I got a question this week on the Ask Eileen page from a long-time reader/commentor, Fran D.

Fran is an energetic and forward-thinking person. Over the last two years she has been in transition. Surgery slowed her practice down, then she was working hard to find a place where she could run her practice her way. Last I heard from Fran she found a spot close to home and seemed excited about the future.

I bet most of you are, have been, or will be where Fran is right now. Here is her question. If you have any insight for her, please leave a comment.:

“How do you know when to step back?

I feel like I am drowning sometimes with constantly trying to get my weekly book filled. I always manage to average the same amount of appointments per month which cover expenses with little else left.

““I feel like I’m drowning …”: Overwhelmed with marketing your massage practice” continues »

This week I got a serious request for some input on the “Ask Eileen” page. It reads:

“I have just recently moved from Chicago to Cape Cod, MA, and accepted a job at a spa/gym. The space and business is new to the owners of the spa. They have two other locations on the cape. I have been hired to be the massage therapist/marketing person.

We have tried numerous marketing ideas. Some examples:
Spring stimulus package for $99.00 (includes-hair cut,facial, massage),
Beauty bucks-$20.00 off a purchase of $80.00 or more,
Referral program for the trainers- refer 2 people get half-off a service.
We have even attended a ladies community night in which over 500 women get together at a local venue, to see the local businesses and what services they have to offer. Not one has called or come by.

““I Do Not Want to Give up”: A massage therapist takes a marketing leap” continues »

I had a great question posted on the “Ask Eileen” page:

Dear Eileen, I keep seeing ads for the MMMEasy [Massage Marketing Made Easy] kit from Karen Dimmick. I can’t find anyone on the various professional groups I’m on who have used this kit; most say it sounds like a scam. I’ve noticed that she comments on your blog; do you know Karen, and either way do you have an opinion of the product?

I’ve about 70% convinced myself to try it, but any input you have would be helpful. (Schools should have a few hours on marketing, don’cha think?)

Thanks,
Beth

“Thinking about Hiring a Massage Marketing Expert?: You have questions, yes you do” continues »

I got a great question on website development from “Beatrix” last week:

“Hi Eileen,
I want to develop a website. Could you recommend a company specializing in websites for massage therapists or one that would provide assistance in developing a site? Thank you.”

There are more web developers in the Puget Sound area than there are baristas. Which is somewhere around 90 gazillion billion.

“Looking for a Web Designer: Check for smarts, talent and communication skills” continues »

Hi Eileen -

Here’s a little info about the process I used when putting together a successful press release a few months ago. Feel free to share it with your readers.

The Finished Press Release:
Though I don’t have the edited version handy, here’s a link to the version I sent to the press [The link is to a pdf file that needs Acrobat Reader to display it. It's "safe" to download. If you don't have Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free. —ER].

The edited version had no pictures and the quotations were replaced by shortened factual statements or eliminated altogether. Overall text length was about 1/2-2/3 of what I sent out.

Choosing Relevant (and Likely) Publication(s)
I chose local publications that are distributed in our city

““Making the Piece Fit the Paper”: An in-depth look at writing a good press release” continues »

Last entry I went through some questions Sandra sent in on dealing with her contractor’s budget cuts. While she and I were chatting, Sandra got on a roll about how the profession of massage therapy is perceived.

Some things you should know about Sandra first. Her job is giving chair massage. She has found her heart’s home working with the frail, elderly and seriously ill. She volunteers once a week at a hospital, massaging terminally ill patients, does qi gong monthly with seniors at a local church and next week will be working at a camp for kids with HIV/AIDS. She is also a woman blessed with a wealth of years. (She told me her age but I’m not sure I’m allowed to share it. I will say that if I am earning a living doing physically demanding work [like massage] when I reach her age no one will be more surprised than I.)

“Sandra Stands Up: Some thoughts on donating time” continues »

Heads up, this entry is in two parts. But they both relate to each other so it’s okay.

A little more than a week ago I got a good question on the Ask Eileen page:

Hello Eileen,
I have worked with a senior group for the past 6 months at a reasonable rate doing chair massage 5 days out of the month. I am now being offered a 1 year contract but have been asked to reduce my fee as their budget is tight. They feel that since they are guaranteeing me work for a full year, I should accept a reduction in fee.

“Dealing with Contractor’s Budget Cuts” continues »

Last week, Fran sent a question into the “Just Ask Eileen” page which was a pretty good one. Here ’tis:

“OK here goes. I am currently renting space in what really is a Chiropractor’s office turned wellness practice. It’s a good thing. We all benefit from each other being there. The thing is I really would like to have a space of my own. I share the room with two other people. I’m paying $400.00 rent and that’s really great considering. But sometimes it feels a little crowded. I would like a spot of my own and wonder what will I be giving up and gaining from such a move.”

“A Room of One’s Own: whether to share or lone wolf it” continues »