Not What I Expected

Courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I like to be pleasantly suprised by things in life.  I can often be critical and have high expectations (mostly in my professional life...unless you ask my husband).  Because of these unrealistic expectations, I sometimes approach matters with a negative viewpoint.  I get giddy like a child when something actually lives up to or surpasses my expectations.  This happened to me today!

One of my goals this year is to read at least four self-promotion or business building books.  I am actually doing two at the same time.  I am slowly making my way through 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, while at the same time I started The Magic Touch: How to Make $100,000 per year as a Massage Therapist.  Both are great books!  I am a little slow with building a better blog...

BUT...The Magic Touch is a must read for ALL MT's!!  I read an article about the author and her book in the November/December 2010 Massage & Bodywork Magazine.  After reading the article, I was intrigued to learn more.  Not because I liked what she had to say...I was actually a bit put off by the article.  I decided that I wanted to know for myself what her book was really about, and if any of what she teaches could be applied in a rural market like southern Illinois.

I am currently about half-way through the book, and I cannot put it down.  I find it very thought-provoking.  Her perspective is not a popular or mainstream outlook on massage.  Contrary to my first impression, I find I actually connect with the author and her experiences.

So, I am curious...how many of you have read The Magic Touch: How to Make $100,000 per year as a Massage Therapist?  What is your opinion of the book?  Please let me know by taking my poll and commenting!

Massage Matters in 2011

Photo Courtesy of Filomena Scalise at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I am not fond of setting "New Year's Resolutions."  I believe that we never reach a true destination in life.  We are always travelling, always changing.  I tend to shy away from known causes of depression like resolutions.  I mean, what percentage of people actually fulfill their resolutions each year?  (Please don't actually give me this percentage, as that too could cause depression.)

I am the type of person who likes to see items checked off a list.  This empowers me and makes me feel confident.  In this spirit, I am setting goals (very specific goals) for 2011.  I have a different set of goals for my personal and professional life.  My lists of goals are realistic and fairly short.  If I achieve them early, I will make new goals.  I plan to periodically share my professional (and maybe some of my personal) goals with you.  I will then share with you the outcomes of theses goals...did I achieve the goal?, was it successful?, etc).

My first goal that I share with you is to begin reading business and personal development books.  I recently read a blog post by Linda Roisum, 2010: A Year in Books.  In this post, she lists several books that she read in 2010.  She mentioned that she tries to read one business or personal development book per month.  I know that is a goal I cannot reach...I am a mother, a wife, and an MT!  Instead, I would like to set my goal as reading 4 business or personal development books in 2011.  There are several on Linda's 2010 list that I plan to look up.  Next week, I will let you know which book I chose. 

What are your goals for 2011?

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?

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.