Massage & Bodywork

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2016

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my practice. That or the dark chocolates I offer! Every detail is important: the quality of linens, the comfort of the table and head cradle, the temperature of the room and table, keeping your space clean and uncluttered. After their session, I follow up with thoughts and suggestions by email. DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR OTHER THERAPISTS REGARDING HANDLING FINANCES? KF: When possible, allow the experts in their respective fields to assist you with the money topics that are not your expertise. If you cannot afford that, find an easy solution such as QuickBooks, which will enable you to learn the basics and continue to spend time on what you love to do the most: massage therapy. HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE TECHNOLOGY IN THE WAY YOU MARKET AND MANAGE YOUR PRACTICE? KF: We LOVE technology! We use MassageBook for our scheduling and SOAP-noting software, QuickBooks for accounting, an online answering system for phone calls, Google Drive for all our documents and spreadsheets, etc. CG: I have never thought of myself as tech savvy, but it's important for any business owner to have some sort of internet/social media presence, and it's not as difficult as I thought. I have two websites and a Facebook business page where I'll post inspirational quotes or links to my blog or other relevant information. I also have a MailChimp email newsletter, and when someone new signs up for my email list from my website, they get a free gift, which is a short ebook I wrote. HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CLIENTS BETWEEN APPOINTMENTS? JML: I communicate in two ways: first, I send one or two email blasts per month through Full Slate. I am always respectful of keeping my communications brief and focused, but I also like to throw in a little sense of humor. We all need a good laugh! Second, I maintain a Facebook business page that I update with relevant postings about my practice or education and awareness postings that I think will help the reader. Through Facebook, I sometimes run an online-only campaign using the Rafflecopter app to promote my business. I ran a successful St. Patrick's Day giveaway raffle and asked individuals to post something about this celebration, like a good Irish joke or blessing, and the randomly selected winner won a 90-minute massage. I also ran a campaign to celebrate Earth Day—the winner received a massage, and I contributed money toward a charitable organization of their choice. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILL OR TRAIT THERAPISTS NEED TO BE A SUCCESSFUL SOLE PROPRIETOR? KF: I would say listening skills, empathy, boundaries, and self-care are all important. JML: All the skills that will always be relevant, no matter your age or social media savvy: being professional, good at time management, courteous, and present. And get comfortable with marketing yourself! visit abmp.com 24 m a s s a g e & b o d y w o r k s e p t e m b e r / o c t o b e r 2 0 1 6 I have never thought of myself as tech savvy, but it's important for any business owner to have some sort of internet/ social media presence, and it's not as difficult as I thought. Catherine Gregory

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