Dame Judi rocks!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Why Doing Groupons & Other Deal Sites is Like a Crack Addiction for Massage Therapists
THIS is exactly what I have been preaching about discounted massage services for years now. Thanks for posting this~
This just in. A new form of addiction has been spotted. “Dealaddiction”. Has your business been hurt or affected by Dealaddiction?
Dealaddiction is a serious form of addiction characterized by heavy doses of discounted services, high advertising costs and very little return on investment, while being stimulated with the “highs” of bulk payouts. The effects of Dealaddiction are starting to reveal themselves in the form of desperation among massage therapists that use them, who keep getting sucked back in to run a deal. Similar to a crack addiction, Dealaddiction has demonstrated limited lifespan of a business and an unsustainable business model. Side effects include poor cash flow, decreased amounts of revenue and high advertising costs. Life span is significantly reduced.It’s very easy to want to take the shortcut and be tempted with the high volume of sales of vouchers. It’s even more tempting to run another deal when you’re seeing funds in your bank account in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Don’t be fooled. This addiction has only one path – business destruction.
The only treatment for Dealaddiction is of the cold turkey variety. When you stop conditioning customers to wait for a deal in order to come in to see you for a massage, they will have to start paying your regular price. Some of you may have the mindset that they’ll just go find another massage therapist with a deal. That may be true to an extent… but what if EVERYONE in this industry stopped offering them as a collective group?
This post needs to go viral. As an industry, we can stop working with deal sites altogether and go back to basics. Share with your massage therapist network!
Running constant deals with companies like Groupon, DealChicken, LivingSocial, et al may in fact bring in customers and big payouts. However, it’s not a sustainable business model to continuously offer deals time and time again in order to keep massaging people and living off of the tips. The likelihood and rate of return for deal site customers has already piqued and is dwindling. Massage therapists are just not seeing the return business that we first saw when the deal site companies started launching.It’s simply not sustainable. It’s like having a crack addiction. Eventually, when you inhale enough vouchers and deals, your business will overdose and die. It’s as simple as that. The only way to stop your business from dying is to go back to the basics – yes, where you actually had to craft carefully-worded advertising pieces, pound the pavement and use the postal service. No more instantaneous “fixes” from the deal sites. Remember – without massage therapists making deals, the deal sites do not make any money. Have any idea how much of the market the massage & spa industry represents on their bottom line? HUGE. We actually, collectively, have the power to tank their entire enterprise!
This is not an easy process. It requires work and effort, and a strong resistance to the addiction. It may also require you to make an investment into your advertising, as well as perhaps not taking as much out of the business as you might have been for personal draws. Need a sponsor or group therapy? You’re in the right place. The Facebook page at ThrivingMassageBiz.com has been a great resource for massage therapists to get ideas to grow their business, and can help even the most deal-indebted massage business owner recover.
Ready to go back to basics? Check out “My Brothers & Sisters in Arms: Developing the Clients You Want“. There are a lot of how-to’s and do’s and don’ts on targeting and attracting the ideal clients for your business… particularly clients that will pay your full rate. <They do exist!>
This business owner? Officially Groupon-free and proud!
The End.
PS – If you’ve ran a deal before with a deal site, can you relate to this post in wanting to constantly get more and more big checks and more and more clients? Share your experiences about success/failures with your deal site runs. We’re a nonjudgmental group here, so you’re in a safe zone. <phew!>Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Heard This Week on the Massage Table
Client: "Well, do you have any energy left for me?"
Me: "You are in luck. You are my FIRST client today so I have LOTS of energy for YOU."
Client: "I think I'm scared now."
Client: "Can you do some of that neck stuff? I told my buddy that it felt like my head was going to pop off but it was sooooo gooooood."
Me: "I love Downton Abbey. Grandmama Violet is my favorite because she is so funny and blunt."
Client: "I like her too but don't you think Lady Mary is a BITCH?"
Client: "You know when I booked this appointment I didn't know what to expect so I only did a 60 minute massage, because I have had massages in the past that I was actually wishing for the massage to be over already. Now that I am here and liking this.....I am wishing my time wouldn't end!"
Me: "You are in luck. You are my FIRST client today so I have LOTS of energy for YOU."
Client: "I think I'm scared now."
Client: "Can you do some of that neck stuff? I told my buddy that it felt like my head was going to pop off but it was sooooo gooooood."
Me: "I love Downton Abbey. Grandmama Violet is my favorite because she is so funny and blunt."
Client: "I like her too but don't you think Lady Mary is a BITCH?"
Client: "You know when I booked this appointment I didn't know what to expect so I only did a 60 minute massage, because I have had massages in the past that I was actually wishing for the massage to be over already. Now that I am here and liking this.....I am wishing my time wouldn't end!"
Monday, January 28, 2013
Heard This Week on the Massage Table
New male client and I were going over his intake form when I noticed he had answered the "Are you pregnant?" question. I said "Not pregnant.....that's good to know." He answered "Well you asked!".
Client Text: I don't want to cheat on you but I need my shoulder fixed before my class tonight. Do you have a go-to person?
Me: "Yeah, I had Corwyn work on my hips the other night and I thought I was going to die. I was smacking the massage table like a wrestler smacks the mat while yelling UNCLE. If my neighbors had heard me yelling they would have probably thought he was murdering me."
Me: "I used a gift certificate to Massage Envy last week."
Client: "How was it?"
Me: "Trust me there was nothing to envy."
Client Text: I bet you want to massage me. You were thinking the same thing right?
My Text: I was! Unfortunately all these other pesky clients have me booked up until next weekend.
Client Text: The nerve!
Client Text: I don't want to cheat on you but I need my shoulder fixed before my class tonight. Do you have a go-to person?
Me: "Yeah, I had Corwyn work on my hips the other night and I thought I was going to die. I was smacking the massage table like a wrestler smacks the mat while yelling UNCLE. If my neighbors had heard me yelling they would have probably thought he was murdering me."
Me: "I used a gift certificate to Massage Envy last week."
Client: "How was it?"
Me: "Trust me there was nothing to envy."
Client Text: I bet you want to massage me. You were thinking the same thing right?
My Text: I was! Unfortunately all these other pesky clients have me booked up until next weekend.
Client Text: The nerve!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Soup's On
Today was just not my day. I had already decided that it was going to be a sweats, bum on the couch, and relaxation kind of day. So after my shower I donned my sweats, made my way to the sofa, and started watching television. All was right with the world until my lunch arrived.
I was sitting Indian-style (sorry for not being PC) on the sofa when Hubby brought me a bowl of soup and some crackers. I was holding my soup bowl in one hand and as I reached for the crackers with my free hand, I lost my grip and everything went sailing up, then it crashed down and splattered all over my lap. When I started screaming obsenities my husband assumed I was upset that our new couch was going to be stained. This was not the case. The super hot soup had hit my bare feet and it was burning something fierce. But this was not the only thing that got burned.....
I jumped up and started ripping my sweatpants off, dancing around the living room, and screeching because the soup had splashed in my lap and scalded my hoo-ha. Hubby was watching me with a mixture of horror and amusement when he realized exactly what I was screaming about. While I ran screaming into the bathroom to examine my injuries, he was kind enough to clean the couch.
When I returned from the bathroom.....wearing my second set of sweats....limping across the room, Hubby suggested an ice pack for my burns. Imagine my surprise when he handed me a bag of frozen broccoli and told me to sit on it. But ya know what? I sat down, took that bag of green pieces and plopped it on all my red parts and sighed in relief.
The lesson of this story--besides the obvious one of eating at the table? Broccoli, it's not just for dinner.
I was sitting Indian-style (sorry for not being PC) on the sofa when Hubby brought me a bowl of soup and some crackers. I was holding my soup bowl in one hand and as I reached for the crackers with my free hand, I lost my grip and everything went sailing up, then it crashed down and splattered all over my lap. When I started screaming obsenities my husband assumed I was upset that our new couch was going to be stained. This was not the case. The super hot soup had hit my bare feet and it was burning something fierce. But this was not the only thing that got burned.....
I jumped up and started ripping my sweatpants off, dancing around the living room, and screeching because the soup had splashed in my lap and scalded my hoo-ha. Hubby was watching me with a mixture of horror and amusement when he realized exactly what I was screaming about. While I ran screaming into the bathroom to examine my injuries, he was kind enough to clean the couch.
When I returned from the bathroom.....wearing my second set of sweats....limping across the room, Hubby suggested an ice pack for my burns. Imagine my surprise when he handed me a bag of frozen broccoli and told me to sit on it. But ya know what? I sat down, took that bag of green pieces and plopped it on all my red parts and sighed in relief.
The lesson of this story--besides the obvious one of eating at the table? Broccoli, it's not just for dinner.
Massage Etiquette
Most massage therapists will greet a new client and do their best to make them feel welcome. We will introduce ourselves, review the intake form, and ask questions that help us formulate a treatment plan. Then we do our level best to give a great massage that will leave the client wanting more. But what can the client and therapist collectively do to make the massage more harmonious? I have made a list of things that I feel are both common courtesy and proper massage etiquette.
1. Cleanliness. Of course that is a dual standard. Both client and therapist should be free of body funk. Take a shower. Use deodorant. Brush your teeth. Wear shirts that cover your armpits--nobody wants a therapist to lean over them and have their sweaty, smelly pits flood their noses with body odor.
2. Diet. If you are going to be receiving a massage, it is better on an empty stomach. Why? Too much water and coffee can necessitate a bathroom break in the middle of your massage. Heavy meals can make the stomach gurgle loudly and while this does not bother a massage therapist, it might be a source of embarrassment for the client. If you eat lots of garlic and onions you can expect these scents to ooze out of your pores during the massage. LMT's are not vampires so please feel free to leave your garlic at home.
3. Punctuality. If you schedule an appointment at 1:00 pm, show up at this time or a few minutes before. Therapists should arrive at the clinic a minimum of 15 minutes prior to their first appointment so they can turn on the table warmer, adjust the table, turn on music, etc. We value your time, please value ours.
4. Noise. Chances are more than one massage is going on in a busy clinic so please use your "massage voice" when you enter the clinic. Clients walking in and yelling "HOLY SHIT I AM GLAD TO BE HERE!" is entertaining to your therapist, but not so much to other clients who are still on the massage table. Turn your cell phone off or conduct your calls outside so other clients are not bothered by your ringtones or conversations. How would you feel if the therapist answered a call or text while they were working on you? Therapists should leave their phones outside the treatment room so they can focus on the client and not disturb the bliss zone.
5. Conversation. Feel free to chat your massage therapist up if you like. Therapists should communicate about pressure, pain and movements unless the client indicates they enjoy talking during their massage. Don't be afraid to mix it up--some massages you might feel chatty and others you might prefer silence, so make your desires known.
6. Tips. While we do not expect tips, they are always welcome. Some people view the massage session as health maintenance and they would never consider tipping their physician so they assume the same position with their massage therapist. This is okay! Some view LMT's like their hairstylists and tip us accordingly. This is okay too! In other words, don't sweat the little stuff.
7. Input. If your massage was everything that you hoped it would be, please feel free to let your therapist know your thoughts. We welcome your input as to what you thought worked well and what you felt was not effective. If something hurts please speak up so that we can adjust and give you the massage you imagined. If the spot we are working feels particularly good, tell us so we can spend a little more time in that area.
Communication is key and that works for both therapist and client.
8. Scheduling Appointments. When you schedule your appointment please be mindful that this time is reserved just for you. Massage therapists are only paid when they are working, so please do not call at the last minute to cancel your appointment UNLESS you have an emergency that requires your attention. More often than not a last minute cancellation cannot be filled so the therapist loses income. What is worse than a last minute cancellation? A person that no-shows. Not calling and not showing up for your scheduled appointment is a really big no-no.
This is not a complete list, but it hits most of the high points. If you have other items to add to this list, please leave your comments. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
1. Cleanliness. Of course that is a dual standard. Both client and therapist should be free of body funk. Take a shower. Use deodorant. Brush your teeth. Wear shirts that cover your armpits--nobody wants a therapist to lean over them and have their sweaty, smelly pits flood their noses with body odor.
2. Diet. If you are going to be receiving a massage, it is better on an empty stomach. Why? Too much water and coffee can necessitate a bathroom break in the middle of your massage. Heavy meals can make the stomach gurgle loudly and while this does not bother a massage therapist, it might be a source of embarrassment for the client. If you eat lots of garlic and onions you can expect these scents to ooze out of your pores during the massage. LMT's are not vampires so please feel free to leave your garlic at home.
3. Punctuality. If you schedule an appointment at 1:00 pm, show up at this time or a few minutes before. Therapists should arrive at the clinic a minimum of 15 minutes prior to their first appointment so they can turn on the table warmer, adjust the table, turn on music, etc. We value your time, please value ours.
4. Noise. Chances are more than one massage is going on in a busy clinic so please use your "massage voice" when you enter the clinic. Clients walking in and yelling "HOLY SHIT I AM GLAD TO BE HERE!" is entertaining to your therapist, but not so much to other clients who are still on the massage table. Turn your cell phone off or conduct your calls outside so other clients are not bothered by your ringtones or conversations. How would you feel if the therapist answered a call or text while they were working on you? Therapists should leave their phones outside the treatment room so they can focus on the client and not disturb the bliss zone.
5. Conversation. Feel free to chat your massage therapist up if you like. Therapists should communicate about pressure, pain and movements unless the client indicates they enjoy talking during their massage. Don't be afraid to mix it up--some massages you might feel chatty and others you might prefer silence, so make your desires known.
6. Tips. While we do not expect tips, they are always welcome. Some people view the massage session as health maintenance and they would never consider tipping their physician so they assume the same position with their massage therapist. This is okay! Some view LMT's like their hairstylists and tip us accordingly. This is okay too! In other words, don't sweat the little stuff.
7. Input. If your massage was everything that you hoped it would be, please feel free to let your therapist know your thoughts. We welcome your input as to what you thought worked well and what you felt was not effective. If something hurts please speak up so that we can adjust and give you the massage you imagined. If the spot we are working feels particularly good, tell us so we can spend a little more time in that area.
Communication is key and that works for both therapist and client.
8. Scheduling Appointments. When you schedule your appointment please be mindful that this time is reserved just for you. Massage therapists are only paid when they are working, so please do not call at the last minute to cancel your appointment UNLESS you have an emergency that requires your attention. More often than not a last minute cancellation cannot be filled so the therapist loses income. What is worse than a last minute cancellation? A person that no-shows. Not calling and not showing up for your scheduled appointment is a really big no-no.
This is not a complete list, but it hits most of the high points. If you have other items to add to this list, please leave your comments. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
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