Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins A Massage Therapist’s...

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Business

A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Business

Laura Allen


Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Preparing for Your Career


Self-InventorySelf-Inventory

• Practical Considerations

– Take an honest inventory of your strengths and weaknesses

– Many responsibilities go with being in business

• Attention to Detail

– Accurate record-keeping is a necessity

– Keeping a close watch on finances is a must


Self-Inventory, cont’dSelf-Inventory, cont’d

• The Compassionate Communicator

– Be a good listener

– Communicate clearly with clients

• Management Material

– Authoritative but fair

– Courteous


Self-Inventory, cont’dSelf-Inventory, cont’d

• Financial Realities

– Save enough money to support yourself

– Advanced training and specialty certifications can increase your income


Career Options in Massage & BodyworkCareer Options in Massage & Bodywork

• Deciding Where to Work

– MTs have many options to choose from

– Each work environment has opportunities and drawbacks; examine them before choosing

• Seeking a Job

– Maximize your chances for success

– Make up for lack of experience with enthusiasm


Career Options, cont’dCareer Options, cont’d

• The Professional Resume

– May be chronological, functional, or combination

– Includes a cover letter

• The Job Interview

– Conduct yourself professionally

– Be honest about your qualifications and your requirements for employment


Setting GoalsSetting Goals

• Your Wish List

– Define your personal vision of success

– Having a timeline will stimulate motivation

• The Balancing Act

– Find a healthy balance between work and play

– Prioritize your time


Resources to Help You Get StartedResources to Help You Get Started

• Small Business Administration

– Mentoring

– Help and advice with all aspects of business

• Chamber of Commerce

– Reasonable fees to join

– Many promotional opportunities

– Demographic information

– Free or low-cost educational seminars


Resources, cont’dResources, cont’d

– Numerous networking opportunities

– The Chamber exists to help businesses succeed, in the interest of helping the local economy

– The Chamber will help publicize the opening of your business

• Professional Associations

– Numerous associations for MTs and other natural health practitioners

– Member support, educational and networking opportunities


The Power of a Positive AttitudeThe Power of a Positive Attitude

• Staying Positive: A Key Component of Success

– When you work with the public, your attitude can make or break your business

– Recognize that everyone has occasional setbacks

• Banish Negativity

– Being positive takes effort and practice

– Surround yourself with positive people


Positive Attitude, cont’dPositive Attitude, cont’d

• Showing Confidence

– Employers often choose attitude over skill when hiring

– A positive attitude will inspire clients to have confidence in you


Points to PonderPoints to Ponder

1. When you think about opening your own business, do you focus on the fact that you’ll be your own boss, or do you consider all the responsibilities that come with being self-employed?

• As a reality check, write down a list of the responsibilities that come with ownership.


Points to Ponder, cont’dPoints to Ponder, cont’d

2. If you’ve already joined a professional association, or intend to, do you plan to be an active member of the organization, or would you prefer to join just for the insurance and forget about the actual participation?

• Write about the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.


Points to Ponder, cont’dPoints to Ponder, cont’d

3. Are you already looking forward to continuing your massage therapy education, or do you feel that continuing education requirements are a burden?

• What, if any, courses are you interested in taking first, and why?

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