Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/70551
unrelated slashes, such as dog grooming and bodywork. (Unless you practice pet massage!) Doing so may come across as unprofessional to both groups of clients. Be strategic about what you share and how you share it. "As a multicareer professional, you are building networks and communities that may not intersect," Hunter says. Mention other slashes briefly, then refocus the conversation on the relevant role. With a thoughtful self-presentation, you can be both approachable and appropriate. If your slashes reflect distinct products and services that appeal to different groups of customers, you'll need to craft a unique brand for each one. "That means a customized version of your resume for each role, along with separate business cards, brochures, and websites," Greenstreet says. Clients need to feel comfortable with what you're offering. Social media sites like LinkedIn may be different. "In that case, you are primarily in a community with other professionals," Hunter says. "I recommend proudly sharing your slash career. It's who you are." Celebrate your diverse interests—just be clear about the lines between them. REVISIT AND REVISE "One hallmark of a slash life is constant tinkering and tweaking," Alboher says. "You evolve at the same time as the world around you is evolving, and you need to respond to both of those things." Nurturing a slash career is a lot like tending a garden. You'll plant a lot of seeds. Some will flourish; others will wither or go out of season. Dormant opportunities will all of a sudden turn green again. You may need to prune or rearrange slashes to maximize engagement and earnings. Periodic review is crucial. "The slash strategy that works well for you now may not fit in six months or a year," Greenstreet says. It's easy to get focused on doing the work and lose sight of whether you're achieving your longer- term goals. Greenstreet suggests slashers write down projected milestones and schedule time to analyze their results on a monthly basis. Once a year, a more thorough review and revision is in order. Invest one or two full days in reflection and planning to ensure you proceed with a clear sense of direction and commitment. Although slashing may seem like a solitary endeavor, it helps to have other people in your corner. You may want to bounce ideas off a career coach or a friend. Putting your wishes and worries into words—spoken or written—can reveal limiting beliefs, dissatisfactions, and directions you'd like to move. Formalized, career-focused "mastermind groups" offer ongoing accountability, encouragement, and inspiration, Greenstreet says. Find the right group for you online or start a group of your own. DON'T SLASH SELF-CARE "People who've figured out how to add slashes to their lives are an incredibly fulfilled bunch, both in what they think of as work and in what they think of as life," Alboher says. Of course, it is easy to overdo it when trying to balance all that comes with slashing. Take regular breaks from the physical and mental demands of work. "Good stress management is good for business," Hunter says. Eat well, stay fit, and get plenty of rest. More work isn't always better. It's OK to eliminate slashes that fail to return a profit, feel disconnected from your passions, or sap your energy. "Remember, you have the alternative of pouring your energy into another role," Hunter says. Endless opportunities come to those who keep growing. Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD, is a personality psychologist/writer/ military spouse who has worked as an educator, small business development consultant, and leadership coach. She writes about business, parenting, and people skills and is studying Russian to prepare for her next big adventure. Learn more at www.heidiluedtke.com. Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 69