Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/465652
DS 3 Different Strokes is published by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals 800-458-2267 expectmore@abmp.com ABMP.com Karrie Osborn, editor, karrie@abmp.com James Sutherlin, senior graphic designer, james@abmp.com Jean Robinson, government relations director, jean@abmp.com New ABMP Webinar Series Join Massage & Bodywork columnist Douglas Nelson for a free, fi ve-part webinar on: BEST ADVICE Visit www.abmp.com/events/list for more information, or fi nd the archived webinars at www.abmp.com/members/career_development_continuing_education_center.php Precision Neuromuscular Therapy January 28: "Form and Function" February 25: "Low Back and Thoracic Spine" March 25: "Upper Extremity" April 22: "Lower Extremity" May 20: "Head and Neck" No matter what stage you are in your career, there are always hiccups and challenges along the way. How you handle those challenges can determine your success. Here are some tips from longtime therapists who've weathered the storm. Find more tips from successful therapists in the January/February 2015 issue of Massage & Bodywork ("The Successful Massage Therapist," page 56). Read the digital edition at www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/434495/58. • "Know how many massages you can effectively do in a day," says Colorado massage therapist and educator Clint Chandler. "I schedule people on the hour because I do better when I have momentum going. Some people need breaks. Figure your own schedule that's conducive to your clients' success." • "Consider what's best for the client," say Alma and Ken Carroll, whose 43-year career includes practicing at an elite California tennis facility. "Our business turned a corner when we abandoned the concept of clients getting a whole-body massage and became open to spot therapy work." • "Follow up with clients," says Prema Lindsay Smith, who has been practicing in Michigan for 42 years. "With fi rst-time clients, I like to follow up with a telephone call or text in 24– 48 hours to evaluate their response to the session." ABMP BizFit Tip Make sure you schedule time each week to market your practice. Sure, it's easier to say, "I'll get to that," and you might, but actually scheduling marketing time into your weekly calendar makes it real. Use this time to strategize, implement new ideas, or get out into the community. Research upcoming neighborhood events and evaluate if there is a place for massage. Update your website and social media sites. Write a newsletter (or better yet, use ABMP's free Online Client Newsletter generator) or check in with absentee clients. A little each week goes a long way. F r e e m u s i c d o w n l o a d s f o r C e r t i f i e d m e m b e r s : 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 57 The Successful The Successful Massage Therapist Massage Therapist What it takes to create a lifelong career By Karrie Osborn What constitutes professional success in the field of massage and bodywork? Is it a six-figure income? Is it a collaborative partnership with the medical community? Is it professional fame? Only the individual therapist can define what success means in these terms. But success measured by longevity is much less subjective. A therapist who stays comfortably in practice for decades has clearly found a successful path: it's impossible to fake a 40-year career. So, what does it take to achieve professional longevity? Let's hear from some longtime massage therapists and bodyworkers who have paid their dues, found great success, and collectively helped thousands of people live a healthier, pain-free life. How did they get there? Tips for Success