Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72343
COOPERATIVE COMPETITION information on techniques or provide demonstrations of different modalities that make everyone's work better. Attend state, regional, and national conferences and conventions. You'd be surprised how often you meet local people events away from home. Join or set up an alumni association for your school. If you still live in the area where your school is, being involved with your alumni will give you ample opportunity to connect with other therapists. You'll already have common ground and connections, so deepening your relationships with these folks should be even easier. SOCIAL NETWORKING Social networking has changed the way many of us do business and stay in touch with our clients and prospective clients. More importantly, it has opened up the lines of support, education, and communication within the world of massage therapy. As this medium has an ever-expanding number of tools, sites, and techniques for individuals and businesses alike, I am only able to scratch the surface here. The bottom line is that social media makes it instantly feasible for massage therapists to reach out and connect with one another. Here are a few social networking ideas to get you started: Join MassageProfessionals.com (or Facebook.com). Both of these well-established social networks have a number of groups available for massage therapists in general or organized by different modalities or techniques, as well as by state or region. Join LinkedIn.com to expand your local and professional network. Because this site is based on expanding one's list of contacts and is focused on business, it is also a great place to connect with other business-minded therapists. Write a blog for other therapists or contribute to the discussion on others' blogs. The beginning of many great conversations and professional friendships is on blogs written by, and for, people in our industry. I write two blogs, http://blog.spalutions.com and http://blog.spaclientele.com. I encourage you to check out these as well: blog.thrivingmassagebiz.com, www.writingabluestreak.com, and www.abmp.com/les-sweeney-blog. MENTORING AND PEER COUNSELING Different than networking, which can be done as little or as often as you like, mentoring is more of a commitment over time to a particular individual or group. While meeting or talking with these folks can be time-consuming, mentoring is a worthwhile endeavor. The information you share with those you mentor can impact them, and potentially many others, in a positive way. Sometimes just offering an encouraging word or setting an example can provide someone the inspiration needed to make a change for the better. Here are some specific ways you can be part of a mentoring/ peer counseling circle: Be available for potential therapists. Clients and other individuals may come to you seeking advice on massage training programs and the realities of the profession. By taking the time to discuss their motives and curiosities, you are in effect acting as a part of the screening process for both the student and any program they seek out. Who better to counsel a potential new therapist on the realities of this profession than a real-world product of a massage program and a living example of the possibilities that lie ahead? Request interns from local massage programs and colleges. The requirements for interns working in your practice may vary depending on 60 massage & bodywork november/december 2011