Requirements for websites change practically every week. What was “required” for achieving optimal sales last week has changed by the time you’ve finished your first cup of coffee Monday morning.

Massage therapists and bodyworkers don’t work like that. You don’t work like that.

You should have a website. You need one to be found. You need one to help you communicate with your clients — established and potential.

Many of us get overwhelmed reading website “How To’s.” We get to thinking we have to include every new “must” in our site. What many people end up with are convoluted, distracting blots on the internet. Clients can’t find the information they need because it’s buried under information an “expert” has proclaimed you should have.

Massage therapist and bodyworkers’ practices aren’t like that. Your clients, and your practice, require a different approach.

“You Need a Site but Don’t Be Scared: 3 massage websites that cover the happy basics” continues »

Joel from Bodywork Dynamics in the UK sent in a series of questions to the Ask Eileen page. If you’d like to read Joel’s entire entry, scroll to the bottom of Ask Eileen and see where Joel has been and where he is going.

Folks, Joel is asking for your input, so belly up to the comment box and give the fellow your thoughts.

Defining Your Niche
“So I started [building] my own site (just one of the skills I’ve picked up) and hit my first wall because I would like to do so much; how do I define my niche? I am qualified to teach yoga, martial arts, tai chi and shiatsu.”

“Joel Asks You … and Eileen: A new guy builds a website” continues »

When a potential client visits your site, you have about 5 (five) seconds to tell them what they want to know before they go somewhere else.

In the last couple few entries I’ve focused on the importance of knowing who your ideal clients are and what they truly want.

Of course they want to know how to contact you, where you are located, that you are professional and what your fees are.

Truly the first thing they want to know is how your work is going to better their lives.

Tell them first thing.

You can be very matter-of-fact and say:

“Why You Should Book a Session with Me: Marketing massage on your website” continues »

To achieve maximum potential in business your marketing plan needs to include everything you can fit in it. From business cards, mailings, brochures, and websites to ads both online and in print.

One way to create an instant boost in clients and a scurry of activity on your website is right at the end of your fingertips and it’s free.

Wherever you live, city or town, big or small there is a local newspaper and in that paper is a business section. Now what every newspaper in the world wants is fresh, new content daily which is great for you because that’s what your business is … fresh and new.

““Free Marketing Tool You Must Use”” continues »

Happy New Year to all! My best, heartfelt wishes for the coming year.

I love this day; all the Year in Review stuff on TV and the Formal Announcing of Resolutions with my family. The Resolutions get more ridiculous as the night goes on with each of us egging the others on to new heights in the Moral Highground.

This year, my extended family is taking our Resolutions in a different direction. We’re doing something inspired from an article I found a couple weeks ago. It involves postcards to yourself and I think it’s a great idea. Look for it in the “Articles” section and give it a try.

“December’s Bits & Pieces: Websites, blogs and random thoughts” continues »

I hope you all had a loverly Thanksgiving. We had a marvelous, laid back weekend. Just what was needed.

Hopefully you all have contacted your clients at least once; reminding them you are there for their health and to make their season lighter. There is still time if you haven’t. Postcards, greeting cards, newsletters, regular letters or emails. Whatever works for you and your clients, wheresoe’er you get your products.

“November’s Bits & Pieces: Websites, blogs and random thoughts” continues »

The following is the text of one of our soon-to-be affiliates, Kevin Doherty, L.Ac. He writes a pretty good email, (and blog) I must say. This is good, logical, clearly spelled out information.

There is a link to one of his teleseminars at the bottom of the article. I’ve never taken one through him so would be interested in hearing if anyone out there has and what they think.

All my best,
Eileen

A lot of small business owners are feeling the sting of the economic downturn right now.  I have personally heard many practitioners say that their practices have slowed down significantly over the past couple of months.

Does it have to be this way?  What can you do to ensure than your practice is not adversely affected?

““3 Things You Must Do to Recession-Proof Your Practice”” continues »

Happy Halloween, all.

“Halloween” is, of course, what “All Hallow’s Eve” has evolved into. It’s surprising how many Northern Hemisphere cultures had big celebrations right around this time. Most marked the end of harvest while girdding up for the long nights of winter.

That’s exactly what it feels like out here today. Mom and I have finished our canning and saucing and pickling. Dad’s been out fishing nearly every evening so I’ve been minding the smoker, too. Our yard is almost put to bed and my husband is currently rearranging the garage to accomodate his winter projects. And it’s raining sideways.

I’m feeling very tucked in.

Websites
I came across Eilzabeth Fletcher Brown’s MassageBusinessCenter the other day. I haven’t had the chance to go through her site in detail but I’ve enjoyed the interviews on her Massage Radio page and also reading the feedback from her readers and her blog. Anybody worked with her? Used her stuff? Report!

“October’s Bits and Pieces: Websites, blogs and random thoughts” continues »

Well, I’ll tell you, I’m not even tempted to look at my stock portfolio. On the other hand, I’m getting a lot of weeding done.

I’ve been reading a lot of blogs and articles these last two weeks. Pretty much the advice for small businesses is without much substance: “Offer Incentives, Increase Marketing, Hone Your Tacking System, Keep Your Eye on the Future.” Well, yeah, but most of you were doing this before the DOW dropped 700+ points, right? Yes, the market moves in cycles, but you have to Keep Your Eye on the Future while dealing with the Now.

In my own experience, the hard times have been the best launching places for some of my best ideas. When every thing has been shaved down to the core then plans, goals and paths become crystal clear.

“September’s Bits & Pieces: Websites, blogs and random thoughts” continues »

Time again for the month’s round up of random things that have been sent or crossed my path. Remember, if you find anything worthwhile send it in so we can share.

Websites (sent in and discovered):

Natural-Life.ca is a Canadian directory of organic grocers, organic farms, natural health practitioners and organic restaurants near Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. They have this blog (updated weekly) which features natural health articles from around the world. I spent a couple hours reading through it last week. Take a look.

“August’s Bits & Pieces: Websites, blogs and random thoughts” continues »