Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/81195
CREATE A PRACTICE THAT WORKS FOR YOU If your current practice isn't working for you, TIP Check out ABMP's Marketing Center, available to ABMP members at ABMP.com. You'll find everything from appointment reminder labels to customizable posters, brochures, and newsletters, as well as gift certificates, a free photo library, email accounts, and website design and hosting. change it! Even though some days it may seem easier to quit the profession than to analyze what's not working and put time and energy into redesigning your practice, it's worth the effort. You'll continue to make a living doing what you love and the profession won't lose a skilled, caring, and passionate therapist. Let's start with a self-assessment to get to the root of the problem. Schedule time on your calendar and take yourself to a distraction-free location where you can focus on you and your practice. Answer the following questions honestly: • Do you still enjoy the hands-on aspect of massage? Why? Why not? • How does it feel to interact with clients? • How do you feel while giving a massage? • How do you feel after giving a massage? • Why did you choose the massage profession? Do you still resonate with those reasons? • Would you miss giving massage if you left the profession? The real question is this: are you ready to leave because you are truly done with massage and you get no joy from it, or because you've encountered challenges? If your answers to the self-assessment show that you just no longer enjoy the work, then maybe it is time for you to find something else that will fulfill you. If you still love the work, but are frustrated by your current situation, change your situation. PRACTICE ANALYSIS Let's evaluate your practice and make a plan to change what's not working. Begin by taking a closer look at the practice you've created: • Are you inspired and challenged by the modalities you're practicing? • Do you look forward to seeing the clients with whom you're currently working? • Do you need more or different social interaction? • Are you physically exhausted by the work? • Do the days and times you're working fit your lifestyle? • Do you need more clients to sustain your practice? • Can you adapt to the potentially inconsistent income of a private practice? • Describe your ideal practice. Does your practice match this description? Your honest answers to these questions should highlight an area or two of your current strategy that's not working. Use that knowledge to create a step-by-step action plan to remodel your practice. You may want to make changes in several of the following categories to create your ideal practice. What's an ideal practice? It's a practice that works for you: part-time, full- time, sole proprietor, employee, or your own unique mix. "I NEED MORE CLIENTS." Solution: Rethink Your Marketing Strategy Do you want the independence of a private practice, but need more clients to make it viable? It's time to analyze your marketing strategy. Are you actively promoting your practice, or are you passively relying on word of mouth to bring new clients to your door? If you're doing some marketing but you're not seeing the results you need, expand your efforts and try something new. Tailor your marketing activities to specifically attract the kind of clients you want to work with—your target market—so you're spending your time and money wisely. If you want to work with pregnant women, don't just pin a few cards to the coffee shop bulletin board. Speak to a Lamaze group, create referral relationships with obstetricians/ gynecologists, place an ad in the local moms' group enewsletter, or post your cards and brochures in mom and baby stores. Find ways to reach the members of that target market specifically. 80 massage & bodywork march/april 2012