Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72343
COOPERATIVE COMPETITION Regardless of the motivation for the misdeeds of these therapists, the bottom line is that they are all actions in which the philosophy of holistic healing—that each of us is a part of, and has an effect on, the whole— was simply not being followed. Though I am definitely not perfect, I have always tried to assist others in our profession—to help them connect the dots, improve themselves, or find the resources to become successful. I am a big believer in what I call cooperative competition: I think there is enough work, knowledge, and clientele to go around, and I believe that by helping each other succeed, we can all move forward together and prosper as a profession. LEARNING THE HARD WAY This mission and belief toward cooperative competition didn't come out of nowhere, as I taught and trained others professionally even before I became a massage therapist—first as a figure skating instructor, then as a waitstaff and restaurant trainer. My transition into massage therapy did not change this aspect of my personality. Instead, it actually allowed for even greater opportunities to share my knowledge, and increased my desire to see people around me—including clients, students, and colleagues— succeed. After being part of a very nurturing, supportive group in massage school, I really expected that other massage therapists would also think like this and would help me in the ways that I craved and needed. Sadly, my first work experience as a massage therapist taught me that not everyone in the field was supportive of others. My two coworkers were—at least in my newcomer's eyes—seasoned industry veterans with tremendous knowledge, experience, and a stable of loyal, regular clients. I really looked up to and admired them and wanted to learn from their wisdom so I could be as successful as they were. But, in my new workplace, it quickly became apparent that my presence as a new and eager therapist was seen as a threat. After a few grueling weeks of work and getting my "massage legs," when I approached them about trading massage, both were evasive at best, telling me they already traded with other people or didn't have time to help me. But I could see the truth— they looked at me as competition, someone who might steal their ideas, techniques, and clients. After being put-off and feeling quite snubbed, I vowed then and there to help others in the field— students and seasoned therapists alike—so that they would never feel the way I did in those early days. BUILDING A NETWORK Initially, I started getting to know others in the area by trading with therapists I looked up in the phone book and called out of the blue. Many had no connection to my school or workplace at all but were willing to get together with me at least once. During our sessions, we'd often share feedback on each other's work and ideas to improve our practices or techniques. We'd also share stories about difficult clients, challenging work situations, and career opportunities that might be of interest to one another. One of my favorite people to trade with was Kay. Though she had been in practice much longer than I, she was always willing to exchange with me and made me feel like she was learning as much from me as I did from her. It was an incredible confidence booster for me as a new therapist to have her "on my team" and the beginning of a long, meaningful friendship for both of us. Though she died a few years ago, I can still hear her telling me how effective my work on her subscapularis muscles was, and I think of her often when I am doing massage. I still use some of the techniques she taught me and am forever grateful for her support and friendship. Later, as my own practice blossomed, I became known as the local expert on marketing and growing a massage business. Many of the people I had traded with in those early days sought me out and, because they had been there when I needed them, I willingly helped them all. In turn, this brought even more good fortune into my life and business. In addition to numerous speaking, teaching, and writing opportunities, my acts of cooperative competition also brought a constant stream of incredible people who wanted to work in my massage practice and, later, my day spa. Without the support of the massage therapists and other related professionals I've met, traded with, and helped, my own businesses would not have been as successful. My career-long investment of practicing cooperative competition has paid off again and again … and continues to do so. It will for you, too. WHERE TO BEGIN? There are countless ways to get involved in supporting your profession (and, in turn, yourself ). Some of them may seem more obvious than others in terms of payoffs and rewards, and some may be a better fit for your personality or situation than others. What they all have in common is that they can benefit you and others in your local, state, or universal community of massage therapists, as well as the clients we all serve. 56 massage & bodywork november/december 2011