Marketing and Practice Building

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The purpose of this group is to offer massage therapists an opportunity to network regarding successfully marketing massage and practice building.
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  • Boris Prilutsky

    Dear colleagues,

    I am happy to invite you to join my group:” Medical and Sports Massage” including FREE Medical and Sports massage lessons. Not alot of practitioners in the US are familiar with Russian Medical and Sports massage as it was proposed by a Russian physician professor of medicine Anatoly Sherback . I'm happy to offer you information about this methodology as well as some additional information about me. I hope that our friendship will be pleasant and mutual beneficial. I believe in sharing knowledge. In such a case you will be able to learn from me as well as I can learn from you . If after reading information about medical and sports massage, or viewing lessons you will have any question I'm encouraging you to make comments or initiate discussion topic . In such a case my replies will be available for many to read, as well as your replies. Looking forward for great relationship.

    Best wishes.
    Boris Prilutsky

    Jul 27, 2010

  • Laurie Owen

    In case you're in need of a new website, or an upgrade, I highly recommend using WordPress. WordPress is easy to use, and means that you never have to have a Webmaster again. I have been following these FREE WordPress webinars, presented by GoForYourDream, and I recommend them highly.

    Step-by-Step WordPress Case Study Webinar Series --create and maintain your website easily. Next series starts Thu, Oct 07 This is a virtual event

    FIVE Different Stories. FIVE Distinct Needs. FIVE Info-Packed Nights of FREE WordPress Training.

    http://www.facebook.com/#!/goforyourdream

    Oct 6, 2010

  • Laurie Owen

    I just received this email from the Healing Touch community. Greg Pitstick did a training last year around this same time, which I took. It was definitely worth my time. It's all online, so you can watch it at your convenience. Though at the end he's "selling" his services, he also gives a lot of good information during the free training. I really do recommend it. You'll need to register asap. Laurie

    Dear Laurie,

    I wanted to remind you to register for the free online training event "How to Attract Clients Without Selling" being offered free to our community by Greg Pitstick and Smart Guide To Marketing.

    The online training event will be held Thursday October 21, 2010 at 9:00pm eastern time , but there are only 3 days left to register.

    *** It will only take a minute, so just click on this link to register: www.smartguidetomarketing.com/sp/ss-r-1/

    Oct 18, 2010

  • Nurit Nardi

    Has anyone been personally coached by Greg Pitstick? And if so- is it worth the investment?the thing is, even though I have many years of experience I have moved to an area saturated by therapists etc. and it has not been easy-
    I am considering working with a professional, and he sounds pretty good (but not in-expensive)-

    Thanks for your response-
    Nurit

    Nov 1, 2010

  • Laurie Owen

    As you say, he is not inexpensive. I have not made the investment, since I'm in a different place in my practice right now (working full-time and doing massage part-time.). However, much of what he says is similar to what I was doing when I had a full-time practice--only on a much higher level. I can verify that his methods work very well. I would recommend reading his book and gleaning what you can from that, and then make the decision. I have talked with a couple of Healing Touch practitioners who have used his services, and they were happy.

    Nov 1, 2010

  • Shelene Taylor

    Hello Nurit, If you are looking for some practical strategies to improve your biz and some one on one coaching from someone that started from scratch and created a multimillion dollar massage business then please contact me. I have started an association to help massage biz owners so that they don't have to go through all the hard knocks that I did. When I opened my third location in 2005 we had an influx of non massage biz owners opening franchises and I totally get the saturation feeling you are speaking of. I can be reached at shelene@iambiz.com or 520-382-8888 ext. 6.
    Would be happy to offer you a free 30 minute consult and answer any questions you have with no obligation.

    Nov 2, 2010

  • robin

    Hello,

    Starting out in a new state and have a ladies nite function to launch my business. I will be giving 10 minute chair massages.I have a 2'4' banner, gift cert. Flyers and goodies bags for give aways. Thought about a raffle and discounting first timmers. Any other good suggestions would be appreciated. I have been doing massage for 16 yrs and since moving I have to recreate the wheel sort of speak

    Thank in advance

    robin

    Nov 13, 2010

  • Karla Linden

    Hi Robin -

    I moved 2 years ago to a new state and city (Albuquerque, NM) where I did not know anyone, had very little resources to begin again with, and I had been doing massage for 20+ years previously in one place. I have to say - IT HAS BEEN GREAT! I have loved recreating myself and have built a glorious practice here. Good luck and see this as a great new opportunity!

    Nov 13, 2010

  • silvana marroche

    I will be graduating next month from massage school...anyone have any tips or advice for me? on marketing myself? thank YOU!!! xoxox S' I am in orange county, california .

    Nov 13, 2010

  • Karla Linden

    Hi Silvana - there are some awesome business books, websites and groups out there - start with your FaceBook page and work your way around! Guerilla Marketing is one of my favorite books, as well as Meagan Holub's "The Magic Touch" - check for Laura Allen's books, too. Investing in your own marketing education and finding a niche or two to work on are good places to start. For example - I primarily work with people who have been in recent auto accidents - and my second niche is pregnancy massage - I have pursued advanced training and certification in these areas. Another tip - don't discount! No one has to know how long (or short!) you have been doing massage therapy professionally. Think about who your ideal client is - and market to them specifically.
    Good luck!
    www.KarlaLinden.com

    Nov 13, 2010

  • Diana Moore

    Karla is right on about targeting your skills to your ideal client. Our blogger, Eileen Ryan, has a great post on this. Here's the link :http://www.naturaltouchmarketing.com/blog/marketing-matters/2010/02...

    Diana

    Nov 15, 2010

  • robin

    Hi John,
    What I did for the gift bags? Small candle (dollar store 6 for $1) piece of candy, business card and I am still looking for something else that might work. I will let you know what that something else might be

    Nov 16, 2010

  • Shelene Taylor

    Hi John,

    You might add samples of products that you use, for example BioFreeze is great and people love the samples to try it out. Best pricing for biofreeze is through Omega Medical or Pain Control. Good Luck!

    Nov 16, 2010

  • Harry Banek

    I gave the adults who came to downtown Evergreen for the Halloween Walk caramel-filled Ghirardelli's.

    Nov 16, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    You are invited to join this Career Opportunities group
    http://www.massageprofessionals.com/group/CareerOpportunities

    Dec 2, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    Tap into Social Networking...

    By Laura Allen
    Published in Massage and Bodywork Magazine
    Page 25-27 in the online digital edition: http://massagebodywork.idigitaledition.com/issues/7/

     

    Dec 12, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    MASSAGE SALARY SURVEY

     

    http://www.massage-career-guides.com/massage-salary-survey.html

     

    Let your voice be heard today!

     

     

    Dec 12, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    ARE YOU TENDING TO YOUR STUPID LIST?

     

    http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/managing/article/are-you-t...

    Dec 13, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    TEN TIPS TO DRIVE FOOT TRAFFIC TO YOUR BUSINESS

     

    http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/managing/article/10-tips-t...

    Dec 13, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    STORYTELLING FOR BUSINESS

     

    http://www.chrisbrogan.com/storytelling-for-business/

     

    I love Chris Brogran's blogs. I read them every day and find them very helpful. 

     

    His Storytelling blog begins...

     

    I’ve written about storytelling before. In one post, I wrote about the velocity of real time storytelling. In another, I wrote about the storyteller’s promise in presentations. In another, I wrote about at least one way that stories help your community. Stories also work well for business.

     

    STORYTELLING FOR BUSINESS

    Right off the bat, let’s accept that press releases aren’t stories (at least not necessarily). They’re just information formatted to be absorbed by a news organization. That’s okay. They’re not meant to be stories. Stories come out of a narrative that usually involves experiences, actions, and a change of state. They take place in a setting, have characters, and often have a theme about them.

    Advertising knows this. They do it often. This piece by Levi’s really moved me. It worked perfectly as a story. And that story got me interested in buying more Levi’s products, because I saw myself as part of the story. I loved what they were talking about in the story, and I was moved.

    So, how do YOU do this? And why would you?


    (click the URL to see the complete blog)

    http://www.chrisbrogan.com/storytelling-for-business/

     

    Warmly, Ariana Vincent, Ariana Institute

    Inspiring Massage Education and Wellness for the Body, Mind and Spirit

    Dec 13, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    TARGETING YOUR MARKET FOR MASSAGE ADVERTISING

     

    Here is a link to a fascinating resource from the Census Bureau that lists levels of income and other information that may be of value to you in determining where to market your massage therapy services. It is divided by city and even by block. 

     

    The URL is:  http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer?view=raceethnicity...

     

    Dec 15, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEAR'S CHALLENGES?

     

    New Marketing Labs Blog

    		Link to New Marketing Labs Blog

    What Are Your New Year's Challenges?

    Posted: 16 Dec 2010 06:00 AM PST

    resolutionWith another year sneaking into the history books, it's time to approach that annual right of passage: Determining your New Year's resolutions.

    For what it’s worth, I hate that term. The idea of making “resolutions” feels stilted and cliched, like concepts drawn up at a board meeting and then quickly forgotten.

    Why not scrap that term and find a better one? This year I’m not going to promise myself anything; I’m going to CHALLENGE myself.  It may just be a semantic change, but it’s necessary to get into the spirit of change. Face it, you don't rise to a "resolution".

    As a marketer, there is no shortage of self-imposed challenges to face.  If I’m going to provide value to the clients I work with, I’m going to always have to stay one step ahead of the competition.

    With that in mind, here are my New Year’s “Challenges”. You might share these same goals. If you do, consider these my challenges to you too.

    Write More Engaging Blog Content

    Since we’re literally on the topic, I challenge myself to overcome blogging fatigue. When it comes to blogging effectively, I suffer from the common mental block that strikes many who approach a blank sheet of paper (or screen). Blogging for business can exacerbate the problem since it turns blogging into a job, often stripping away the sense of authenticity and spontaneity that comes naturally to personal blogging. 

    Basically, if you look at your blog as a hungry beast that needs constant feeding and want to run away, you what I'm talking about.

    How can I overcome this? Prepare for a shock: I’m going to spend less time thinking and more time writing. Think of it this way: You don’t go the gym and stare at the machines.  Like many, I overestimate the time it takes to write simply because I spend the majority of their time planning out what to write rather than simply write.

    Not anymore. I know the systems for better blogging. Chris Brogan has an easy one. Hubspot has another good one. 

    Whether content is “engaging” or not depends on how much your ideas resonate with the readers. This resonance can come only if the ideas are truthful, evocative, and fresh. Don’t be concerned with forcing your ideas onto the page; just start writing and see where your keypad takes you. Worry about making better sense of it when you’ve had a change to actually read it.

    Set Agendas and Stick to Them

    We can all agree that setting goals is essential to personally and professional success. I'd like to append that by adding "reasonable" before "goals".

    Look back on the year and think about the projects you've finished. What mostly likely separated those from the failures is the amount to which you were able to achieve the basic goals rather than the big ideas. Whether you put 10 hours or 100 hours into a project; if it doesn’t go anywhere, how can you measure success?

    Some are fine with this: It's easy to set an agenda, follow an elaborate strategy, and base your sense of accomplishment on following orders blindly rather than getting results. In 2011, I challenge myself to get better results.

    Stay on Top of The Game

    Every year, it seems that it becomes more difficult to escape the noise emanating from digital media, blogs, Twitter, Facebook and the rest. As a social media marketer, I live within this noise, and am forced to find daily ways to cope with it in order to effectively consume it and provide my own expertise. I put a lot of thought into this and even wrote an earlier post on how to manage it.

    This year, I challenge myself to take it to another level. I manage my media consumption like an athlete manages a workout regimen, and the competition requires me to work hard to remain high performing.  In the past year, I’ve added Evernote into my arsenal to boost my list-making, refining my Google RSS reader to fine-tune my blog consumption, and customized my browsers and folders to perfection. Whatever I do this year, I challenge myself to find the right tools to get an even greater boost to my productivity.

    I've listed only a few personal calls to action, but that should more than enough to move forward in 2011. At the end of next year, I'll look forward to seeing how I rose to the level of these challenges and set a few more to keep me hungry in 2012.

    What are your personal and professional challenges in 2011?

    -Ben

    from New Marketing Labs Blog

     

    Dec 17, 2010

  • Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB

    There's a new page on the Ariana Institute website - Testimonials. Feel free to visit the site at http://www.arianainstitute.com/kudos.htm

    Dec 20, 2010

  • Rachel Sheard, LMT, NCTMB, CIPI

    Here's a question: I'm converting my client files from hefty 3-ring notebooks to the computer, scanning in past SOAP notes, etc, and doing new sessions on an editable SOAP form from Cheri Sohnen-Moe's website. The question: do I need to continue to hang on to the original paper files, or will keeping them scanned into the computer (using DropBox) be sufficient..?

    Dec 21, 2010

  • Rachel Sheard, LMT, NCTMB, CIPI

    Does anyone have a software program they recommend? I jumped on board with MindBody last month, but am not as thrilled as I expected to be with it by this point... just seems like the setup process is really confusing and time consuming...not sure whether I will see it through to completion.

    I just checked out the Islands Software Massage Office Professional, but it doesn't have as many features as MindBody, although seems less complicated because of that too.

    Would love to hear what's working/not working in your experience! Thanks!

    Dec 22, 2010

  • silvana marroche

    Rachel...ohhhhhh boy :) I signed up with mindbodyonline too. I have been so busy that i had to put my account on hold for a few months. until i have time to  go thru the training. yea, its kind of a pain :) BUT I have checked around and they are the best one, i think. i will be selling my products on there too. Just give it a try, i know the set up is a pain, but once its all completed i think you will really love it, as will  I :)  let me know how it goes!  Silvana www.brisil.etsy.com

    Dec 22, 2010

  • Diana Moore

    I don't know whether you have checked out Land Software, but you may want to consider it. Price wise, it is a great deal! Here's the link.

    http://www.naturaltouchmarketing.com/Software.php

    Dec 22, 2010

  • Beante Hollie

    Go with supersaas very good and easy to set-up 

    free account & low price account three products in one

    Dec 22, 2010

  • Gloria Coppola

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdPiup0Yc6Q

     

    How to Keep your clients

    Jan 12, 2011

  • Las Vegas Massage In Summerlin

    ~

     

    I'm unsure how long this has been around, but I just found out about it  ;)

     

    See who is searching for you or your massage business, if they are posting good things or bad things, etc., etc.

     

    Check it out:  Google Alerts

     

    Kris

     

    P.S. - I'm going to experiment with this, tracking keywords for my massage website. 

     

    Jan 12, 2011

  • Walt Fritz, PT

    I've used Google alerts for a year or two. I have a few different key word searches that are sent to me daily. It works quite well. It will also allow you to see the latest news on whatever you wish to track. I track all new blog and website postings for myofascial release, which keeps me up to date.

    Jan 12, 2011

  • Bill Cahalan

    http://www.theindychannel.com/news/26600519/detail.html

    Jan 25, 2011

  • Bill Cahalan

    http://www.theindychannel.com/news/26600519/detail.html

    Thought this was a concern

    Jan 25, 2011

  • Sue Heldenbrand

    Massage Therapists and holistic practitioners: list your services for free (basic listing) in my directory..listed alphabetically and by state.  I'm also a CE provider for Louisiana LMT's.

    Synergistic Healing

    Jan 25, 2011

  • Tina Holt

    Writing an article about massage marketing. Please share with new massage therapists your favorite massage marketing secret and help them grow their massage business!

    Mar 14, 2011

  • Las Vegas Massage In Summerlin

    ~

     

    How about a Massage Baby Shower?

     

    My wonderful girlfriend Angela came up with this idea  ;)

     

    Check it out:  Massage Baby Showers

     

    Kris

     

    Mar 15, 2011

  • Michael Wolfes, CLMT, CRP

    Have already done this "Massage Baby Shower" idea in my area.

    Mar 15, 2011

  • Las Vegas Massage In Summerlin

    Michael, how did it work out for you?

     

     

    Mar 15, 2011

  • Michael Wolfes, CLMT, CRP

    Have not performed any yet...meaning No Response.  :-(

    Mar 15, 2011

  • Exie Buehler

    Wow, Bill! Just checked out this link and have to say, my blood's boiling! I'm glad the city is reviewing the classification, but it would be nice if all cities moved massage to the "healthcare" section of their ordinances. As the owner of a massage facility, in my city I pay an annual fee of $200 in addition to the normal annual business registration fee of $40.  The city considers it a fee to allow my facility to exist with the 'additional use of the dept of public safety' for inspections; but I consider it a penalty.

    http://www.theindychannel.com/news/26600519/detail.html

    Mar 22, 2011

  • Alicia O'Rourke

    Are there any companies that rent massage chairs?

    Apr 11, 2011

  • Michael Wolfes, CLMT, CRP

    If you live/work close to the Massage school you graduated from, I would check with them to see if you could rent one from their inventory.

    Apr 14, 2011

  • Las Vegas Massage In Summerlin

    I've written a new blog post on attracting clients and getting them to re-book with us.  As I'm in the midst of re-creating my massage business, what I list here is what I'm currently doing.  It's a bit long, so I'll just link to my massage website.

     

    Attracting Massage Clients

     

    Kris

     

    Jul 20, 2011

  • Heather Wakefield

    Hi. Just a note...Looking at these photos of you all- I would start with an updated professional photo. Do not under estimate what spending a few dollars on a pro photo and having a quick retouch done can do for your professional image. Some of them are great but the majority could use a new one. As a pro photographer who does celebrities and head shots- I recommend having a new head shot done every 3 years. Keep it on your biz card so people know who you are- The shot should be simple, clean and just your head and shoulders in a  good lighting environment with a decent camera. Does not need to be a studio shot- natural light is beautiful if thats more your style- but should be professionally done to show you in your best light. Then use the  'new age' or whatever visual you have be secondary or on the back- if it really identifies you- otherwise leave it for decor in your office waiting room. Also developing a unique logo can be crucial to people remembering you.

    Jul 20, 2011

  • Elizabeth Christensen

    I joined the chamber and volunteered chair massage at local community events ($1 per minute if it was a paid event) but mostly just free or for tips.

    I have my name on my truck too.

    handed out coupons.

    am having a great start and getting my name out.

    hope this helps

     

    Aug 27, 2011

  • Gina Best

    Hello
    My name is Gina. I am a travel agent and massage therapist.
    I am setting up a group trip for licensed massage therapist that are looking to learn the Lomilomi technique in Hawaii this May 2012.
    The course is 4 days in Hawaii and is credited NCBTMB. If you want more information, I will send a flyer to those that want it. I have also started a new facebook page to post information, classes and anything else therapist want to share. = fb name informed massage therapist

    Gina Best
    girlytravel@gmail.com
    508-521-9668

    Oct 21, 2011

  • David Burrows

    Have people used professional coaching to build their practice successfully. Who did they use?  who do you recommend?

    Jan 8, 2013

  • Rachel Sheard, LMT, NCTMB, CIPI

    I have had the benefit of a lot of free time on my hands early in my career and learned quickly that I needed to market myself well. I haven't paid for any coaching, but take advantage of marketing/coaching specialists' free newsletters, webinars, etc. Names I recommend: Jeanna Gabellini, Robert Middleton, and (though I feel I've outgrown need for her to be in my email inbox anymore, I do follow on Twitter:) Stacy Karacostas. There may have been others along the way, but those are the ones I still stick with. Some are just ... annoying/not very helpful. The launching point for my marketing was reading Guerrilla Marketing in 30 Days by Jay Conrad Levinson. 

    Jan 9, 2013

  • Rachel Sheard, LMT, NCTMB, CIPI

    Oh and Irene Diamond--a CA LMT--of course!

    Jan 9, 2013

  • Kathryn Nowotarski

    Hello group :)  I just wanted to introduce myself.  My name is Katie Nowotarski.  I am an LMT in Reading, PA and new to this site.  Although I was licensed last January, I was unable to practice as I became pregnant not too long after being licensed and was sick throughout.  Now I have a happy and healthy 2 week old little girl.  I am pursuing doing mobile massage as I cannot afford my own space yet.  Does anyone have any tips regarding this type of practice?  I know there are obviously some safety concerns that accompany travelling to clients' homes, offices, etc.  So I was curious to hear some feedback on this.  Thank you very much.    

    Jan 12, 2013