Color by Touch

7 WAYS TO GIVE GREAT SERVICE

S E R V I C E

1. Stay focused. Massage is both a science and an art and you have to stay focused on both. Do not let your mind wander. Do not let your mind drift. Stay in the present moment, stay with the present person, and stay focused on your client. They have purchased your time and ability for this allotted time, give them what they pay for plus that little extra that makes you stand out as an exceptional therapist. Every time. If they come three times a week. If they come every day. Stay focused on your client and reap the benefit of a job very well done and very much appreciated.

2. Emotion. The miracle of massage goes beyond its direct physical effects. Put your hands on another’s body, and you touch emotion as well as flesh. Your compassionate hands can release many emotions and memories. Whatever the response to your work, remember the client may feel ashamed of their reaction and your response to their reaction is very important. Remain compassionate and unobtrusive. Don’t ask questions. Provide the tissue box. You may want to stop movement and just maintain contact for a few minutes, until they have regained their composure then continue as if nothing unusual has happened. T

3. Realize they don’t have to come to you. They have chosen you out of a million equally good therapists. You are a very fortunate person. The massage starts the minute they open your door. How you welcome them and care for their comfort starts the relaxation process before you ever lay hands on them. Schedule enough time between appointments to enable you to spend a few minutes enjoying each client. Keep good client records and keep your memory sharp. Everyone likes to be remembered by name. Make them just as happy as you are that they have chosen you.

4. Be a very good listener. The client is not paying to hear your life story or the details of your business. Some clients like to talk and some like quiet. Let them lead. If they want to talk, listen and keep your answers soft and only as long as needed. If they want quiet, give it to them. But during either, remember Rule #1 above.

5. Interruptions. Avoid them. Avoid them. Avoid them. There is always the exception, but it should be far and few between. There are very few things that cannot wait until after the time you are being paid for.

6. Concluding Strokes. When you’ve finished reading a book, the lasting impression is neither the beginning nor the middle, but how satisfying the ending was. It’s the same with massage. Your concluding strokes bring your client back into real time so be very gentle and slow. Keeping hand contact, keep your voice soft and low and thank them for being with you then remind them to move slowly when they get up then leave the room and get them a small glass of water when they come out.

7. Enjoy what you do. This comes through loud and clear. Clients like to be around someone who enjoys their work, especially when it benefits the client. They will enjoy being with you and return again and again and become a satisfied client who will also refer you. Perfect!!!!

M. Johanna Powell, NCTMB, LMT, CCP, MTI