Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68009
SEATED SOLUTION Your Portfolio Presentation is everything when you're introducing yourself to a corporation's managers. Your professional portfolio shows you've done your research and you're ready to contribute to employee wellness. * Purchase a quality binder and only include pristine copies of your materials. * For the front cover, a quality photograph of you performing seated massage would work nicely, or utilize one of the many beautiful pictures featuring bodywork (not a lot of skin) available online. * The first page should be a letter, an introduction, or your resume. * The next pages are your clearance credentials, any and all licensing and security or health screenings required in your area, including proof of liability insurance. You may want to include a sample intake form, if applicable. * Include your relevant diplomas in clear, protective pockets. The first diploma on display is for seated massage. However, in my neighborhood you do not need to have a certificate in seated massage to practice. Check the specific requirements in your area. * Have at least one article or newsletter verifying the health benefits of massage therapy—something that applies to the workplace. Keep an extra copy or two on hand to leave with your potential on-site executives. * Include a few letters of praise from clients. Start collecting them now, if you haven't already. * Bring a blank sign-up sheet. You never know, they might want you to start right away. will disburse your product as widely as possible, thus meeting your first marketing objective, client referral. SEATED MASSAGE WITH A SPA MIND-SET You don't have to miss out on the joy of providing a luxurious, pampering massage. Bring the spa to your clients. This will set your seated massage apart from all the rest and make it absolutely irresistible. Most offices feature a conference room. This is an ideal spot in which to work. You can transform it into cloud nine for your clients while working with the space available. Here are my top picks. Work with a fresh cut flower (be mindful of allergies) or slices of lemon or orange floating in an attractive bowl. I always use aromatherapy with a lightly scented cloth, immaculately white and neatly folded over the face cradle bar. I restrict my aromatherapy to citrus, lavender, or vanilla. A small, portable sound dock and iPod provide soft background music. In an environment where music cannot be used, I offer headphones (for hygiene's sake, use the kind that don't go into the ears). The massage itself does not have to be unadorned. I almost always use a back warmer and occasionally hand warmers as well. Sore hands are common in an office. Because of time constraints, I offer hand warmers by request, gently reminding clients that an extended hand massage takes away from another aspect of the massage. Slide the warmer onto your client right when he or she sits down and later your praises will be sung throughout the office. Along with an outstanding seated massage, these luxuries will transport your clients to a realm far beyond the aggravations of the workplace. Extra touches include: a bowl for jewelry 62 massage & bodywork july/august 2009