Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68178
CHECK OUT MASSAGEANDBODYWORK.COM FOR ADDITIONAL RESPONSES TO THIS ISSUE'S QUESTION. Every time I get new clients, I have them complete a health intake form, [then I] discuss the intake form, take their blood pressure, and perform an evaluation of their posture and specifics needs. Based on the health intake form, I report the findings to the clients. I explain to them how massage therapy can improve their overall health; then, I go back to the findings and I recommend they start a maintenance plan with me. After they have understood the value of my treatments they are happy to book again. Ian Abarzua Portland, Oregon My authentic holistic intentions toward my clients' well-being are often conveyed above and beyond providing result-oriented therapeutic bodywork, by accenting their service with oh- so-special add-ons, i.e., foot scrubs, warm oil scalp massage, reflexology, warm stones on their tummy, and/ or warm towels on their feet to enhance the bliss of being pampered. Allowing me to be a part of their personal wellness program, I find my practice reaping favorable results with the following incentives that translate to professional strategies: • 15 percent off your next visit, if booking the same day of the service • 20 percent off first-time appointment • Complimentary add-on services • 50 minutes service upgrade to 80 minutes for the price of 50 minutes • Bring a friend and receive half price for your appointment • Buy a five pack and receive a free massage I genuinely delight in celebrating my clients with as many creative and customized incentives that encourage them to keep wellness with me at the top of their list. I share effective health tips that appear to be magical to them because of the immediate results they experience, which prove to be invaluable. RHONDA L. WOODHOUSE CENTURY CITY, CALIFORNIA I am very busy with my massage and skin care practice where I work. People often complain they are not able to get an appointment with me, especially for facials, since I have one day that I do only massage. What I suggest is that they make a standing appointment with me to assure they have a spot. I let them know they can always change it if they need to. We sell a lot of packages and often have sales for them. This is always a great incentive to get clients to buy more packages and then rebook in order to use them. BARBARA BURGESS THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 31 Rebooking a client to create a relationship is the key to a successful practice. To do this, I allow an extra 30 minutes per client. We name goals, note changes since the last session, and become clear what brought the client into my studio each visit. Having all of this information prior to working allows me to check in with progress, determine my course of action, and follow up. From there, I am able to create future goals that complement the client's goal that session. For example, if my client came in with sciatic pain, I can discuss the importance of growing support for the pelvis through other areas of the body, as well as explaining the relationships of the participating muscles. By outlining what we might accomplish by addressing those areas, the client knows I am interested in her personal wellness. People seeking relief in the body do so because they are in need of change. When I suggest my strategy of change for the client, the client often returns. HEATHER CORWIN ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA It begins with a variety of things that makes them look forward to being at your facility in the first place. I ran a successful massage therapy establishment for 16 years with so many of my clients returning week after week for the entire 16 years. A few of the strategies we used were: 1. Making them feel welcome and at home with a friendly "Hello, so good to see you" as they arrived, as well as "I really appreciate you being here," as they were leaving. 2. Asking them to set future appointments before leaving the office. (Always assuming they wanted to return). 3. Providing effective, quality massage therapy sessions.