Celebrate ABMP's 25th Anniversary!
What makes you so special?
This space (when used properly) was designed for me to talk to you. And by you, I mean, our ABMP members, members of the massage profession in general, and occasional visitors who wonder what I do all day (that means you, Willie).
Many times things come up in the profession that are news- or comment-worthy (see here to review). But I also feel one of my mandates is to engage my fellow professionals in building up their career muscles. After all, there are only so many bad decisions made in the field that necessitate comment, right? And they only come around every 6-8 weeks or so anyway 
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So let’s get back to working on our fitness (BizFitness, if you will). One comment I hear from therapists on occasion is that “the market is saturated” or my recent favorite, “you can’t throw a rock without hitting six massage therapists.” My suggestion: don’t try this at home; whomever you hit, whether in the field or not, won’t appreciate it.
I don’t believe the market is “saturated,” but the fundamental challenge of standing out in a crowd and making yourself desirable exists. But that’s not because there are lots of other massage therapists. That just happens to be the nature of this field; massage is not government-mandated. No one’s required to come to you. Your job is to help develop their interest. In most cases, people choose massage; that means they had a choice. Not between therapists usually, but whether to get massage or bodywork at all.
Here’s today’s exercise: I am a potential client, and am open to conversation about massage. Why should I get massage or bodywork, and if so why from you?
Best answer gets special mention in the next post. Ready, go!
A Blog from ABMP's President
Let's Make a Deal
Massage should not be viewed as “just” a relaxing experience or something to pamper yourself with. It can be just that, however that is just one small aspect of the THERAPY that massage offers. One of it’s primary benefits are the lengthening of muscles. You do realize that every time you use your muscles they constrict. Without proper stretching (and lets face it, most of us barely have time to exercise let alone stretch) they stay in that state. This is why you can feel sore or as people say “feel knots” in your muscles. Massage Therapy will help to “stretch” those muscles, creating optimum oxygen and blood flow and helps to flush out the toxins that get “trapped” in your body. This type of therapy shouldn’t be an experience, this type of therapy should be a lifestyle. I can help you achieve that lifestyle with mobility, scheduling flexibility, on going promotions so that you can earn free massages and a chart so that you can see the improvements we have achieved together over a period of time. How’s Tuesday of next week for you? (abridged)
Comment by Chayo Jones — June 13, 2010 @ 2:04 pm
Massage not only captures the ability to let go, but also captures the ability to just be. Be in the moment, be within ones self. Be able to just relax and release the pressures of the moment, day or week. It can invigorate, stimulate or just mediate whatever your wanting to feel. It can add or subtract to your life. It can help overcome or simply inspire you. Again massage is what you want it to be and how you want it to make you feel.So come and enjoy a massage that let’s you be you……whereever that may be.
Comment by Jean Hoffman — June 14, 2010 @ 8:42 am