured, it will be a shame, especially since you control that. At least you are thinking about it now. That means you will be watching for that.

It is the early days, in the profession. You will do well, Ray.

Ray I work for Massage Envy in Pensacla, FL. They opened up last May and I love it. We have 3 guys working there and they are not taken advantage of at all. Actually at this point the girls are doing the bulk of the work. Female clients have to be okay with a Male therapist and many want females only. To me, I do not care. I work 4 days a week 5 hours shifts except for Sundays I only work 4 hours. Yes, they have asked me to take on more hours and clients. I have said no to them. Ocassionaly I will work a 6 hour day but not often. I do no nore than 4 massages in a day. That was the advice given to me early on and I am sticking to it as I do not want to burn out or injure myself. I do not do Deep pressure massages.Massage Envy respects that as most clients do not want Deep they want to relax and have a firm pressure. Massage Envy also paid for me to be certified in Hot Stones Massage and now I am doing about 4 of these sessiona a week. Also paid my full registration to the World Massage Conference as they are the Global Sponsor. Over 70 CEU's can be obtained there. Also a Sponsor for the World Massage Festival in Berea, KY June 17-21, 2010. www.worldmassagefestival.com. Check them out as they have the best prices on CEU's.

Today's Blog: Why would you work in a spa?

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/01/why-would-you-work-in-sp...

I have been getting so many questions on how to choose a massage school.
Here's by blog:
http://massageschoolsinnorthcarolina.blogspot.com/

Thanks everyone! I have so much to think about now, lol. Daniel, thanks for helping me put the move into perspective. My massage instructor is from Nebraska and he said he'd help me with whatever I needed to get going there, but there is still alot to hash out with the better half. It's still a year and a half away anyways, so anything could happen! I could have a booming private practice here in Houston by then, lol! Mike, I do plan on adding more tools. There's just so much out there to learn, :o). DT and Sports will be what I want to start with. I definitle want to learn Thai, NMT, MFR, and so many others. I figured if I was going to start somewhere, it'll be with those 2. Darcy, thank you again with the feedback for Massage Envy. From what I've heard, it may not be a bad place to get alot of experience, fast. There would be so many types of people walking through the doors, it would be a great learning experience. The only thing I would worry about, as you pointed out, is the Clients not wanting to be with a Male therapist. I've been suprised at how many people will actually let me give them a massage now, so I'm hoping that translates to success later in business. We'll see though. Thanks again, everyone, for the great feedback! It is much appreciated!

Ryan,
Don't even project the clients not wanting a male. Keep it EXTREMELY professional and I have found that once people have a male therapist who is skilled they prefer them in many instances. Male therapists do well in the medical/sports arena too. Many start out in a gym or with a chiropractor. Keep the faith. You will be great! The fact that you are concerned now, shows me you will be successful

You are so welcome Ryan. hang in there. All the answers will come in due Time.

Just another question before I head off to bed. What types of businesses will hire a newly licensed therapist? Good night everyone.

Massage Envy will. They do an interview process and also a hands on practical that is a full body massage in 50 minutes.

Ray,
First let me say you are welcome , I hope I was able to help. Now, in answer to your question as to who is going to hire a "newbie", I wouldn't worry about that, just be the best you can and learn all you can. If you are good you will have no problem, I would think. My school has a 90% placement record, so I am not worried about where I'll work. As far as clients not wanting to go to a male therapist my answer is that there are a lot that do. Just keep it professional, and they will be there. That's just how I look at it. I have a long way to go myself, but I think I have worked these things out in my mind, "No worries". I wish you the best of luck Ray in what ever you decide to do...........Dan

Ray, Listen to Dan, Rick and everyone else.
Spas also hire males, chiropractors like to have them work side by side and private practice is also an option.

Today's Blog: Creating a fund raiser to build our business

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/01/creating-fund-raiser.html

Today's Blog: In honor of a former student of mine! A successful Practice

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/01/successful-practice.html

Thanks again for the feedback everyone! I signed up for a deep tissue class at school for next sunday and the following sunday after that. I'm also hoping to take a MFR class that's being offered in March and there's also a Fibromyalsia class in April that interests me as well. We'll see how those go, but I'm really looking forward to them. We also start clinicals next week and I'm really pumped up about that! I'll take ya'lls advice and learn as much as I can and let my abilities do the talking. I'm really am glad I found this wonderful website. It's nice to have such great feedback from Therapists that are so well established and well known.

Ray, glad to help, but let me set you straight. I am not by no means well established or well known (yet), I am a "newbee" that's a little older that's all. I have a long way to go myself. I think its great you are taking the extra classes, you can't beat a good education. I go back to school Monday after semester break. After 2 weeks I'm ready to get back into things. Take care my friend!

Today's Blog: Looking for a massage or esthetics program? I recommend the newest comprehensive and innovative trainings at Privai

http://privai.blogspot.com/2010/01/careers-in-massage-and-esthetics...

Thanks for the group.......all the best to new therapists nationwide.

Today's Blog: Medical Massage
http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/02/what-is-medical-massage....

Does anyone rent or plan on renting an empty office space for their massage business? Pros and Cons? I'm considering something like that. I have my own pros and cons but wondered what everyone else thought.

Today's Blog : New to massage? Resources, suggestions etc.

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-to-massage-whats-nex...

Great breakdown Mike for MBlex
The breakdown of the massage questions on the MBLEx is as follows:

20-22 questions on Client assessment and treatment plans 17%

20-22 questions Benefits and affects of techniques 17%

15-17 questions on Pathology with contraindications and cautions 13%

5-7 questions on Massage History 5%

15-18 questions on Ethics, Boundaries, Laws & Regulations 13%

11-13 questions on Guidelines for Professional Practice 10%

12-15 questions on Kinesiology 11%

16-18 questions on Anatomy & Physiology 14%

for a total of 125 questions each exam

Today's Blog: Avoiding Burnout - Signs

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/02/signs-of-burnout.html

I was just told about this site where you can create a blog for yourself and have an appointment scheduler for FREE.

www.WholeVisit.com

Today's Blog: The Art of Touch

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/02/art-of-touch.html

Whoo Hoo!! Passed my National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.. Florida & Michigan's newes LMT !!!!!

Congratulations Paulina!

~

Some of my recent blog posts on attracting clients and growing your business:

Professional Massage Therapist Blog - Attracting Clients

Kris

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Today's Blog: What did you think about Go Daddy's ad on Super Bowl Sunday?
Representing the Massage Industry

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/02/representing-massage-ind...

Way to go Paulina! I passed mine in Aug and it is still one of the most exciting things I have ever accomplished. Best wishes in the future!

Massage Marketing - The Secret To An $87,500 Practice In Only 5 Months Or Less

Come visit and read part 1!

http://www.massage-marketing-solutions.com/massage-marketing-fast.html

Kevin,
building clientele requires promoting yourself. It takes a lot of time and effort.
Working F/T and building your own business has its challenges.

You may want to start working for someone first and get a following.

Today's Blog. This question comes up over and over. Students and Instructors, this is for you.

http://massagecareers.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-prepare-for-your-...

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Strange feelings and emotions running around in me....and I'm a bit grouchy.

Just finished having a late lunch with a terminally ill friend of mine. Six months ago he was the model for health and wellness. Started feeling bad, went to the doc, found out he's filled from head to toe with cancer.

Not good. We're doing our best, as is everyone he's friends with, but it's rough. Perhaps someone can begin a thread or topic on working with the terminally ill. It's not my area.

To top this off, the server we had didn't have an ounce of customer service in him. Tsk, tsk....

Got me thinking of other examples of poor customer service, thus this post.

This post is for everyone, although I thought I'd stick it in here, for those new to the massage industry. Get started on the right foot, so to speak.

Here's the deal...

I receive on a monthly basis requests from massage students still in school to assist them with surveys, interviews of current MT's, etc., etc.

I'm always happy to assist, and I do what I can with what I know.

Here's the kicker...

When you get your survey or interview complete, send a "Thank You" message to those that helped you. Send an E-mail, message on Facebook, etc., etc.

It's not hard to do and it means a lot.

The majority of folks do this, but the number who don't, in my humble opinion, is still way to high.

This alone will take you far in this massage business or industry.

Here's a link to some of my ramblings on building relationships and customer service. It needs some love now that I look at it, but there's still some good information on it.

Customer Service and Building Relationships

Thank YOU for your time.

Kris

Kris
First I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I, too had a friend that was the image of health. Never ate anything but organic, exercised daily and took supplements. Constantly watching everything. She died of heart cancer (very rare). Never would have thought that would happen to her. So, I feel for you and your friend.

I have worked with cancer and AIDS patient's. I will write something when I get back home. Flying tomorrow.

Tip for the server - not money . A note on the napkin " here's your tip , "attitude adjustment"

Prayers to you and your friend.

Thank you Kris....Your article was fantastic on how to build client relationships and how to keep them!
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I can't imagine how rough this must be for you to deal with this sudden news. I will definitely say some prayers and send healing thoughts to you and him and his family. He's going to need you now Kris, more than ever to stand by him and support him throughout his illness. I know it won't be easy but I pray that God will send you the strength you need.

Thank you all for your kindness ;)

Moving along, here's the four articles on how to grow your massage practice and earn $87,500 in 5 months.

Massage Therapist Blog

Kris

Kris, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I lost an amazing family member a few years ago to brain cancer. I know how hard this is. He too was always healthy and full of life! It was one of the hardest things we've ever been through. My heart goes out to you. Prayers for comfort!

~Ann

Glad it helps, Kevin! We are all here for you!

Register to win a $100 gift certificate off a future Live Seminar Training. A new winner each month. Go to www.massageproce.com.

Kris, i'm sorry that you are going to lose a friend. I lost a friend to pancreatic cancer a few weeks ago. Its a very painful time. Please remember to talk care of yourself and receive some healing tough.