Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/296580
7. ONLINE INDUSTRY FORUMS While online networking lacks the personal touch of face-to-face events, it casts a much wider net. LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) is by far the largest professional networking website, with more than 250 million users. ABMP's LinkedIn group alone has 15,000 members, most of whom are massage therapists or bodyworkers. Massageprofessionals.com, an online forum moderated by ABMP with more than 15,000 members, provides a similar service, as do the various massage therapy groups on Facebook. All, to varying degrees, allow users to engage in conversations with others in the profession, post and read blogs, join subgroups, and read industry-related news. "There's a lot of discussion that goes on in these online groups," says Herman, who moderates ABMP's online presences. Joining moderated groups can help you avoid spam, and there are groups out there for virtually every interest area. 8. MINDBODY EXCHANGE Online relationships with other health-care professionals can really boost referrals. One such platform for this is Mindbody Exchange (www.mindbodyexchange.com), an interactive complementary and alternative health-care site. Launched in 2013, the site quickly grew to encompass more than 20,000 practitioners. "We provide a platform for integrative health practitioners to collaborate with doctors, patients, and consumers," says Gina TEN FOR TODAY Rebecca Jones is a tenured Massage & Bodywork freelance writer. She lives and writes in Denver, Colorado. Contact her at killarneyrose@comcast.net. Perrault, strategic partner manager for Mindbody Exchange. "Practitioners are able to list their practices and market their services for free, enabling them to gain exposure while also tapping into an existing base of consumers who trust Mindbody Exchange to verify and maintain up-to-date credentials. The platform also serves as a networking tool for practitioners to connect with one another and share business growth strategies," she says. 9. WELLNESS CONFERENCES Attending conferences is an excellent way to make contacts. Across the country, plenty of organizations promote healthy lifestyles at events that are tailor-made for massage therapists. In Colorado, for example, Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) regularly hosts conferences for individuals in any profession who are focused on health, the environment, personal development, sustainable living, and social justice. "We've identified the 'conscious consumer group' out there, who has the mind-set of the early adopter, the person who wants to find things in line with their personal values," says Ted Ning, principal at LOHAS. "We have different events where we bring in businesses who cater to this consumer, which includes 13–18 percent of the United States. By attending these events, you can meet lots of business leaders." 10. NEARBY BUSINESSES Networking needn't be limited to professional colleagues. Geography can also be a potent networking tool. For example, a massage studio located in a strip mall might partner with other businesses in the same location to promote each other's services. "You can work with them to cross-merchandise items," suggests Stephanie Beck, online and social media marketing expert and author of Social Trigger Points (CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2013). "Maybe the massage therapist can offer clients a treat from the coffee shop next door, and coffee shop customers can enter a drawing for a free massage. It's cross-promotion." I t p a y s t o b e A B M P C e r t i f i e d : w w w. a b m p . c o m / g o / c e r t i f i e d c e n t r a l 25