Is There Such A Thing As A Wealthy Massage Therapist?

Before you get all “big picture” on me – by wealth, I mean money.

Also, this is also my first book report in a very, very long time.

When a Megan Holub’s How to Make $100,000 per year as a Massage Therapist book came out, I scoffed. I was pretty sure I knew what it was going to say. Charge clients a lot of money, live in a big city, sell a lot of products clients don’t need and BAM your rich.

I did not see how her book was going to help me in any way.  I am a mostly stay-at-home mom who also homeschools.  I  work 10 or less hours as a massage professional in rural Iowa.  But, for whatever reason, I decided I wanted to see for myself what she said in her books . I looked on Amazon.com and the reviews were great. So, before I knew it, I had bought both her books that were available.

When I opened up the book, within the first few pages I knew this book was going to be just fine.  Meagan spoke to my number one reason I believe massage therapists fail, or are not successful.  She talked about her previous difficulties and used the term “boundaries”.  She said much of the reason for her past struggles with her business and life in general  “stemmed from a lack of personal boundaries.”  I have reiterated in almost all of my massage ethics CEU courses, that good business ethics and establishing boundaries for a massage business is the foundation and cornerstone of a successful massage business.  Boundaries range from the way you dress to the lack of conversation needed during a massage. Now I am not going to give away all of the secrets of her book, but I did look for ways I can change my own practice and how I operate my Massage CEU business.  So I will share a few insights.

Marketing was never a problem for my massage practice.  Oddly, I have always seemed to be too busy.   I attribute this to setting good boundaries and listening to my clients’ needs. While reading this book I have taken time to look back at what I would or could have done differently.   Before my daughters were born I turned down A LOT of massages.  Looking back, I could, or should, have hired someone else.  I was young, inexperienced, and I felt like my clients would have been disappointed if they did not get to see me.  There was no one else in town and I always had to recommend someone out of town.  I was most likely doing them a great disservice by turning them down and having NO ONE else closer available.  I could have made money most likely on finding a person to rent out my space too.  That is just one of the things I have thought about so far.

I like what she talks about keeping your business prosperous in a bad economy – (i.e. concentrating on the therapeutic aspect of massage and not the luxurious aspect).  Her ideas and stories are endless.  If you do not come up with one idea money making idea for your business, then re-read the book.

There were very few times I disagreed with Meagan.  I am not as comfortable with the term “healer” as she is in the book.  Its just me.    I know billing for workman’s comp and auto injuries  in a  town of 2000 would not provide enough money to feed my family.  There is one 4 star hotel in the entire state.  As far as VIPS or celebrities around, I can’t see them over the tall corn stalks right now. Does this mean you/or I cannot benefit from this book?  NO!  There is a lot of information in this book and it may not all apply to you, but you need to figure out how to use the information she provides and think “outside the box” for your business.

So Megan, I take your challenge to become wealthy and thank you for you “out of the box” inspiration. Well done!   To my colleagues, I also challenge you to sit down and take an honest look at where your business is and where it could be.  Are you making as much as you would like?  If not, I suggest you read these books.  Be prepared to look for changes in every aspect of your massage business, from the way you dress to the snacks your carry. You can buy the book below.

For Tech Saavy, Green, or Kindle Users

Working on book #2 now.

Ivy

PS – After visiting her website, I was pleased to see that a portion of each purchase goes to charity.  As you know, charity is one of my favorite things about Advanced Massage Techniques.