The Bodywork Mentor

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 9 May 2012

Never Give Up On Your Wellness

This #WellnessWednesday post is actually a surprise to me. I hadn’t planned on it; and honestly, was the farthest away from feeling the need for wellness, wanting wellness or caring whether anyone else had it. Never give up in regard to anything was not even close to my state of mind today.

Terrible way to start a blog post, I know; but I like my readers to know that I, too, have motivation difficulties just like everyone else. I hit walls and barricades just like you do.

Thankfully, it lifts me up to write for others, to perhaps help them with problems with which they may be struggling. Or, to find words or videos to help motivate people to a higher ground. I often forget that until I actually begin writing.

Writing is almost like a happy pill for me.

Never Give Up on Your Wellness

The last two days have been very difficult days for me. I generally have a never give up tenacity about me, but gosh… sometimes something comes along and not only takes the wind out of your sails, but sinks your boat at the same time.

That’s how I feel right now.

Without going into details (because I wouldn’t want anyone else to feel this way), I’ve had a couple of serious setbacks — business-wise and personally.

I wasn’t even thinking of writing a post for #WellnessWednesday. I wasn’t even thinking of writing again for this blog for a long while — if ever.

Yeah, we’re talking some serious soul-searching here.

So, this evening, as I was busily trying to lose myself in mindless web surfing, to hopefully help me forget how down I’m feeling, I happened to stumble upon quite the amazing video about a veteran named Arthur. Continue reading →

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Tagged as #wellnesswednesday, health, massage, massage business, never give up, self-improvement, wellbeing, wellness, yoga

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 6 May 2012

Thinking Big

In this week’s #MotivationMonday installment, the topic is Thinking Big. It’s all about the power of your mind. I’ve discussed the concept of the power of thought in previous posts, and without a doubt, I will again on many more occasions. The reason is, I believe in the power of thought so much, I cannot emphasize it enough.

Thinking Big

When you dream of where you want to be when you “grow up,” when you finish school, in five years, tens years… it’s very important that you stop thinking “All I need is…” or “All I want is…” and start thinking big.

The global monster Apple began in a garage, but I will bet money that the founders never said to each other or themselves, “All we need is a little store…” or, “We only need a few sales…”

No, the global reality of their company came from thinking big. Thinking bigger than their reality, that is.
Continue reading →

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Tagged as #MotivationMonday, ambition, fear of success, massage business, positive thought, self improvement, thinking big

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 4 May 2012

Fun Fun Spa — PSYC

Yep, still laughing.

Massage therapy can tend to be a very, very serious and even a rather staid profession, depending on where you happen to work. Especially at the higher end of the scale.

There are very few “fun” spas where an odd sense of humor is the foundation for the establishment. But here, in Palm Springs, CA, there is one fun fun spa in particular where I happen to have first-hand knowledge.

If you’re not aware, Palm Springs is located in the California desert — we don’t have yachts here, let alone yacht clubs, per se. Continue reading →

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Tagged as fun spa, gene autry, hotel spa, massage business, massage therapist, massage therapy, merv griffin, palm springs, parker palm springs, psyc, trendy spa

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 2 May 2012

Just Breathe

My, how time does fly! It’s already time for another #WellnessWednesday installment!?

Where do the days go? Gosh, I think I need to just breathe.

Ahhhh… that’s better.

Well, as always, I like to focus on the massage or bodywork therapists on this day of wellness awareness.

Today I have a very cool video I’d like to share with you that might help you just breathe yourself to sleep or relaxation.

As I’ve mentioned before, MTs and bodyworkers are so dialed into their clients they often neglect or even forget about themselves and their own wellness. I say this as an authority on the matter as I’m notorious for neglecting myself due to other priorities. Continue reading →

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Tagged as #wellnesswednesday, bodywork therapists, breathe, massage business, massage therapists, massage therapy, mellow, proper breathing, relax, wellness

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 30 April 2012

My Two Cents

All that I say is, examine, inquire. Look into the nature of things. Search out the grounds of your opinions, the for and against. Know why you believe, understand what you believe, and possess a reason for the faith that is in you. — Frances Wright

The time has come. I’ve decided to create a page dedicated to editorial posts called My Two Cents.

Obviously, this being my blog, you could argue that everything I write about is me sharing my two cents.

To a degree, your argument would be absolutely on point.

However, there are certain topics that come up where, even though they could be tailored to address mentoring type issues and topics, I would feel more comfortable presenting them in an editorial format.

I’m not a follower of any business, massage or bodywork gurus, I don’t base my opinions on those of politicians, no matter their party or celebrities; and, I tend to march to my own drummer when it comes to so-called conventional wisdom.

A page dedicated to My Two Cents editorials seems like a good solution for me to address certain issues that resonate or even irritate me.

I look at the facts as I see them regarding any given issue, compare them to my core philosophy and form my opinion. Of course, input from other people can sway me if, and only if, their argument jives with my core principles, but they must in order for me to change my opinion.

I like to think most people form their opinions in the same way. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, bodywork business, controversy, editorial, massage business, massage therapy, my two cents, opinion, thoughts

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 30 April 2012

Believing In Yourself

It’s not who you are that holds you back. It’s who you think you’re not. – Anonymous

In this installment for #MotivationMonday, in addition to a wonderfully motivating video, I decided to include a vignette of a life to best illustrate this idea of believing in yourself.

Too often in life, we allow others to define us. Certainly there are exceptions to that reality. And maybe, that’s only true for a small percentage of the population. But for that percentage, and I’ll include myself in that, not believing in ourselves can be more devastating than others not believing in us. Believing in yourself is paramount to living your dreams.

I think everyone seeks out the approval of someone important in their life. It’s human nature to want those who we look up to, admire, respect, and love to believe in our dreams or our abilities. It takes a remarkable person to push past adversity and lack of their family and friends’ faith in their abilities to really achieve their dreams.

But why?

Why do we put so much store in what other people think? Why would we put our own passions on the back burner because someone whose approval we seek won’t or can’t give it?

The bigger question is, why do we do that to each other? I’ve done it without even thinking — squashed someone’s dream because I didn’t think it was possible. Looking back, I think, “Wow! What a jerk! What right did I have to do that?” Continue reading →

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Tagged as believe in yourself, piano, risk=life, saxophone, self-confidence, self-improvement, tin pan alley

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 28 April 2012

Five Ways To A Five Star Massage

If I were to tell you there are five ways to a Five Star massage, would you believe me?

To be honest, a lot goes into creating a Five Star massage, but presented in just the right way, you can create the illusion of a Five Star massage experience for your clients simply by adding a few luxurious touches to your work.

Have you ever wished you could boost your bodywork and massage sessions to another level? Are you having difficulty getting clients to stay loyal to you or come back as regularly as you’d like? Are you bored with the “same-old, same-old” in your massage protocol? Want to put the WOW factor into your work?

Those are questions most likely every therapist has grappled with at some time or another in the course of their career. Trendy or expensive workshops spring up every year to address many of those questions, and therapists gladly sign up for them. Continue reading →

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Tagged as 5 star, bodywork, massage, massage business, royalty

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 25 April 2012

Exercising Can’t Into Must

You’ve no doubt heard of the expression, “Turning muscle into fat.”

Today, for my #WellnessWednesday post, I’d like to explore the idea of exercising the negative can’t into the positive must.

Just how easy is it to make excuses for why we can’t exercise? Of course, it’s too easy.

Falling back on excuses ~ the “I can’t because” meme is as easy as flopping on the sofa, remote in one hand, with the other hand free to dig into the bag of junk food of the day, or text our friends, tweet or whatever else people do with their phones these days.

Being a couch potato (or sofa yam as I like to say), takes little to no effort. Coming up with excuses for not physically moving your body are almost as easy as being a lazy boy.

Of this topic, making the “I can’t” excuses, I am an expert. With the snap of my fingers, I can come up with myriad reasons why I can’t do something I should do ~ that I must do ~ especially when it comes to exercise. Continue reading →

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Tagged as can’t, exercise, massage business, massage therapy, self-improvement, willpower

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 23 April 2012

Decide To Decide

The principle of life is that life responds by corresponding; your life becomes the thing you have decided it shall be.

- Raymond Charles Barker

In this #MotivationMonday post, I’ve decided to address the problematic issue of making decisions.

Too many people, paralyzed by indecision, cannot even decide to decide.

Some people are very good at making decisions. Many times they’re the right ones. Sometimes, not so much. But at least they’re making them.

I really admire people who can make sound decisions without agonizing for days, weeks, months or even years before finally deciding upon something.

Sometimes I’m really good at making decisions; and then there are other times when I just cannot even decide to decide.

I know that sounds funny, but it’s true: before you can make a decision, you have to decide to make one.

There truly is tremendous power in decision. Continue reading →

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 11 April 2012

Hydrate and Breathe for YOUR Health

As a Wellness Wednesday segment, I decided to brush off a piece I wrote last Spring and bump it up to the top of the blog.

I know I need to be reminded from time to time to do things for my own health that are seemingly no-brainers; otherwise, I let them fall to the wayside. Breathing and hydrating properly are important elements that help us take care of ourselves so we can better administer to our clients.

Hydrate and Breath for YOUR Health

There are two elements in our lives we cannot live without: water and air; and yet, too many of us forget to drink enough water each day and our breathing is just enough to get us by without falling over.

It is routine for most massage and bodywork therapists to advise our clients to drink plenty of water after a session as massage and bodywork tends to dehydrate the system. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, breathing, Green, health, hiking, hydration, massage business, massage therapy, trekking

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 4 July 2011

Mobile Massage ~ Independence With Organization

A mobile massage or bodywork business is the epitome of Independence.

There is nothing more exhilarating than not being tied to an office ~ a traditional 9-5, Monday through Friday schedule ~ or punching a time clock at a spa or hotel while making a decent or even phenomenal income.

On this 235th anniversary of the United States' Independence, I would like to take this opportunity to point out a very important aspect of mobile massage or bodywork that is too often a missing ingredient, and that is organization. Without organization, you become a prisoner to chaos, and run the risk of sabotaging your success.

In the mobile massage and bodywork business, there is no more important ingredient than organization. It matters not how much training you have, or how snazzy your website is, or how even how many clients you have. If you are not highly organized, you might as well throw your money in the nearest river. Why? Because disorganization robs you of time, and time is money. Not only that, but your clients will judge you on your disorganization much more than they will on your organization. Believe me, they will.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as business organization, financial independence, green business, massage business, mobile bodywork, Mobile massage

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 1 May 2011

Two Questions for Successful Niche Marketing

There are two questions for successful niche marketing for which every business owner should know the answer. No matter what your chosen method for earning an income, in order to achieve success, not only is it important that you make a plan, but before you can plan anything, you must know: 1) who you are, or who you’d like to be in your field; and, 2) in what business you are.

In the massage and bodywork field, there are numerous ways to approach making an income. The most efficient and successful way is Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork business, financial independence, Green, massage business, mobile bodywork, Mobile massage business

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 30 November 2011

Handling the Holidays

It's difficult to believe, but 2011 has but one month left. Sad to think of yet another year having flown by; but at least the month of December is usually chockfull of festive activity to compensate for closing the year out. For bodyworkers and massage therapists especially, it can be a month of lots and lots of work, or; depending on where you live, it can be an absolute miserable month for revenue.

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Tagged as bodywork, bodywork mentor, holiday massage, massage, mobile bodywork, Mobile massage

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 1 December 2011

Gift Certificates ~ ’Tis The Season…

'Tis the season… already! Today being December 1st, it's the perfect time to begin suggesting gift certificates to your existing clients to give to your future clients as gifts this holiday season. Ideally, you should already have your marketing mapped out for December, but if for some reason it slipped your mind, or you never even thought of it before, I'm here to remind you!

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Tagged as bodywork, gift certificates, massage business, massage therapy, mobile bodywork, Mobile massage

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 5 December 2011

Winning Massage Price Wars

Though the temptation may be great given tenuous the state of the economy, don't let yourself get dragged into emotional massage price wars. Winning massage price wars doesn't necessarily mean you have to get into the trenches in hand-to-hand combat, but you do have approach battles very strategically, keeping your own business plan in mind at all times.

The other day I was describing to a friend the frequent gas wars that took place when I was a child in the early sixties. My young friend was astonished when I told her I remembered one war where gas fell to only three cents a gallon. I tried not to laugh when her eyes became as big as saucers. Back then, competing corner gas stations would start lowering their prices, each time trying to beat the lowest price in order to entice the hungry gas guzzlers to their pumps. It was friendly as most of the wars were prearranged by the competing station owners.

Ah yes, those were the days. Candy bars were a nickel, sodas a dime, movies were seventy-five cents ~ and they were double features at that! The good old days. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, massage, massage therapy business, Mobile massage, niche marketing

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 26 December 2011

Christmas Day Thank You

It's been many years since I haven't had to (chosen to) work on Christmas Day. In the past, working on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days was a given. At first, if I wanted to keep my job, I had no choice. Then, when I did have a choice, I chose to work on those days because in doing so, I was able to give my clients an even better holiday experience. Living in a resort town, where people flock here in the cold Winter months to walk around in shorts and tank tops while their less fortunate friends and family freeze their butts off back home, Winter holidays are a pretty big deal. Even in the heat of summer, the 4th of July can be jumpin' busy in the spas and hotels, but I still think Winter beats them all.

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 29 December 2011

Treating Your Thumbs Like Fine China

If you want a long career in massage, it's important to treat your thumbs like fine china.

Can you remember the first time your thumbs cried for mercy while massaging? Could it have been when you gave your first neck and shoulder massage? It probably lasted all of about two minutes before your hands, in particular your thumbs, started screaming, right? What are the last words you usually hear right before the neck and shoulder massage you're receiving from your non-massage therapist husband, wife or significant other abruptly ends?

Photo by Michiel1972

"Ow! My thumbs!"

When I teach hands-on massage to massage therapists in training, the first thing I notice is the predominant use of their thumbs. It's so painful for me just to watch the few seconds I allow it to go on before I school them. As humans, it's a natural instinct to want to use our thumbs. After all, we've been given the wonderful gift of opposable thumbs, it seems a shame not to use them at every opportunity. Especially when we find a big juicy knot in the back that just begs for a monster thumb to dig into it. Unfortunately, for massage therapists, it's not the best idea ~ not if you're hoping for longevity in the bodywork industry.

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 31 December 2011

New Year Resolutions for Massage & Bodywork Therapists

The end of year is nigh, and for many, the time for making New Year resolutions has arrived.

Massage and bodywork therapists should be thrilled to know "Enjoy Life More" is #5 on About's Top Ten New Year's Resolutions. A great massage or bodywork session certainly fits the description of "enjoying life more" to me. "Fit in Fitness" is #2 on the list. I would certainly consider regular massage as part of being "fit," so there's even more to celebrate, therapists!

There are many factors that go into making New Year resolutions, including but certainly not limited to regrets, desires, dreams and goals. No matter the reasons for compiling the list, one thing is for sure: most items on the list will quickly be forgotten ~ until about this time next year.

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Tagged as bodywork business, holiday message, marketing, massage business, New Year Resolutions

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 2 January 2012

Love Your Work, Therapists

When You Don't Love Your Work

I happened upon a Dilbert comic strip today that perfectly illustrated for me how important it is for massage and bodywork therapists to love their work. When you don't love your work, it becomes immediately obvious to your client, your co-workers and your boss if you happen to be employed at an establishment. The comic strip also pokes fun at the sometimes tenuous title "Certified Massage Therapist."

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Tagged as bodywork, bodywork business, certification, love your work, massage, massage business, positive thought

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 16 January 2012

Massage Therapists ~ Be Your Own Body’s Best Advocate

As a bodyworker, the most important title you have isn't CMT ~ it's "YOBBA" ~ Your Own Body's Best Advocate.

Working as a bodyworker, the very essence of your job is to be an advocate for the health and well-being for other people's bodies. Your hands and your touch are literally advocates for your clients' bodies. In the process of doing your job, especially if you work in a resort setting, you are bombarded with exotic bugs from all over the world all through what is usually your busiest, and of course, most profitable part of your year ~ "High Season." Survival instinct and your boss urging you to work through it may be difficult to fight, but in my experience, the best thing you can do for yourself and your future is to be your own body's best advocate and stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids. There's a reason that that's the conventional wisdom ~ because it works.

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 21 January 2012

Why Massage Therapists Should “Dress for Success”

Dress for Success is a popular adage based on sound advice ~ advice that actually works!

More and more, I'm afraid, that saying is going by the wayside, particularly in regard to more casual vocations such as massage therapy. There are many reasons why massage therapists should Dress for Success.

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by Gregory Bessmer, CMT | 25 January 2012

Finding Your Niche

I asked my good friend and former student, Gregory Bessmer of Palm Springs Massage Therapy, to write a piece for my blog about finding your niche. Because I find his journey so interesting, I wanted him to share his experience with my readers about how he has struggled with and overcome his own challenges regarding niche marketing in his massage business. Greg is a very smart and creative businessman and I often find myself learning from him in ways unexpected. His experience with niche marketing, I believe, includes an important lesson.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finding your niche, and niche marketing in general is a fundamental part of any business.

Greg Bessmer CMT

It can be easy to get stuck between the extremes of wanting to be “all things to all people” and procrastinating about defining your specialized market until later. You must be committed enough to your business to find your own unique spot in the world. Sometimes your niche may even end up finding you! From personal experience I know the process is not easy. It involves not only finding and following your passion, but implementing those findings for your practice in a way that will allow you to reach the personal and financial goals you establish.

Finding your niche in massage can be particularly complicated because of the myriad choices to be considered. Of course, you know what they say about anything worthwhile; it doesn't come easy. For me it was both ~ difficult and easy. Let me explain.

I'm a man. I started massage school just before my 40th birthday. I'm also gay. I was never the popular guy in school, although I was voted class “Gopher” (a Love Boat TV show reference). I do not have a background in personal training. I thought yoga was a delicious frozen treat with berries and sprinkles. And… I have a beard.

There… that's out of the way. I feel better.

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 28 January 2012

Nine Reasons to Enter the Massage or Bodywork Field

I wanted to compile a list of nine reasons to enter the massage or bodywork field for people who are contemplating entering the profession. There are myriad reasons, and I’m sure every therapist today could give you a different list ~ shorter or longer.

I will concede that there are certainly more than nine reasons to enter the massage or bodywork field, but after pondering for a long while, I thought these nine points would best answer the question I posed to myself many years ago, “Can I think of nine reasons to enter the massage or bodywork industry?” Ten is such a cliché number which is why I chose only nine.

One ~ Do you enjoy helping people, whether it’s helping them relax or overcome injuries? Does making a positive impact on people’s lives interest you? More often than not, people who will come to you for bodywork will always be happy to see you because they know they’re going to feel much better at the end of the session. If that appeals to you, this field is a good one to explore. There are so many specialties and niches, too, within the massage and bodywork industry you could really fashion your business to fit your strengths and enjoyment.

Two ~ Would you enjoy having an occupation where people look to you as a highly trained and knowledgeable professional who can help them feel better? While some people may have a negative or ambivalent view of massage and massage therapists, more and more people are looking to massage therapists, in particular those who are state or nationally certified as experts in wellness, to improve their quality of life. A certified therapist often enjoys an elevated status within their field; though certification doesn’t necessarily make a better therapist out of a mediocre therapist, but it does tend to lend more credibility to those who are certified.

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by Gregory Bessmer, CMT | 28 January 2012

A Little Piggie Went to Market ~ A Niche Marketing Story

My friend Greg Bessmer sent me an email with this post asking me if I thought it would be useful to The Bodywork Mentor. I hadn't read the piece before I replied that I'd look at it and let him know. The subject in his email was "Swine Flew" so to say I was somewhat hesitant was an understatement. In fact, the story, A Little Piggie Went to Market ~ A Niche Marketing Story, turned out to be perfect for The Bodywork Mentor blog as Greg illustrates so beautifully he's a guy who absolutely "gets" the concept of niche marketing. His article resonates completely with my eBook In What Business Are You? Niche Marketing for Massage & Bodywork Therapists.

Greg's bodywork practice, Palm Springs Massage Therapy, and his PSMT Blog focus on Palm Springs, CA, where he lives and operates his business. Not only is his bodywork practice brilliantly infused with the essence of Palm Springs ~ his niche market ~ but his blog writings really give the reader an incredible sense of the real Palm Springs that so many visitors and residents miss. Not only is Greg an excellent student, but he has a marketer's eye, in particular a niche marketer's eye, which is why I'm so pleased and excited to include his writings on my own blog. Take it away, Greg.

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Gregory Bessmer, CMT

I'd like to tell a niche marketing story about an experience I had last night. In Palm Springs, every Thursday night, thousands of folks meet at the heart of the Palm Springs village to buy vegetables, see friends, listen to some music and shop the hand made goods that are presented by local artisans at an event called VillageFest. The weekly VillageFest is a real year round hit!

As I mentioned, last night I took my partner and my mother to stroll down the blocked-off Palm Canyon Drive, see the sights and buy honey. I love a particular brand of honey that I have only found at VillageFest. The family that runs the small farmers market booth always has stacks of honey in various flavors, dark and light. The honey comes in creamy, smooth and with a bit of honeycomb in the bottle. The owners are husband and the wife and are equally proficient at explaining the benefits of their products. They are a great help for finding a good choice for your particular tastes. I talked to the man for a good 5 minutes about pollen that he also had available. I learned that his is not filled with “junk” like his competitors. “You can tell by the color of the pollen itself”, he said. The competitor’s jars of pollen are filled with only bright yellow pollen while his is mixed with bits of brown and and even darker brown pollen bits too. Honestly, it could be bits of foreign matter and I wouldn’t know the difference. However, this guy seemed trustworthy and had clearly carved out a little niche market in the honey business. I have built a relationship with his family’s products. So why not believe him about this point too? This is the kind of successful niche market story I like to see.

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 1 February 2012

Nine Ways to Care for Your Hands

Here I’ve compiled a list of nine ways to care for your hands.

Bodyworkers’ hands are our money-makers. Without healthy hands, it would be near impossible for us to do our jobs. Also, if our hands are rough, our clients aren’t going to appreciate being massaged by sand-paper hands. Once a person decides to become a massage therapist, the focus and concern about their hands is naturally heightened.

One ~ Moisturize your hands several times a day ~ at least four, especially right before bed. Moisturizing your hands should be as important as brushing your teeth before going to sleep.

Two ~ Manicure your nails on a regular basis. Do not chew or tear your nails or cuticles. If your cuticles are chronically dry and rough, use can use lip balm to rub into your nails. Keep your nails and hands out of water as much as possible. Treat yourself once a month to a professional manicure.

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 6 February 2012

Nine Essential Oils Perfect for Massage

Here are nine essentials oils perfect for massage that also happen to be my personal favorites.

By incorporating aromatherapy into your sessions via essential oils, you can significantly elevate your clients’ massage or bodywork experience.

One ~ Sandalwood essential oil is native to Southeast Asian countries. Among its other important properties, Sandalwood essential oil is a sedative, a tonic and a memory booster. For massage, the first two are quite beneficial. As a sedative, Sandalwood essential oil is very effective as it sedates anxiety, fear, restlessness as it induces calmness and positive thoughts. I like the third property because I like to think it will help my client retain the essence of how great our session was. What it does is keep the brain cool and relaxed, saving it from undue stress and/or anxiety.

Two ~ Bergamot essential oil, made from a citrus fruit called Bergamot orange, is native to Italy. It is a sweet smelling essential oil, known most for its use in Earl Grey tea. It has many favorable properties, but for the purpose of massage, the most important are that it relaxes the nervous system and relieves stress and tension. An added bonus is that it will give the skin a healthy glow. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bergamot, bodywork, cedarwood, clary sage, essential oils, ginger, lavender, massage, Mobile massage, niche marketing, nutmeg, peppermint, roman chamomile, sandalwood

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 2 February 2012

Nine

I’ve created a series of articles called “Nine.”

Two articles in the Nine series, Nine Reasons to Enter the Massage or Bodywork Field and Nine Ways to Care for Your Hands, have already been published. In the next months, I’ll be writing and publishing several more lists of nine items I think may be helpful to massage and bodywork therapists in their practices. At a certain point in time, I’ll also create a dedicated page called Nine which will have links to all of Nine articles.

Why nine, you may ask. Why not ten? Why not eight or twenty?

There is a method to my madness and I thought this post would be an excellent place to explain and share why I chose to limit my lists to nine reasons, things, ways, etc.

I have a thing about the number nine, and I have for a long time. You might assume my interest in the number nine might have begun at the age of nine, which would seem a reasonable assumption; but in fact, it began a while later for me, around 1968. The Beatles’ White Album (The Beatles) included a piece called Revolution 9. John Lennon’s voice loop of “number nine” (among “turn me on, dead man”) created quite a stir back then. What did it mean? We all wondered.

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Tagged as bodywork, massage, math, nine, numerology, the beatles

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 4 February 2012

Realizing Empathy in Bodywork

Realizing empathy in bodywork, as you strive to improve your techniques and your business, will heighten your connection to your clients ~ and yourself.

Realizing Empathy on Creativity, Innovation, and Transformation is a video by Seung Chan Lim of the Realizing Empathy project I recently had the pleasure to watch. At first, I didn't know what to expect, but as I the six-minute video continued, I knew I had to share it with my readers. Its message is profound and eye-opening.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, creativity, niche marketing, realizing empathy, seung chan lim

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 4 February 2012

St. Valentine’s Lonely Hearts: The Neglected and Forgotten Niche

Yes, therapists and bodyworkers, St. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner .

Will you be offering some type of special to your clients? Is there an ignored or neglected niche market you can tap into? If so, what is it? Is there something you do every year to acknowledge the day? Will you pair up with another therapist to offer couples’ massages? Is this a day you keep for yourself and your sweetheart? If you haven’t planned anything in advance for your clients, is there a way you can capitalize on the special day, even at this late date? What type of Valentine’s Day service or combination will entice your clients and new clients to choose you or your company? What supplies would you need?

Lots of questions, I know, but the very essence of being in business for one’s self is asking and answering questions. In business, you almost have to have a shark mentality where if you stop (moving) thinking about your business and asking yourself questions, you die. The key is asking the right questions.

Aside from the rampant commercialism associated with the day, there is no so-called “holiday” more geared to love and custom-made for massage therapy than St. Valentine’s Day. Even though legitimate massage therapy is and should always be asexual in nature, the simple essence of touch ~ the desire to touch and be touched ~ is human nature. Our skin, with its millions of nerve-endings, was meant to be touched and massaged.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, Lonely Hearts, massage, massage therapists, niche marketing, St. Valentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 7 February 2012

Go Mobile Massage eBook Excerpt

The following is a short excerpt of my eBook Go Mobile ~ Your Road to Freedom for Massage & Bodywork Therapists.

Filled with detailed information, Go Mobile covers the massage business in general, and mobile massage specifically. In addition to the 200 pages of success-oriented information, there are also color illustrations and photos, product and informational links as well.

Go Mobile ~ Your Road to Freedom for Massage & Bodywork Therapists

by Jules Hamland

Early on in my career, I tried mobile massage in order to make more income and build up my own regular clientele when I wasn’t scheduled at the spa. Frankly, I was terrible at it. Mobile massage wasn’t really taught at my school or anywhere else that I could find. I was horribly disorganized and each time I tried it, it was an unmitigated disaster. I finally decided the only way to do my own thing was to have my own space. Continue reading →

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by Ginger Veitinger, LMT | 8 February 2012

From the Front Lines of a Niche Marketing Massage Business: Pregnancy Bodywork

Ginger Veitinger, LMT, is the owner/operator of Bump Massage Therapy, a perfect example of a niche marketing massage business in Savannah, Ga.

I first “met” Ginger on Twitter. I noticed her profile name, @bumpmassage, and was immediately intrigued. Once I realized the meaning of her business name (and amazing logo by Billy Steele), I recognized a savvy and first-class niche marketer. I invited Ginger to write as a guest blogger to share how Bump Massage Therapy was born, so-to-speak. Her experience, keen focus and understanding of niche marketing includes what I believe is very informative for my readers, both from a niche marketing perspective as well as a bodyworker’s.

Ginger is clearly someone who knows in what business she is, which is the key to niche marketing massage business as I spell out in my eBook In What Business Are You? Niche Marketing for Massage & Bodywork Therapists.

I’m so pleased to welcome Ginger as a TBM guest blogger. I hope you enjoy her post as much as I have.

From the Front Lines of Niche Marketing: Pregnancy, Labor Support & Postpartum Bodywork

Ginger Veitinger, LMT

I entered training in the field of massage and bodywork with a single purpose: To offer nurturing support to pregnant, laboring and brand new mommies. Coming into the field as a second career afforded me the luxury of time to really search out what I intended to accomplish in my practice. I began researching prenatal massage certifications long before my training in massage therapy was complete. My goal was simple, or so I thought. It was very important to me that the practice be intentionally focused on all three phases of a woman’s childbearing year: Pregnancy, labor preparation & support, and the postnatal period. While there are many certifications in prenatal massage, only a handful offer training for labor support and the postnatal period. Fewer still were being offered anywhere around my neck o’ the woods. Continue reading →

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Tagged as billy steele, bump massage therapy, ginger veitinger, massage therapy business, niche marketing, pregnancy massage, savannah georgia

by Gregory Bessmer, CMT | 8 February 2012

One Massage Therapist’s Perspective on Deep Tissue Massage

Guest blogger, Gregory Bessmer, CMT and owner of Palm Springs Massage Therapy in Palm Springs, CA previously shared this post last year on another blog of mine. It’s one massage therapist’s perspective of Deep Tissue massage, but Greg’s post highlights an unsettling trend. People wanting therapists to torture them in bodywork sessions is becoming so relevant to current massage trends, I decided to share it with my TBM readers.

Yes, Greg and I share a perspective on Deep Tissue, which should come as no surprise given the fact I was his massage instructor. I, too, had routinely experienced the hurt me requests which prompted me to write my first article for Ezine, aimed at massage clients regarding the misnomer of no pain, no gain: “No Pain, No Gain, No Reason.”

As Greg mentions, Deep Tissue is a valid and important modality in bodywork, providing therapeutic relief to people legitimately in need of that type of work. However, there does seem to be a growing misunderstanding by the public about what constitutes effective massage and bodywork that can create a moral and ethical dilemma for the therapist. After all, our job is to help people, not hurt them.

Again, I want to reiterate that Deep Tissue massage is an extremely important bodywork modality with amazing therapists administering it. Greg’s or my perspectives are in no way meant to disparage the legitimacy and importance of Deep Tissue massage or trained Deep Tissue therapists.

: Gregory Bessmer CMT

“I hurt, but in a good way.”

As a Massage Therapist within a resort setting, I have heard this expression many times from people who have described their previous massage experiences.

Then they tell me:

“I want you to make me cry.”

“I want you to take my breath away.”

“I can take it.”

“I might be small but I REALLY want you to use a lot of pressure.”

“Go ahead and hurt me because I know I need it.”

What? These statements astonish me. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, deep tissue massage, gregory bessmet, massage, palm springs, palm springs massage therapy

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 11 February 2012

Nine Special Occasions Ideal for Massage Marketing

Here are nine special occasions ideal for massage marketing to keep in mind when planning your marketing campaign for the year.

I always recommend therapists plan their massage marketing campaigns for a whole year so they’re not caught unaware or reduced to hopeless scrambling at the last minute in order to take advantage of an upcoming event or special occasion. The early bird gets the worm.

Your own list may differ from mine, but the following list of nine special occasions is one that, from my own experience, seems reasonable and the most logical when considering how to plan a marketing campaign a year in advance. When the majority of the population are off from work and/or celebrate specific holidays and participate in special occasions on this list, by offering your services it’s an excellent opportunity for you to fill a lucrative void left by other therapists who may be joining in on the days of leisure or celebration instead of working. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, gift certificates, holidays, massage marketing, Mobile massage, special occasions

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 13 February 2012

Mobile Body Treatments eBook Excerpt

The following is a short excerpt of my eBook Mobile Body Treatments for Massage & Bodywork Therapists.

I wrote this eBook for mobile therapists who have an interest in offering body treatments to their clients but don’t know how to go about it, and for those who have tried it, only to decide it was too much of a mess or hassle. I include several detailed and delicious, step-by-step mobile body treatments and their protocols, supplies you’ll need, their resources, and many other ins and outs of mobile body treatments.

Mobile Body Treatments for Massage & Bodywork Therapists

by Jules Hamland

INTRODUCTION

“A body treatment, spa treatment, or cosmetic treatment is non-medical procedure to help the health of the body.” Wikipedia

During my more active years as a certified massage therapist and bodyworker, I took advantage of as many varied opportunities that came my way. I began my career as a bodyworker in my mid-forties, and I knew going in it would be shorter than normal career as far as the physical work was concerned. I also knew that at the end of the physical side of my career path, I would pursue the education aspect of the industry because that was part of my initial plan. I felt the more different types of experiences I had, the better my ability to share with others what I learned along the way. Continue reading →

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 14 February 2012

My Top Nine Music Selections for Massage or Bodywork

I’ve put together my top nine music selections for massage or bodywork, because one of my favorite things about being a bodywork therapist is how important music is to the ultimate success of a session.

As a musician, songwriter, and BioSonic Repatterning Educator (Sound Healing), music has been an important component to my work as a bodyworker. Given that human beings are vibration, it stands to reason we would be affected by vibration, which is music. You only need to observe an audience entering and exiting a Brahms concert, and compare it to an audience entering and exiting a heavy metal concert to see just how powerful music can be over mood and energy.

Throughout my years as a bodyworker, I’ve created nearly twenty playlists on my iPod that work well with my work specifically, which is stress reduction and relaxation. Understanding that everyone is different, therapists and clients, using just the right music or sound requires a delicate balance. For instance, it’s very difficult for me to get to a healing place where I become at one with my client’s energy if the music a client prefers is plinky plunky Asian music, or rap ~ both of which unnerve me. Yes, I’ve actually had a client request I use her iPod with her own music which happened to be of all things, gangster rap. It was not my favorite session ever, and I think it had to be the longest in the history of my career. It certainly doesn’t fall into my top music selections for bodywork. Continue reading →

Pages: 1 2

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Tagged as massage business, massage music, mobile bodywork, Mobile massage, sound healing

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 15 February 2012

Is the 39 Dollar Massage Your Competition?

Is the 39 dollar massage your competition?

Really?

There is an ongoing controversy about a certain massage franchise undercutting all the good massage therapists by offering a 39 dollar massage.

“It’s ruining our pricing!”

“They’re destroying the massage industry!”

“I can’t afford to charge $39!!!” Continue reading →

Pages: 1 2 3

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Tagged as 39 dollar massage, low-cost massage, massage, massage competition, massage therapy, niche marketing

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 14 February 2012

The Client List Controversy

The Client List controversy is beginning to boil over.

If you haven’t heard, Lifetime has a new series The Client List starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. She plays a woman who becomes a prostitute while working as a massage therapist when her husband loses his job just to feed her kids. Thus, The Client List controversy.

As a result of this unsavory portrait of massage therapy, there’s a big brouhaha a-brewin’ amongst many in the massage community and they, along with ABMP’s (Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals) president Les Sweeney are calling for the show to be taken off the air. Continue reading →

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Tagged as abmp, jennifer love hewitt, massage, massage therapy, prostitution, the client list

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 14 February 2012

Happy Valentine’s Day

Today is all about love, isn’t it? We tend to think of this day differently as we age. When we were little kids, it was all about candy hearts and exchanging Valentine cards with all of our friends. There was a bit of a competition to see who would get the most. Some of us got more, some got less than the rest. Our early lessons on how life actually works, right? Continue reading →

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 16 February 2012

Rules for an Extraordinary Life

I really enjoyed this video “Extraordinary Life” and felt compelled to share it with my readers. I can’t think of one “rule” that doesn’t resonate with me personally, in some way or another.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, massage, rules for an extraordinary life, self-improvement

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 18 February 2012

New Twitter Home

My new Twitter home…

I’ve decided to regroup and move some things around in my blogging world. As a result, one of the first steps I’ve taken is to create a new Twitter home. Continue reading →

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 18 February 2012

Leisure That Makes You Whistle While You Work

Finding leisure that makes you whistle while you work is important to your health, happiness and longevity.

It’s important, even if you have work you love, to make time doing something that takes you away from your work.

Some people golf, some vacation, some get drunk, some go to football, basketball or baseball games. I could fill a page with the things people are known to do for leisure. I hike. The question I have is, do those leisure activities help us enjoy our work more? Or do they simply make us pine away at their desks, or wherever we do our work, waiting for 5 o’clock or Friday or the next three-day weekend? Continue reading →

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Tagged as bighorn sheep, disney, golf, hiking, leisure, massage, red-tailed hawk, self-improvement, whistle while you work

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 19 February 2012

Nine Essentials for Your Mobile First Aid Kit

There are nine essentials every bodywork and massage therapist should consider carrying in a mobile first aid kit.

I always advise therapists, whether they have a mobile business, or work for an establishment, to carry their own first aid kit with them. It’s never a good idea to rely on your clients or your employer to have essential items on hand for your safety and well-being. In addition, you’ll be able to carry items that are useful to you and compatible with your work. There are certainly more items that could be included in your kit, but this is a list of nine I consider essential I thought might be helpful to get you started. Continue reading →

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Tagged as first aid kit, mobile bodywork, Mobile massage

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 25 February 2012

Nine Bodywork Modalities In My Massage Toolbox

These are nine bodywork modalities in my massage toolbox that I’ve found work quite well together.

My own signature bodywork session may include elements of American and European Swedish, MyoFacial Release, Polarity, Acupressure, Aromatherapy, LomiLomi, Esalen, Trager®, Reflexology and Sound Therapy using tuning forks and chimes. Sometimes all, fewer or even more than those listed. Being a more integral therapist just happens to suit my personality best. As a result, my sessions are heartfelt and ever evolving. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork modalities, massage business, massage modalities, niche marketing, toolbox

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 24 February 2012

Success and The Bamboo Tree

Your success and the bamboo tree may have something in common.

As with the Bamboo Tree, success does not happen overnight. Tenacity, hard work, patience, consistency and faith are the recipe for success.

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Tagged as bodywork, massage, massage business, Mobile massage, niche marketing, success

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 24 February 2012

RSS: What It Is and Why You Need It

RSS: What it is and why you need it.

Have you ever just asked yourself, “What’s RSS? What’s a feed?”

I know I have. One thing you’ll find out about me, if you haven’t figured it out already, is that I’m not terribly pretentious when it comes to admitting my cluelessness or my wonderment about some things. RSS, up until recently, was one of those things. I just didn’t get it.

I’ve been a web surfer since web surfing’s inception, and it’s not that I’m super techy because I’m not, but I’m perennially curious and tenacious. I have a knack with the computer and the internet. If there’s something out there I need or want to know, brother, you can bet I’m going to track it down. Come hell or high water, as my dad used to say. Let me make this disclaimer, however: I am not, by any means, a techy. Oh, no way. Far from it. Continue reading →

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Tagged as blogs, bodywork, computer, feed, feed reader, feedburner, internet, massage, massage business, RSS

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 26 February 2012

Tenacity and Success

Tenacity and success go hand-in-hand.

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.
Amelia Earhart

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Eating From My Hand (Part One) from Russ Thompson on Vimeo.

By nature, hummingbirds do not just feed from the hands of people. In order to document these amazing events, Russ Thompson’s video of what seems an almost surreal experience, required a tenacious effort between himself, and the hummingbird. In my experience, with my own backyard hummingbirds, their territorial natures can easily (and often are) be mistaken for curiosity or even a fondness for the subject of their “curiosity.” They may get up close and personal, and seem overly friendly ~ so close, they could put out an eye if they so chose ~ but even the blink of said eye can instantly send them whirring away to safety. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, business, hummingbird, massage, niche marketing, self-improvement, success, tenacity

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 29 February 2012

Leap Day of Opportunity

Leap Day: A day of opportunity because… it’s an extra day!

Today, February 29, 2012 is a designated Leap year. What? What exactly does that mean? Are we supposed to leap off things today? Leap into canyons or off buildings? Is walking allowed in-between leaps? Why isn’t it a national holiday? There should be a dance called “The Leap” with its own song, you know, like The Mashed Potato or The Twist. The Leap. Hmmm… I should get right on that! Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, egyptians, february 29, february 30, leap day 2012, leap year, massage, romans, russians, swedes

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 1 March 2012

Forward… March!

Here we are already, beginning the first day of March.

Photo by Jules Hamland

Where other locales look forward to Spring or Summer for their busiest seasons, we, here in the California desert, live for the months of mid-January through mid to late April, but March? It’s easily the most favorable month of all. Oh yes, the business marches in during this beautiful month. Continue reading →

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 2 March 2012

Product Testing and Review

I’ll be busy product testing and then reviewing two, and perhaps even three of Tropical Traditions’ coconut oils today.

I’ll be working on three distinctly different body and skin types. I hope to have the product reviews up by tomorrow, Saturday. Stay tuned…

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Tagged as bodywork, coconut oil, massage, organic, tropical traditions

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 4 March 2012

Nuts About Coconut Oil

I’m just nuts about coconut oil!

Tropical Traditions (TT) is a family company based in the Philippines that produces wonderful coconut oils for consumption and massage. I recently tested TT’s Arnica Massage Oil, comparing it to TT’s Gold Label® Virgin and Expeller-Pressed Coconut Oils, which I’ve used for many years.

Four test subjects in four completely different age groups and skin types were used for the purposes of this review. One was a twenty-something massage therapist in good physical shape, the second was a forty-something man ~ also a massage therapist ~ with body hair, the third was a seventy-nine-year old woman with very thin skin, and the final subject was me ~ mid-fifties with average middle-aged skin.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as arnica, bodywork, coconut oil, massage, massage oil, organic, the philippines, tropical traditions

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 5 March 2012

How Bad Do YOU Want It?

Question: How bad do you want it?

How Bad Do You Want It from Greyskale Multimedia LLC on Vimeo.

The first time I saw this video I was looking for inspiration for myself, just to get me through the day, and ended up asking myself the rest of the day and night, “How bad do you want it?” Yes, sometimes I need inspiration to get me over those barriers of self-doubt. Who doesn’t, right? Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, football, hard work, inspiration, massage, self-improvement

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 7 March 2012

Doubt on My Shoulder

You’ve heard of having a devil on your shoulder. I have doubt on my shoulder.

Oh, sure, sometimes I do have a devil on my shoulder, whispering encouragement for me to do bad things. Most of the time, my “goodness” or moral compass, if you will, can overcome the devil and send it packing before I succumb to weakness or ill-decision. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, doubt, massage, massage therapy, parrot, self-improvement

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 9 March 2012

Nine Necessary Entrepreneurial Traits

en-tre-pre-neur |ˌäntrəprəˈnoŏr; -ˈnər|noun
a person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so.

Are entrepreneurs born or are they made? Though it’s true, some entrepreneurs are “born entrepreneurs;” in fact, anyone with determination can be a successful entrepreneur. Here are nine necessary entrepreneurial traits I believe a person must have to be successful in the field of business. Of course, entrepreneurship is not for everyone. But with these particular character traits, you can see if you might have what it takes to succeed in the highly-competitive world of business. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, business, entrepreneurship, massage, traits of entrepreneur

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 12 March 2012

Fraud at The Washington Post and Kaplan College?

FRAUD AT THE WASHINGTON POST AND KAPLAN COLLEGE?

This is an excerpt from a fairly lengthy and excellent article, Scandal at The Washington Post: Fraud, Lobbying & Insider Trading by Rusty Weiss at Accuracy in Media. It’s an in-depth explanation of all of the chicanery and outright fraud between The Washington Post and its subsidiaries, including Kaplan College ~ where perhaps thousands of would-be massage therapists have been enrolled since its inception.

In the interest of full disclosure, I’m quite familiar with the overall subject matter as I used to teach at Maric College, now known as Kaplan College. When I was hired, I got the same “You know Maric College is owned by the Washington Post, a newspaper known for their high ethics,” etcetera, etcetera. I bought the whole package ~ hook, line and sinker as they say. “Students First” which, if you could read between the lines really meant, Students’ Money First. As time went on, however, I began feeling more and more uncomfortable with my employment there due to some of the unsavory admittance practices I was observing. Frankly, I’m not surprised there’s alleged fraud at The Washington Post and Kaplan College. Continue reading →

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Tagged as fraud, kaplan college, massage therapy training, scandal, the washington post

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 13 March 2012

Find Extra Time in Your Day

Where does your time go?

Time is precious and there never seems to be enough of it. I know I run out of hours in my day, every day. Especially when Daylight Savings kicks in.

“I’ve been robbed!”

Wouldn’t you like to find extra time in your day? Properly managing your time can make it seem as if you’ve been given a bonus. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, massage, massage business, Mobile massage, Paul E. McGarry, time management, video

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 14 March 2012

Top 9 Ways Mobile MTs Can Cut Fuel Costs

Top 9 ways mobile MTS can cut fuel costs.

We live in uncertain and unsettling times in regard to fuel prices. The worry is that this summer we may see $6 or even $7 a gallon gas in parts of the United States. While some people are jumping for joy at the thought of higher and higher fuel prices that will “drive” us to using bicycles or public transportation, if you’re a mobile therapist, out of control rising gas prices is unsettling news, indeed.

In my eBook Go Mobile ~ Your Road to Freedom for Massage & Bodywork Therapists (I know, shameless plug), I address rising fuel prices for mobile therapists and how to cope with them. Astronomical gas prices is certainly no reason to hang up your mobile business.

I have a lot to say about this whole fuel crisis and enough “opinion” to fill an ocean cruise liner; but today, I thought I’d have a little fun. There’s enough strife in this world to worry and fret about, don’t you think?

And, anyway, it’s not like we can all just run out and get a motor scooter, or a bicycle, or a bus pass; or the ultimate, an electric car, just because gas is going to cost an arm and a leg any minute now. That’s great for people who 1) have a lot of extra cash laying around; and 2) don’t need to carry a massage table and supplies with them. For mobile MTs, we need to be a little more creative and conservative in our driving habits and scheduling.

So, I thought I’d share this commonsense list for conserving fuel and keeping your gas bill down to a dull roar while, at the same time, attempt to put a smile on your face.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, fuel costs, gas prices, massage, Mobile massage, MTs

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 16 March 2012

Be In This Moment

Be In this moment.

Sometimes… just sometimes, life seems annoyingly difficult. There are days, like today, when I think I’m just never going to reach my goals because everything keeps getting in my way. Days when nothing goes right, or when what should have taken an hour takes a day ~ or more ~ I get frustrated and think, “What am I doing?” “Is it even worth trying to scale the side of this mountain?” “Perhaps I should find something easier to do.”

Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, dustin hughes, inspiration, massage, massage therapy, motivational video, rock climbing

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 17 March 2012

Massage At Work ~ When Opportunity Knocks

Massage At Work

“My argument is, you’re going to do much better in terms of productivity if you allow your employees to get up and move around for a little bit, and it’s better than smoking a cigarette or even having a cup of coffee.” ~ Meredith Stern, Infinite Massage, San Francisco

Each and every day, more and more opportunities for massage and bodywork therapists are appearing. For years I’ve advocated businesses include massage as a type of incentive or reward for their employees because it absolutely increases productivity. Some businesses recognized the need to offer massage at work early; but now, many more who were previously reluctant, or are feeling more confident about the lagging economy are seeing the light.

Independent massage and bodywork entrepreneurs who are looking for their own niche market might consider corporate on-site massage as a potential opportunity. On-site business massage isn’t for everyone, though. I’ve participated in several in-office on-site sessions and it just wasn’t my cup of tea; however, I certainly recognize the awesome potential for those who prefer that particular cup, so-to-speak. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork entrepreneur, corporate massage, massage at work, massage business, massage entrepreneur, massage therapy, niche marketing, on-site chair massage, on-site corporate massage

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 19 March 2012

Two Life Changing Questions

Here’s a little Monday Motivation for you…

Claire Boothe Luce

I loved Dan Pink’s video so much I couldn’t wait to share it.

Yes, indeedy, the video is an ad for his book “Drive,” but I don’t care. Hey, if by highlighting his video I help Mr. Pink make book sales, well… right on! This video is about a concept that’s so monstrous, yet so simple, on how to define ourselves and who we are in the world. Just by asking two life changing questions. More people should know about it.

The main life changing question was inspired by Claire Boothe Luce (March 10, 1903 ~ October 9, 1987). She was an American Playwright, editor, journalist, ambassador, socialite and a U.S. Congresswoman representing the state of Connecticut. ~ Wikipedia

Continue reading →

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Tagged as abraham lincoln, bodywork, claire luce boothe, jfk, kennedy, massage, massage therapy, motivational, two questions

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 20 March 2012

Spring is a Time for Growth and Renewal

It’s official ~ Spring has arrived. The Vernal Equinox has passed and we are now officially in the Spring season. Spring is a time for growth and renewal.

I always have a sense of renewed spirit and that anything is possible once Spring arrives. It’s a time for Spring cleaning, blooming flowers, white shoes (I know, I just dated myself, but at least I didn’t mention Easter hats and white gloves), longer days, billowy white clouds and Spring break or Easter vacation.

It’s also the time for taxes and allergies, but I truly am trying to stay positive here. Continue reading →

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Tagged as ghost flower, massage business, renewal, spring, vernal equinox

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 23 March 2012

Shoestring Marketing eBook Excerpt

I’m a firm believer in staying out of debt if at all possible, especially when starting or running a business, which is why I wrote my eBook Shoestring Marketing for Massage & Bodywork Therapists. Even when money is tight, it is still possible to begin or expand a massage or bodywork business with little or no money. You just need to know how. I show you numerous ways in which to start or grow your business on a shoestring budget.

The following is a short excerpt of my eBook Shoestring Marketing for Massage & Bodywork Therapists: Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork business, bootstrap marketing, massage business, massage therapy business, Mobile massage business, shoestring marketing

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 25 March 2012

Saving for A Rainy Day

Piggy Bank We’re all familiar with the idiom, saving for a rainy day, aren’t we? I can’t remember where I heard it the first time, whether it was from my parents, television, school… I’m really not sure. It doesn’t matter so much from where I learned it, but that I did. It took me a while, but I did learn ~ always put something away for a rainy day.

It was supposed to rain this weekend. I was really looking forward to it. I live in the desert where the sun shines something like 500 days a year; so, when they say it’s going to rain, for me, it’s like waiting for Christmas. I get really excited about the whole package: how the skies will look ~ I’m a huge fan of moody skies ~ how the air will smell, how clean everything will be, how the aquifer beneath us will be fed, and how the plants will grow as the result of hydration. Of course, I also worry that there will be too much rain and we’ll have flooding or that the wind will join in and create a horrendous mess; but overall, rain thrills me. If you add in a thunderstorm, I’m beyond delirious.

But it didn’t rain today, nor will it tomorrow. Yet another epic fail by our esteemed local weather guessers.

Oddly enough, this rain no-show got me thinking today about the idea of saving for a rainy day. You see, I had plans for at least one of the rainy days. It may seem silly, but I was planning on hiking in the rain. Usually I don’t enjoy being in the rain as much as watching it, but the weather’s warmer right now and I thought a hike in the rain would be so Great Northwest-like and adventurous. Even trying to compare desert terrain to Northwest terrain is further proof that I do have an exuberant imagination.

Nonetheless, I had plans based on predicted and hoped for conditions, but those conditions failed to appear. That’s when I started thinking about the whole concept of saving for a rainy day and how important it is for massage and bodywork therapists to plan and be prepared for unexpected conditions. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork business, emergency fund, massage business, money management, rainy day, rainy day fund, saving

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 26 March 2012

Oakworks Table Cart Review

In my eBook Go Mobile ~ Your Road to Freedom for Massage & Bodywork Therapists, I discuss the necessity of using a hand cart for your table and your housecall supplies in the interest of saving your time, energy and body.

Today I’d like to review the Oakworks Table Cart a bit more in-depth. I’ve included a video from the manufacturer that shows the cart’s features, but I’ll be writing from a personal and professional, experiential viewpoint.

My preference for a massage cart, because I’ve used the cart extensively, and for the vast majority of the time has held up beautifully under harsh conditions, is ~ massage hands down ~ the Oakworks Table Cart.

My first experience with having to lug a massage table someplace was when I was working at a 5 star resort. We had a lovely, though quaint by today’s standards spa, but the guest wanted an in-room massage. So, off I went with the heavy wood-legged table and my linens and my oils and my music ~ all hefted on my shoulders so-to-speak.

The table was in a carry bag and I had another large nylon bag with all my accoutrements, and my destination was far across the property. So down halls I went, in the elevator, more halls until I reached the room. By the time I got there, huffing and puffing, my shoulders were on the verge of a monster cramp and my back was strained and aching. The trip back to the spa, after a 90 minute Deep Tissue, was even worse. It didn’t help that I had another three guests after that.

While still in massage school, I bought my own table (the Oakworks Portable Table – WellSpring II with aluminum telescoping legs) with a canvas case and an Oakworks Table Cart. After that painful in-room debacle, I made sure I kept my table and cart in my car just in case.

The Oakworks Table Cart has been such a lifesaver for me over the course of my career in massage and bodywork. During my years when I was booking only housecall appointments, it made my job so incredibly easy. Continue reading →

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Tagged as massage business, massage table cart, mobile bodywork, mobile housecalls, Mobile massage, oakworks

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 28 March 2012

In What Business Are You? Excerpt

In What Business Are You?

When people ask you what business you’re in, or what you do for a living, do you say, “massage” or something broadly similar?

If you do, you may be expanding your market base far beyond what’s reasonable or healthy for your bottom line.

That’s what I used to say, and that’s how I used to market my business until I learned the right answer to a simple question: In what business are you?

You might be surprised to find out you’re not actually in the “massage” business after all.

The following is a short excerpt of my eBook In What Business Are You? Niche Marketing for Massage & Bodywork Therapists. Continue reading →

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by Jules Hamland, CMT | 28 March 2012

Wellness Wednesday

It’s another Wellness Wednesday. Tell me, fellow bodyworkers, what do you have planned for your own wellness today?

Massage therapists and bodyworkers are caretakers with healing hands and hearts. We’re there when our clients need us, even when we’re hurting, we’re depressed or just plain don’t feel good. We help others when they feel terrible, whether it’s physical or emotional, and just need healing touch.

For our clients, our friends and our families, we’re there.

We’re there.

It seems when we feel the worst physically or emotional we’re the busiest ~ too busy to stop and tend to ourselves.

We push the envelope and work, work, work until our whole essence feels as if it’s in pieces. Continue reading →

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Tagged as #wellnesswednesday, bodywork therapist, massage business, massage therapist, self-care, well-being, wellness

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 1 April 2012

April Fools Day

It’s difficult to imagine that it’s already April, let alone, April Fools Day. My, my, how time does fly.

Actually, as I write, the day is almost over and I have, yet again, escaped being punk’d. And that’s a good thing. I also didn’t pull a joke on anyone else, though. Oh well.

The fact is, I actually forgot it was April Fools Day. It happens. I get wrapped up in work and completely focus on that and forget everything else. I even knew it was the 1st, but I just didn’t put the two together today.

It’s probably a good thing. I spent the afternoon with a friend who apparently didn’t notice it was April Fools Day either, so we were both spared. Whew! Continue reading →

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Tagged as april fools day, candid camera, massage, practical jokes, pranked, punk’d

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 2 April 2012

Attracting Success

“Work harder on yourself than you do on your job. If you work hard on your job, you can make a living. If you work hard on yourself, you can make a fortune.” ~ Jim Rohn

There are a lot of recipes, philosophies and opinions about how one goes about achieving success. The one idea that has a lot of appeal is that it’s not so much about chasing or attempting to manufacture success, but about attracting success.

Jim Rohn, (September 17, 1930 – December 5, 2009) was an American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker (Jim Rohn Live – Living an Exceptional Life). In his short video, “Lesson of the Season,” he shares an important insight into the idea of attracting success. He offers an important key to how you do that. Continue reading →

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Tagged as attracting success, bodywork, business seasons, massage, massage business

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 3 April 2012

Good Habits Massage Therapists Want To Have

There are good habits, and there are bad habits; and there are certain good habits massage therapists want to have or consider adopting.

Despite the long held belief that it takes 21 days to acquire a habit, according to the article “How Long to Form a Habit?” on Psyblog, a study done by Pillippa Lally and her colleagues from University College London determined that the habit one desires to adopt takes anywhere from 18 days up to 254 days depending on the particular habit.

Whether it takes 21 days or a thousand days, there are a few vital good habits massage therapists want to have, or at least consider adopting when dealing with their clients. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, good habits, massage business, massage therapists, Mobile massage business

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 4 April 2012

Wellness Wednesday Body Bliss Scrub

In order to get you in the mood for Wellness Wednesday, I thought I’d share one of my personal and current favorite stress-busting concoctions with you ~ my Body Bliss Scrub.

As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, it’s my goal to guide my fellow bodyworkers toward adopting Wednesdays as a day of self indulging wellness. One of the ways I de-stress is I create yummy body scrubs for myself, using super mellowing essential oils.

I recently came up with such a delicious concoction I just can’t keep it to myself.

On the day I thought up my Body Bliss Scrub I was feeling stressed out, beat up, tired, wired and ready to jump out of my skin. Too many things on my mind, too many things on my plate. When that happens, my body and my brain just hurt.

After I made a batch, I couldn’t wait to try it out. So, after a nice dry skin brushing, I jumped in the shower and immediately tried out my Body Bliss Scrub.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodyworker, clary sage, massage, massage therapist, sugar scrub, wellness wednesday

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 5 April 2012

Taxes and the Bodyworker

The only two certainties in life are death and taxes. ~ Mark Twain

Even though the above quote may or may not accurately be attributed to Mark Twain, the fact is, the quote is correct no matter who said it or didn’t say it.

Personally, I dislike paying taxes. I actually abhor it, but I still do it according to the lawful guidelines.

No more, no less.

I dislike paying them because I feel as if taxpayers’ monies are not duly respected by the people elected by the taxpayers to manage them. Instead, they show a clear disdain for our hard work, and feel some type of entitlement to whatever monies we earn to pay for their own misappropriation or mismanagement.

Why politicians who curiously and continually run out of our money are not fired immediately is beyond me.

But I digress… Continue reading →

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Tagged as april 15th, bodywork, massage therapy business, mobile bodywork, taxes

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 9 April 2012

Swim Like An Eagle

If you ever hear yourself saying, “I can’t do it,” I urge you to reconsider. Instead of thinking “I can’t” when faced with any difficult situation, don’t waste time with negative thoughts; instead, figure out how you can swim like an eagle.

You read that right. Swim like an eagle, not soar or fly like an eagle.

Allow me to explain.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as bald eagle, doubt, fear, I can’t, mecca painted canyon ladder trail, natural attributes, overcoming fears, raptor, swimming eagle

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 7 April 2012

Taking an Easter Break

I’ve decided to take a break from writing this Easter weekend. I know many of you will be busy doing what people do during Easter ~ whether it’s related to your religion, vacation or otherwise ~ and the last thing on your mind, I’m sure, is reading internet blog posts. Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, chocolate easter bunny, easter, easter break, easter eggs, massage, massage business

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 14 April 2012

Top Ten Spa Trends for 2012

Spa Finder’s Top Ten Spa Trends for 2012

Last December, SpaFinder released its top ten spa trends for 2012. The spa business, like any business, is constantly trolling for and creating for new trends to boost its bottom line. In the global informational environment in which we live today, any business that is not proactive in keeping up with current trends may quickly find itself in the “yesterday’s news” column.

On the other hand, businesses that jump on the “next new thing” bandwagon, chasing every fad that comes along, may possibly lose their own brand identity in the process, as well as their focus.

The problem with chasing exotic trends, is that unless you are completely committed to embracing the trend completely, you run the risk of disappointing your clientele, or worse, turning them off of the whole bodywork experience altogether.

Continue reading →

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Tagged as bodywork, feet, healthy foot treatments, high heels fashionista, massage business, massage trends, Mobile massage business, real housewives, spa trends

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 16 April 2012

Lessons From The Black Knight

If you’ve never seen the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, you have surely missed something!

At the very least, you’ve missed a good time; and perhaps, two important lessons from The Black Knight.

On this blog, I often write about the importance of tenacity and how important it is for the success of any business.

On Mondays in particular, I like to address topics that are motivating in nature. After all, who doesn’t need a little motivation from time to time, especially on Mondays?

This post, on the face of it, may seem a bit out of place for a #MotivationalMonday post.

Why?

Because I write about the uncomfortable topic of knowing when is the right time to give up on a business or a dream.

How do you know? When do you know? Should you ever? Should you never? Is this something that should be decided long before the time comes, or should it be from your gut; i.e., you’ll know it when you know it?

Initially, this post was to be a “never give up,” and “fight until there’s nothing left” post. And then, I saw a familiar clip from a favorite movie of mine from a new perspective, and suddenly I realized I needed to revise my topic of the day.

While the motivational aspect of this post may not be glaringly obvious, I hope you, dear reader, will gain a different sort of motivation and perhaps even a new perspective on how you approach, prepare or revise your business or life plan.

I’ve included the clip to which I refer below the fold. Continue reading →

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Tagged as black knight, bodywork business, go mobile, kenny rogers, massage business, monty python and the holy grail, never give up, success, tenacity

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 17 April 2012

Speaking of Extreme Spa Trends…

Imagine…

You climb on the massage table. In walks your therapist, and instead of their warm, nurturing, healing hands kneading the tension out of your muscles, she lays a bundle of snakes on your back.

Snakes? Really?

I can barely look at the photo (I can feel my own skin beginning to crawl? Slither?)…

Here’s another extreme spa trend: Continue reading →

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Tagged as extreme spa trends, gemstone therapy, massage business, massage therapy, niche marketing, rock music, stephanie rosenbloom

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 18 April 2012

5 Minutes To Mellow

As part of #WellnessWednesday, I have dedicated this blog to remind massage and bodyworker therapists around the globe the importance of tending to their own wellness. One day of the week to focus on your wellness, not necessarily your clients’.

I think it’s important. As I’ve written before, and will, I’m sure maybe a thousand more times, massage and bodywork therapists often are too wrapped up in catering to their clients’ needs that they forget about their own.

It’s unfortunate, but it’s a fact.

How can that be healthy? It’s not.

How can someone who has dedicated their work to helping improve other people’s wellness so easily ignore or neglect their own? It happens.

Hard to believe, but I think it’s happened to most every therapist at one time or another. And it’s not that difficult to slip into a place where your own wellness is ignored. In fact, it’s too easy, and therein lies the problem.

It’s not that bodyworkers and massage therapists don’t love themselves; no, it’s more like the old story of the cobbler’s children going without shoes because he’s too busy fixing the shoes of his customers.

This post today is going to focus on relaxation techniques I believe can very easily be integrated into therapists’ busy lives, because it’s all about learning how to mellow yourself out in five minutes or less.

5 minutes to mellow.

Five minutes?

Impossible! Isn’t it?

Actually, it isn’t impossible. As a matter-of-fact, it’s quite possible. Continue reading →

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Tagged as #wellnesswednesday, bodywork therapist, herbal tea, Indiana Jones, massage business, massage therapist, massage therapy business, mellow, relaxation, relaxation techniques

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 19 April 2012

Button Pushers

If you never worked in a high-end spa, or any-end spa for that matter, the video, A DRAMATIC SURPRISE ON A QUIET SQUARE

will give you a sense of what behind-the-scenes is like if a spa has a button pusher or more in its midst.

Actually, I think the video illustrates quite well any workplace, relationship or family dynamic when the button pusher needs a drama fix.

Yes. Button pushers are drama addicts.

This video is so outrageously funny because it catches the locals completely off-guard.

In their normally uneventful and quiet little town, suddenly, at the press of a button, chaos ensues.

“If you want drama, push the button.”

Once the button is pushed, as some might say, “All hell breaks loose.” Continue reading →

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Tagged as behind-the-scenes spa, ben and courtney, bullies, button pushers, crazymakers, massage business, spa, the bachelor, tranquil spa

by Jules Hamland, CMT | 22 April 2012

Prone Versus Supine

We all have our favorite ways of working ~ our rituals and processes ~ regardless of our occupation: trade or profession.

In the world of bodywork, there are the supine starters and the prone starters. For non-bodyworkers, prone simply means face down, and supine means face up.

Pretty much every therapist I’ve ever met has a personal preference for how they start their sessions.