Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72195
'ROUND THE TABLE From the very beginning, I realized that my clients were powerful salespeople, knowledgeable consultants, and discerning buyers who would help sell, promote, and improve my business if I would just ask. My most successful marketing tool so far has been Business Networking International. It is a referral-based networking group devoted to the philosophy that "givers gain." This appealed to me on many levels and since massage therapy thrives on referrals, it was a no-brainer. I have only been involved for five months and so far can attribute about 25 percent of my income to this group. I would recommend it to all bodyworkers. CASSANDRA HAGGERT LARGO, FLORIDA My best marketing tool by far is my motto: "Results guaranteed or you pay nothing!" I stand by all of my work, meaning if my client doesn't like me, the massage, the environment, my professionalism, or simply didn't get the results he or she expected, the session is complimentary. This gains instant trust from clients and helps them realize they have nothing to lose by choosing my service. Most people are pleasantly surprised by my guarantee, and I have never had to give away a session as a result of it. A very simple, yet effective marketing tool. DAWN BURKS MARY ESTHER, FLORIDA As a Pilates instructor and owner of a studio in Rhinebeck, New York, I can definitely say that my best marketing tool is word of mouth. When satisfied clients tell their friends about the studio or buy gift certificates for people who have never tried Pilates, I feel great knowing that they are spreading the word that they love Pilates and my studio. For me, its like free advertising, but more importantly, word of mouth is more meaningful than a newspaper ad. ELAINE EWING RHINEBECK, NEW YORK My best marketing tool is getting out and networking face to face— educating groups of people all at once. I am a member of Business Networking International and it paid for itself in three months of my membership. It gives me a chance to do a 60-second commercial once a week for 30-plus people who go out and help me sell my business. I also get to do a 10-minute presentation about massage three times a year. This has been a very profitable marketing tool and one I would highly recommend for others. TRICIA L'ABBE BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS My best marketing tool has become my embroidered scrubs. They are professional looking, comfortable to wear, and have my name and "Certified Massage Therapist" embroidered on them. No matter when or where I have them on, I keep business cards in the pocket, because someone will definitely ask me questions about my services. I've acquired many new clients who have become regulars this way. The cost was minimal and very effective compared to other options. TONI MAURICE-MILBURN FAIRFAX,VIRGINIA I have tried different marketing tools in the past to advertise what I offer as a massage therapist. I feel that word of mouth is the best way. When you talk to someone face to face and make a personal connection, it is by far most effective. First of all, I enjoy meeting new people and talking with them about what is going on with their body and life. JOELLE ARNOLD CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO The best marketing tool I've ever had has been my clients. From the very beginning, I realized that my clients were powerful salespeople, knowledgeable consultants, and discerning buyers who would help sell, promote, and improve my business if I would just ask. I asked them to suggest possible locations for my office, new services they wanted me to provide, and specific feedback on how I could make my technical and business skills better. I also asked them to help me grow my business by providing quality referrals for clients just like them. And you know what? They did! FELICIA BROWN GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA massagetherapy.com—for you and your clients 35