Advice from the Pros #5: Douglas Nelson

Our Advice From the Pros series of blog posts will highlight one of the leaders in the massage and bodywork field once a week. Douglas Nelson, founder and principal instructor for Precision Neuromuscular Therapy Seminars, is our featured expert this week. Nelson is president of the 16-therapist clinic BodyWork Associates in Champaign, Illinois, and the president-elect of the Massage Therapy Foundation. His clinic, seminars, and research endeavors explore the science behind his work.

The challenging experience that taught me the most valuable business lesson is …

Douglas Nelson: The skills for being a successful therapist and for being successful in business are different. At one point, I thought hiring accounting people meant I didn’t need to be involved in that part of the business. Painful lesson. No one knows your business like you do. 

My most effective marketing strategy is …

Douglas Nelson: To reach more people, narrow the focus of your practice. It is counterintuitive, but very effective.

To be a successful business owner you need to …

Douglas Nelson: Be mission driven, not goal driven. A mission will sustain you when times are difficult, and things will be difficult at some point. Plus, clients resonate with your passion for the field. 

My financial advice for therapists is …

Douglas Nelson: While we want massage therapy to be accessible, it is vital not to undervalue it. Just as we respect environmental sustainability, your business must be sustainable as well. Your future clients are depending on you.

This blog was created from Massage & Bodywork’s July/August 2017 Business Side column "Advice from the Pros.

Category: 

News

Minnesota Delays Action on Massage and Asian Bodywork Therapy Licensure

The Minnesota legislature will not adopt massage and Asian bodywork therapy licensure in 2023. ABMP members are an essential part of ensuring that the Minnesota legislature prioritizes licensure next year. Contact your state representative and senator today to let them know massage and Asian bodywork therapy licensure deserves attention in 2024.

Texas Proposes New Massage Therapy, Barber, Cosmetology Rules

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposed rules that affect massage therapy. The rules are necessary to align the dishonored payment processing fee with statutory requirements, add additional rules regarding complaints, and revise the processes and procedures for contested cases. Submit comments in support, or opposition to, the proposed rules before April 3, 2023.

Blog

Eight Reasons Why I Love Being a Massage Therapist

Love Being a Massage Therapist

Taking inspiration from a recent ABMP Facebook thread on the subject, freelance writer and LMT Cindy Williams put together a list of her top eight things she loves about being a massage therapist.

Benefits

Podcast: Push and Pull: The Brain-Body Connection

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Allison Denney to discuss why interoception and homeostasis are so important for massage therapists, and the benefits of using techniques that use opposing forces and directions during your sessions.

Podcast: Sound Healing with Ben Brown

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Ben Brown, founder of HND + TMPL Massage Therapy, about how sound affects the body, mind, and spirit.

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