Will You Be My Friend?

A network...a support system...people with whom you can share ideas and information. 

In my blog poll last week, 67% said you have a large network of fellow MT's, leaving 33% who do not.  (I'm giggling to myself because these numbers sound so official, but I really only had 3 voters.  Hey, that is 3 voters more than I expected!)  So, for the 33% who do not have a large network of fellow MT's, it is very important to build that network.  I will be happy to help you.  For the 67% who already have a large professional network, do you rely on them for anything specific?  Do you connect with the therapists in your network often?

Why do we need a support structure comprised of fellow MT's?  In rural areas specifically, aren't fellow therapists our competition?

Well, connecting regularly with other therapists can help you maintain perspective, give you new business ideas, inspire you, or recharge your passion for helping others.  Networking with therapists in your local area may seem counterproductive, but once again...we are from Southern Illinois, and that makes us special!  Seriously, when you live and work where the market requires atypical consideration, regular contact with other local therapists can benefit you both.  It does require a specific frame of mind...where you are aware that each party wants/needs to benefit themselves, yet each party brings something beneficial to the relationship.

In addition to your local network, it is helpful to connect with therapists throughout the state and across the country.  The Midwest is generally known to be the last place to pick up on trends, including health information.  However, in the world of Massage Therapy, Illinois is a hub of activity.  Northern Illinois is home to the AMTA Illinois chapter and the Massage Therapy Foundation.  Both organizations work diligently to bring recognition and validation to our profession.  The Massage Therapy Foundation funds research to prove the effectiveness of massage, which paves the way for massage recognition in the medical community.  These are two organizations that provide a lot of opportunities for MT's.  What better way to network than to become involved with one or both? 

If you don't plan to volunteer with these associations, at least keep up to date with the massage community.  Check the Massage Therapy Foundation website regularly and read up on the latest research.  Use Facebook to connect with other therapists and group pages associated with your specialized modalities.  Read the blogs I have listed on my blog watch.  There are many opportunities available to MT's who remain current with news in the "massage world."  I invite you to network with me.  I also encourage you to make local connections.  Become informed and aware!

Why Be So Critical?

Has anyone else noticed that a lot of Massage Therapists are very critical towards their colleagues?  I try to keep up with a lot of reading...blogs, magazines, research, etc.  I have noticed recently that there is a lot of criticism and negativity from Massage Therapists who are writing towards their target audience.  In many ways, I understand where the negativity comes from.  Our profession is working diligently to show the world just how important our work is in the realm of alternative health care.  Proving our worth requires Massage Therapists (MT's) to hold themselves to high standards of quality therapy, excellent education and savvy business skills.  Don't get me wrong...I truly believe that MT's SHOULD be held to very high standards of practice!  I think that is a hot button issue with any MT who does quality work and competes with others who do not.  It is also difficult to be a quality MT and hear horror stories from your clients about negative experiences they have had.  But I feel that we should encourage one another to uphold and strive toward these standards in positive ways. 

I guess what I am trying to say is...instead of assuming other MT's do not want to be quality therapists, maybe we should assume they need help in doing so.  Then, let's actively work to help one another become better, more educated MT's.

 Maybe I live in a world of sunshine, rainbows and butterflies (aka...denial)...but I want to see us support one another and work together as we fight this battle to validate our profession.