Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/135515
TeN FoR TodAY 5. $ 15 7. .0 0 book and foLLoW up Full Slate onlinescheduling software lets therapists control the duration of appointments. If you're providing chair massage at a corporate site, for example, employees can see exactly what 15- or 30-minute appointments are open and reserve one. "You can also send a reminder in advance or follow up with a link to schedule a 60-minute massage at your salon for 10 percent off," says Bill Lange, cofounder of Full Slate. 6. traCk reCords Software programs can also help you keep accurate records of chair massage, even with quick turnaround time between appointments. The web-based service Bodywork Buddy includes online scheduling, and also SOAP notes, gift certificate and package tracking, income and expense reports, text and email reminders, and automatic testimonial collection. "It can help keep your massage practice organized all in one place," says Cindy Iwlew, cofounder of Bodywork Buddy. aCCept Cards at your Chair Even if you're operating out of a makeshift booth, you can attach a card reader to your smartphone, swipe a transaction, capture your client's signature, and email a receipt, all in a matter of seconds. "Some people say they don't want to take credit or debit cards because of the transaction fee," says Dave Garboski, president of the mobile card-processing company CellCharge. "If you get one extra customer a day because you take credit cards, it offsets that fee." 8. go MobiLe Your mobile device can also hold important resources. For example, the AnatomyMapp app has musculoskeletal anatomy and palpation images from the book Trail Guide to the Body. Linda Lee, marketing director of the app's producer, Books of Discovery, views it as ideal for chair-massage therapists. "You may be working on the area around the scapula, and you can show the client an image of the muscles," Lee says. "And, if a client comes along with something you haven't seen in a while, it's a great refresher." 9. Create a LoyaLty prograM Employing tactile marketing tools can turn chair massage clients into repeat customers. "Loyalty cards are a great way to keep clients coming back," says Kaitlin Ambrogio, associate public relations manager for Vistaprint. Consider investing in promotional products, too. "By switching out your normal bag for a branded tote, you've immediately become a walking advertisement," Ambrogio says. 10. take advantage of abMp MeMbership Don't forget that www.abmp.com has resources to help members grow their chair-massage businesses. "We have wonderful, customizable marketing materials you can brand with your name and contact information," says Jenny Good, ABMP director of member development. Among them: a newsletter generator; a brochure called "About Seated Massage" that can be distributed at chair-massage events; and downloadable chair-massage guidelines and release forms. Members can also enjoy discounts for companies like Full Slate, Oakworks, and Vistaprint. "ABMP's Everybody Deserves a Massage Week [ July 14–20] is a great time to set up a chairmassage event," Good says. Rebecca Jones is a tenured Massage & Bodywork freelance writer. She lives and writes in denver, Colorado. Contact her at killarneyrose@comcast.net. www.abmp.com. See what benefits await you. 27