Last week I asked, “How do you professionally fire a client?” I received not nearly as many comments as when I asked for your sales pitch. I think that’s a good thing—we’re more focused on getting new clients than getting rid of them. Here’s a short, but sweet one from Darcy:

Thank you for allowing me to serve you. In the future, I will no longer be available to you.

However, if I were that client I would certainly ask, “Why?” Perhaps we can complete Darcy’s phrase by answering that question. “I think I’ve helped you as best I can. I’d be happy to refer you to another therapist.” That should get your message across without being too blunt.

So let’s move forward by looking back. As I write this, we are completing the first half of 2010. What do we have to show for it?

• Comprehensive health care legislation passed (which has been talked about for 40 years, but never successfully scripted), which to date has engendered mistrust and pessimism, even before material impact could be felt, good or bad; its effect, if any, on massage and bodywork is unknown;
• Significant education reform regarding higher education student aid (not saluted by the Career College Association); a boon for consumer and student-protection;
• A colossal and tragic ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that could take decades to clean up;
• The economy has acted like the car that needs the gas tank additive—fits and starts, too much knocking and pinging;
• The LA Lakers won the NBA championship again (groan).

My wife regularly reads her horoscope in the daily paper, and proudly announces if she is having “a five-star day.” She also makes sure to tell me how many stars my day will merit.

What about in your practice? How many stars has your massage and bodywork practice merited in 2010 so far?