What’s the buzz about business?

The other day I was talking with a friend about certain back issues he was having. When I suggested  to him he get a massage he told me ” I can’t  get a massage, they are for rich house wives.” My  heart stopped and my jaw must have hit the ground because he had to ask me if I was ok. Of course I was, just in a little shock and very confused.  How many other people thought this about massage therapy? A massage does not have to be this long, dramatic day to the spa with your friends.  Massage is about healing and body working, which of course can be done in many different ways so find the one that works for you. Of course all massages should be relaxing but it should also be effective. If you want a spa treatment go to a spa, if you don’t, don’t go to a spa! There are plenty of other options out there for you so find the one you want.  Please please please do not get caught up in the idea that massages are only for the wealthy. We are all human, we all get stressed out, work hard, face challenges and get aches and pains. We are all deserving of massage.

Bee Healthy. Bee Happy. Bee Well…

 I have been in the massage business for about eight years. Within these  eight years, I have practiced massage on my own, but not as a business owner and I have worked for other people in spa’s and clinics. I have noticed now that I am a business owner I seem to get less tips. When I worked in the spa’s and clinics I did get tips, but the owners would not, which I thought was fair because I am giving them half of cost of the massage. What if you are a business owner, but you are the only employee. You do all the marketing, scheduling, and practicing. Is that work worth a tip or because I am the owner is that not necessary? Any thoughts? Bee Healhy. Bee Happy. Bee Well…..

Starting a business is really challenging for many reasons,. Somethings can be avoidedn but one thing you will always need for any business is customers. Not just any customers, you want to attract the right customers. Some people might confuse massage therapist for (lack of a better word) “prostitutes”". Please keep in mind that you are educated, you spent your hard earned money to get that education, along with your time to become a proffesional, don’t let anyone insult you and your proffesion. One thing that is really important to me in my practice is proper draping. I tell all potential clients that I use proper draping, and some people become clients and others don’t. If they decide not to get a massage from me because I drape, I don’t take it personally, its their loss, and I don’t want them as clinets anyways. For those people that do become clients, I find that they really appreciate the draping. It makes them feel safe that they are in the hands of a proffesional.

Bee Healthy. Bee Happy. Bee Well…

When you start a business you are going to want to get your name out there as much as you can, by giving massages to as many people as you can. One great way to do this is marketing events, and events where you will get to work on many people. These events can be very beneficial,  and sometimes it will even be worth it for you to practice massages for free, but be aware of people wanting your services for free and promising you a  ”business opportunity.”

People will approach you looking for a therpist to do massages for all types of events, and if they know you are a new business they will pitch the event as a networking thing or a way to help your business. LOOK OUT! Sometimes that is exactly what the event will be……but sometimes not.

About a month ago I was asked to do free chair massages at an event for a local business that is pretty large here in Burlington VT and a company that most business people would want to get involved with. I was told it was for three hours with as many breaks as I wanted, as well as I would be practicing massages for the “head-honchos” of this company. The person who was in charge of running the event told me it would be a networking opportunity, I would get lots of tips, as well as I could make 100 gift certificates to pass out in the goodie bags for each guest to take home.

When I arrived at the building where the event was taking place I was excited and ready to talk, and give massages. My energy was high and I was psyched! When I first walked in I noticed the woman who was my contact person, I got my station and my schedule. I gave her my certifictates that I made (by hand) and went to set up. It was not long that I took a good look around and realized that all the other volunteers were students. Men and woman who were still in massage school getting credit towards their certification. I then looked around more and all I could see were woman standing around, laughing, drinking wine, not interested in all about business’s or networking. My schedule said I was booked full for the three hours, which was fine-”tips”  I thought and if not atleast I could give out my business cards. I was so wrong. The woman were all there to get free massages, free pedicures and manicures, along with the free stuff they had in the raffle. I gave free massages for three hours straight-nobody gave me a tip, and very few people asked for my business card. Its not their fault, I was misled. You could also argue that maybe I am not a good massage therapist, but I do alot of events and I always atleast get tips or give out business cards.

Please understand that I am not saying “don’t do events” but what I am saying is make sure everybody involved is treated fair, and don’t get taken for what people will promise to be “business oppotunity’s” I have decided that after a year of pretty much doing all FREE massages I can pick and choose the events I want to give my time and skills to and you can too!

Bee Healthy. Bee Happy. Bee Well.