Money Matters

Maintaining very clear financial records is one of the most important things a Massage Therapist has to do in addition to treating clients.  When you read this sentence, I am sure that many of you chuckle and see the humor...most MT's do not want to spend their time focusing on money, budgeting, balancing the checkbook, etc.  However, that can be the downfall of a MT's practice.

It is important to have a well thought out financial plan.  I recommend planning monthly.  At the beginning of each month, look at your financial situation.  Look back at your average monthly income and at this particular month in years past.  Then, check your supplies and look at the cost of your utilities.  Budget the appropriate amounts needed to run your practice.  At this point, it is important to remember to budget your paycheck!  As therapists, we are often passionate about our practice and overlook planning for our own needs.  Next, you can implement whatever marketing strategy you would like for the month on a strictly budgeted amount.

If you begin a monthly routine similar to this, it will be easy to stay financially aware.  Setting aside time to financially plan for the month is not a waste of time...it may actually make you money!

The End is Near

Courtesy of Gruar Codrin @ freedigitalphotos.net

That's right, I'm talking about the end of 2010!  As any business owner or independent contractor knows, there is a lot to be done at year's end...  Of course, there is the typical paperwork and prep for tax time...but what else should we be doing at the end of the year? 

Do any of you take the time to reflect on the year you have completed?  It makes good personal and business sense to think back over your accomplishments (and failures) through the year.  Make note of what has worked for you and what hasn't.  Then...Ouch, this is the hard part...You need to apply it to the next year!

Here are some thoughts to get you started...

Has your massage practice grown in 2010?
Would you like your practice to continue to grow?
Do you utilize social networking?
Do you have an effective website?
Has someone helped you build your practice?  If so, can you give back in any way?
Is there someone who can help you build the resources you need to succeed?
Have you planned your continuing education goals for 2011?
What marketing projects worked well in 2010, and do you plan to use them again in 2011?

It is a good idea to map out your marketing strategy for the new year ahead of time.  Look back on what promotions you did this year.  Were they successful?  If so, put them on the calendar for 2011.  If not, do they need minor adjustments to be successful, or should you put your energy into a new idea?

Last, be thankful for the year...the good and the bad...and grow from all the lessons you have learned!

If anyone needs help planning their massage practice for 2011, please contact me.  I will be happy to help!

How's Your Health?

                                                                                           Photo: © Bob Stockfield
                                                               Courtesy: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

I was reading the most recent issue of Massage Today Magazine, and it had an article on the front page that immediately caught my eye.  The title of the article is Moving Beyond Fibromyalgia, and it is written by Debbie Roberts, LMT.  In the article, Debbie speaks about her diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, along with her exploration, discoveries and treatments. 

See, Debbie and I have a lot in common.  I was also diagnosed with Fibromyalgia at a young age (24 years old).  I struggle most with chronic and debilitating fatigue.  I am lucky, because I don't experience the frequent periods of pain...but I do experience the pain from time to time.  I have this battle with the fatigue on a daily basis.  Most of the time, I can work through it...but there are times when it gets the best of me (more often than I would like to admit!).  

So, this post is not about gaining sympathy for my health problems.  I know that I am not the only MT who battles with health issues.  I want to hear from you!  Let's lift each other up with encouragement.  Let's remind one another how important it is to take care of our own bodies, so that we can be an example to clients who look to us for guidance and relief.  

Do you have health issues?  Do they affect your Massage Therapy practice?  How do you overcome these obstacles?