When I was a kid, one of my favorite jokes was:
Patient: “Doctor! It hurts when I do this!”
Doctor: “Well, don’t do that.”

I thought of this — and you — as I wheezed down the turn lane of a four lane highway this morning. My mom’s partially blind, selectively deaf and judiciously mulish dog had escaped and I was joggling after her. (Not jogging. Joggling. I don’t jog.)

I am given to understand that when most people with sedentary lifestyles suddenly engage in an inspired-by-death run, they resolve to get in shape. They resolve to get in shape so that when something like this happens again, they will be better able to meet the challenge.

I resolve to never be in the position of chasing after a dog again.

I bring this up because this week I’ve been helping many people chase the dog down a busy street in a figurative way. I’ve been helping friends get ready for a huge art show downtown Olympia hosts twice a year. These shows happen the same times every year. The same things happen every year. There are no real scheduling surprises every year.

Every year, some folks have a sudden realization that time has slipped by; pictures aren’t framed and matted, no business has been found to host a massage chair and fee deadlines are today.

These folks do get there in the end. They have friends to help and push them. But the set-up is so frenzied that these artists and therapists find themselves unable to calm down and be “present.” They are mentally wheezing after a long chase. Potential customers and clients react to the aura of tension. The  opportunity to form a crucial connection is missed.

It doesn’t have to be this way. Pick your heads up and look ahead. Plan.

We’re moving into the warm season and all the festivals and events that go with it. This is also a time when businesses have time to hear presentations on your work. Make a schedule and keep it where you can see it. Pre-book as much as you can as far out as you can. Write and print flyers/postcards many weeks in advance. Start telling your clients about it now. Market your massage practice as effectively as possible.

You like your clients to arrive early so they can be relaxed at the beginning of their session with you. Give your soon-to-be clients confidence by being relaxed when you greet them. Stop chasing the dog. It hurts. Don’t do that.

All my best,
Eileen

PS: If you’re wondering what my non-dog chasing solution is, I’m working on my lariat skills.
PPS: Roping is one of the few excuses for tucking your pants into your boots.