Day 53 - Keep 'Em Comin'

First of all, I want to thank all of the volunteers who have been guinea pigs as I learn massage. Your sacrifice is what is going to make me be the best bodywork professional I can be. Thank you for your patience as I "learn the ropes" - so to speak.
In the Professional Development class this evening, we learned about marketing ourselves and our services, how to get clients and keep them coming back, what things we can do for customer service, and how to keep notes about our sessions with each client. In discussions like this, we even got down to if our sheets smell clean or not can be a factor in whether or not a client comes back.
I'm not scared of the marketing part, especially when it comes down to talking to people about it. You may have noticed that I enjoy talking about it. I also enjoy doing it.
This past Saturday, I had done several massages, gone to practice some music for a Sunday evening worship service, and finally had gotten home, exhausted. All I wanted to do was lie on the couch and become a vegetable when WGH asked if I would give him a massage. I dragged myself off the couch (after 20 minutes of "getting up the energy") and we went to the massage room where once I started working on his muscles, I became energized enough to do about an hour massage.
Where did the energy come from? About 15 minutes after I was done, I became a vegetable again on the couch.
I can't explain it. I guess I feel like this was something I was supposed to do.

Day 49 - Getting Out of the Comfort Zone

I had a couple practice massages this past weekend, and the more I do it, the more I love it. I look forward to it being my profession. Until then, I'll continue learning and practicing.
In tonight's class, we learned about Sales and Marketing. I enjoy the marketing part, the sales...well, not so much. I firmly believe that in order to sell something successfully, you MUST believe in your product or service. Well, I know that everybody can benefit from massage, so that's the easy part.  :-) We also learned about the "elevator speech" - who you are and what you do in 30 seconds or less. To really get our names and reputations out there, we need to step out of our comfort zones and market ourselves and what we do.
At one point in the evening, somebody apparently "accidently" hit the fire alarm, and all the classes ended up waiting in the parking lot until we were cleared to go back in the building, which was about 20 minutes. An exciting time that was, especially while hearing the distant rumblings of thunder. We finally got back to business, though.
I also learned that as a student, without a license for massage, I cannot accept any type of payment, gratuity, gift, or service. So, seriously, folks, if you ever wanted to get a massage, now is the time to do it! Check out the website to reserve your time with me! http://schedule5.createappointments.com/6317/schedule_1.html
No charge! All I ask is that you remember me when I get licensed.