Networking Your Massage Practice:
"You
give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when
you give of yourself that you truly give." —Kahlil Gibran
Working all week in your own studio can feel a little lonely. Even
if you share an office with other practitioners, you probably spend
most of the time in your own studio with clients.
Joining or creating
a networking group of massage therapists or others who practice in
the field of complementary health can be an antidote to isolation. The
regular support and encouragement from people who understand the challenges
of your work can nurture your professional growth and be fun as well.
It will give you a chance to share advice on everything from how to
treat certain conditions to where to spend your continuing education
dollars.
You may wonder if you should share your marketing "secrets"
with other massage therapists. But what you are likely to receive
from a networking community will more than outweigh what you give.
Support others, and they are likely to support you.
One good way to network with colleagues is at local professional associations
like the AMTA, ABMP or others, or when hometown practitioners gather
at regional workshops and conventions.
One way to start networking on the cheap is by setting up trades. This
not only gives you an affordable way to practice what you preach (get
regular massage!), it also is a place to perfect newly learned techniques
and experience different approaches.
When clients are seeking a different modality than you practice,
or if you are too busy to work them into your schedule, you will know
practitioners you trust for referrals. This is actually a good back-door
marketing approach, as those you refer to are likely to respond in kind.
| 
Clearance Sale
