Most everyone knows it’s a small world. Supposedly each of us is, on average, six personal connections away from every single person on this planet. Huh. Well.

Seems like knowing where you are in your clients’ circles would make the help you give reach that much farther.

Here’s a circle I’ve recently studied. Just like your practice, every circle is different. I’m not suggesting that Kristen’s circle should be your goal. I’m suggesting that you should examine how your clients may interact, overlap and orbit around you. You may discover a new way to connect.

“Degrees of Separation: Your clients’ connections open new doors” continues »

My son’s first birthday is this September. This just floors me. It’s not that he’s been on earth for a year so much as that I have carried him, cleaned him, fed him and comforted him for a year.  And while some days have mercilessly dragged on (teething, indigestion, February), the year is (*blink*) over. How did that happen?

However it happened, there will be cake and noisemakers. And I will point out to everyone that I am very proud; it’s been a year and I haven’t dropped my son yet. I have to admit, I’m like this about businesses, too.

“It’s Your Baby — Celebrate!” continues »

This entry is a reprint of an email I got just after writing the last two entries about good customer service. Such timing.

I have it in it’s entirety because there are a lot of good points made. I spent the whole article vigorously nodding my head and muttering, “yeah” at appropriate intervals.

““A Quick Way to Win New Customers - And an even faster way to lose them part II”” continues »

When last we chatted, I was telling you about one of our regulars, Fran, who has the opportunity to take over directing the spa portion of a doctor’s practice. She wanted to know what to look out for and prepare for that was beyond the obvious.

Any input you care to give on that is welcome.

This time I want to talk about ways to “speak” to the spa’s existing and potential clientele.

When you go in and take over the supervision of an existing business, the first thing you must do is find out

“A Spa Grows in Brooklyn: thoughts on taking over a business (pt II)” continues »

A few days ago, I heard from a regular commenter and question-asker, Fran D. She has this great opportunity and wanted a little feedback from you … and me. When last we heard from Fran, she was thinking about leaving a clinic where she shared a room with 3 other therapists and moving out on her own. Here’s what’s going on now:

Something new has developed. I was offered an opportunity to take over a small spa connected to a doctor’s office. It contains two treatment rooms, dry sauna, use of exercise area, staff room, 1 full bathroom, common waiting, 4 therapists and 3 aestheticians on call, access to 5,000 patient data base.

“A Spa Grows in Brooklyn: thoughts on taking over a business (pt I)” 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 »

I know, I know. Nobody wants to think about Christmas and all the other winter holidays in July.

Does it help any to know that we have to have all our card designs ready by May each year? Each year in April, The Bosses bring in Christmas music and a Santa hat for Poor Kendra (Design Goddess). Each year, they hope all the “atmosphere” will prove inspiring. It’s like pulling teeth.

“Plan Ahead for the Holidays” 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 »

Last entry I talked about intentionally putting yourself in the path of inspiration. In the entry, I also mentioned how huge, sweeping ideas can be winnowed down to fit you and your practice. So this entry is about how to tailor an idea that captivates you into a short message for a postcard or somesuch for your clients.

There’s a new commercial on Discovery Channel for Discovery Channel where they have the most popular shows’ personalities “singing” about how they love the whole world and how awesome it is. (And that’s the original “awesome” not the 80’s “awesome”.) It’s a warm and fuzzy commercial and I find myself thinking, “Yes! I love big bridges, too! I love Egyptian mummies, too!”

In the shower, I cogitated on what the real appeal of that commercial is to me. It’s a positive commercial and very well produced, but I think what speaks to me is the list of things that I love and that I think are cool.

So I made up a quick, off-the-top-of-my-head list of what I thought a massage therapist/bodyworker might love:

“How to Take a Great Idea and Make it Your Own” continues »

I have a frizzy half-blown dandelion clock perched on my scalp. Some people refer to it as my “hair.” The woman who tends it is remarkable. She has never attempted to give me a “style.” Instead she “shapes” and “prunes.” She speaks my language, she takes time to understand what I want, she gives good advice and I walk out of her studio looking like myself and not like a product of the 80’s. She’s really good at what she does and makes me feel good, too.

Skilled though she is, her customer service is seriously lacking. Once I’m in her chair all is well. Getting to her chair makes my teeth hurt.

“Great Skills Only Go So Far” continues »