Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/557366
Q. WHAT ARE MY GOALS IN MY FIRST YEAR AS AN EMPLOYEE? KC: This is the time to evaluate the setting(s) you're in. Are the modalities you practice and clients you work with a fit for you? If not, it might be time to look around for a new opportunity. If yes, work on your client retention strategies. Are you actively encouraging clients to rebook with you instead of whichever therapist is available when they call? Start thinking about your career plan, too: do you want to become a lead therapist, supervisor, manager, or clinic owner? Plan the steps you'll need to take to accomplish those goals. REMEMBER TO BREATHE: 3–5 YEARS IN Now is the perfect time to check in. What's working in your career? What's not? Are you passionate about the clients you work with and the modalities you practice? Are your marketing plans up and running, and—most importantly—working? Q. I HAVE A WEBSITE, BUT HAVEN'T GOTTEN INTO SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING LIKE FACEBOOK OR TWITTER YET. DO I HAVE TO? LS: Have to? No. But it goes back to meeting your clients where they are, and what problem you are trying to solve. Do you need to build your practice, or are you pretty content with your workload and client count? The upside to getting into social media marketing: it's basically free (unless you choose to do paid advertising), and it provides a way for you to connect to your clients (and learn about them, which can help you better serve them and grow your client base). The downside: it's one more thing to do, and you've eliminated a personal boundary (no party photos). YOU'RE A REGULAR DARA TORRES: 10+ YEARS By this point, most therapists have settled into a groove with modalities, location, and clients. The questions and concerns that pop up now usually center around finding ways to keep it fresh for you and your clients so you can keep practicing for as long as you choose (FYI, Dara Torres is a 12-time Olympic medalist in swimming). Q. HOW DO I REIGNITE MY PASSION FOR MY PRACTICE? KC: Therapists in this phase of their career often feel like they're just going through the motions of running their practice. This is the perfect time to look at what you're doing with fresh eyes. Are you truly happy with where your practice is today or has it evolved into something that's comfortable and familiar, but not as fulfilling as it used to be? It's time to shake things up a bit and try something new. Look at all aspects of your practice, from your music to your modalities: what small shifts or big changes can you make to keep things interesting? Find new ways to network and connect with other practitioners and business owners in your area, too. Talking about your practice and hearing about theirs often rekindles your own spark and inspires new ideas. When all else fails, think of your clients. Remembering how grateful they are for your work and how it affects their lives can reignite your passion for the beautiful work you do. Have a question that wasn't covered here? Ask us! Email bizfit@abmp.com. We'd love to hear from you. Les Sweeney is ABMP's president and resident blogger. Contact him at les@abmp.com and read his blog on www.abmp.com. Kristin Coverly, kristin@abmp.com, is the manager of professional development at ABMP and teaches workshops for therapists and instructors across the country. Both are massage therapists with business degrees who care about you and your practice. Want more? Check out their ABMP BizFit video tips on www.abmptv.com. F r e e S O A P n o t e s w i t h M a s s a g e B o o k f o r A B M P m e m b e r s : a b m p . u s / M a s s a g e b o o k 27 BUSINESS SIDE Are you truly happy with where your practice is today or has it evolved into something that's comfortable and familiar, but not as fufilling as it used to be?