Why Business Mentoring for LMTs is Necessary
The best way I can describe the business of massage therapy is, well, unique. I searched for a better, more appropriate word and what feels right is “unique.” Anytime you combine money with a service of compassion, the water can get murky. The type of person called to such an industry as massage therapy tends to have artistry, empathy, and an overall drive to help others feel better. This can lead to some of the best massage therapy sessions, but often times, not the greatest business models.
After 8 years of working in this business, and in all types of environments, I have learned some serious lessons in what to do and what NOT to do. One thing has remained true for me, my passion for providing a therapeutic space for my clients has been unwavering. Yes, I have experienced lulls, plateaus, frustrations, and burn out, but I have always managed to find inspiration to re-energize my reason moving forward. Through my experiences, I have also discovered I love to support and share my knowledge with other LMTs.
I have always felt lucky the stars aligned to bless me with a natural business sense. I have a lot of mentors whom I look up to and have learned from, and who continue to coach me as I move through different stages of my business. One thing I’ve noticed is that people who are called to the profession of massage therapy have been told how wonderful the dream of owning your own business can be. I agree. I also think there’s more to the story.
I started noticing that some of my dearest friends just couldn’t muster the courage, energy, or the organization to create their own dream. As I learned about their struggles, I started seeing trends in what allowed one therapist to sustain and another therapist to strike out. I realized that not only am I passionate about creating a space for my clients to relax, I’m also super passionate about the massage therapy industry as a business. I want to see my fellow colleagues THRIVE. I have found myself committed to seeing this special therapy taken seriously as a legit business. Everyday I find myself getting clearer and clearer as to what I want massage therapy to accomplish, both in my individual session and as a worldwide whole. I truly believe there is more than enough work for every therapist and there is no such thing as competition.
This industry is unique. We are not like chiropractors and we are not like hair salons. We do not get referrals from insurance companies (not in my state anyway), and often times we are not seen as aggressive business professionals (nor do we want to be). We rarely rub elbows with bankers or stock brokers in a passerby fashion. And yet, we rely on ALL of these sources of business to generate income. So how can we utilize business tools created for other industries in our nurturing and intimate space we create for our clients? This is precisely what I can answer for YOU. I am not here to tell you how to run your business, but merely to allow you to see what you haven’t yet considered.
What will you get out of Business Mentoring?
This type of mentoring is for anyone wishing to open their own practice but unsure of the proper steps to take. If you are someone who wants a specific type of practice, working with me will help you find your way. I will help you see what you’re not seeing. If you’ve been in practice for awhile but have found yourself stuck (face it, we’ve all been there), working with me will help you get un-stuck.
Whether you are just starting out in the industry, or looking to reinvigorate your business or grow your practice (perhaps by creating a team beneath you), by working with me, we will:
- create a clear picture as to what you want to create for your practice
- create attainable goals and discover the best way for you to keep yourself accountable
- draw a clear picture to what your future holds
- assess your true desire to be challenged to reap the sweet rewards everyone in school kept telling you about
Business Mentoring for Licensed Massage Therapists is for anyone wishing to open their own practice but unsure of the proper or next steps to take. If you are someone who wants a specific type of practice, working with me will help you find your way. I will help you see what you’re not seeing. If you’ve been in practice for awhile but have found yourself stuck (face it, we’ve all been there). I will help you move to the next level.
About Sara
I have a thriving and growing practice in St. Louis, MO. Each one of my employees has an individual coaching session with me every month in order to inspire, collaborate, and to create the best environment for them. My practice is currently at a turning point and about to see another layer of growth that I have been cultivating for a little while now.
I’m really excited to see what the next 10, 20, 30 years as a massage therapist in business will bring. I also am active in my local and women-owned businesses communities, striving to make connections between entrepreneurs, including starting a semi-monthly networking and mastermind group.
Outside of my massage practice, I am a wife and a mom. I love to experience nature with my kids. I love to read, and I love to learn about urban homesteading. I believe in constantly growing and that we are never fully grown. There is always something to learn and something to discover.
Remember, this profession should be a reflection of who you are and what you wish to accomplish. Let me help you allow that to shine through.
For more information on pricing and packages, or to schedule an initial FREE 30 minute phone consultation, please call 314-565-3855 and ask for Sara Newberry, LMT.