tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2012-02-01T09:25:32-07:00 Opinion and techniques for maximizing productivity and branding. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14544 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

When asked what clients they want to work with, many massage therapists answer, "Everybody." When you try to market to everybody, that's called "blanket" marketing. Blanket marketing is an approach you might already use as part of your marketing strategy. You're trying to get anyone and everyone's attention when you pay for coupons or ads in the yellow pages, or post flyers on grocery store bulletin boards. This might work for you at times, such as when you're just starting out, or during busy times for gift certificate sales like Christmas or Valentine's Day. Blanket marketing strategies are often the first steps people think of when beginning to market their practices. Keep in mind, however, they might cost more than they give you in return.

By Diana Moore When asked what clients they want to work with, many massage therapists answer, "Everybody." When you try to market to everybody, that's called "blanket" marketing. Blanket marketing is an approach you might already use as part of your marketing strategy. You're trying to get anyone and everyone's attention when you pay for coupons or ads in the yellow pages, or post flyers on grocery store bulletin boards. This might work for you at times, such as when you're just starting out, or during busy times for gift certificate sales like Christmas or Valentine's Day. Blanket marketing strategies are often the first steps people think of when beginning to market their practices. Keep in mind, however, they might cost more than they give you in return. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14530 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

There is no denying the massage and wellness industry is here to stay. People are becoming far more proactive with their health care and are looking to alternatives to heavy medications and a costly doctor visit. Recognizing there is opportunity for those who choose to chase it, there are many ways you can be involved in the massage health care field. You can be your own boss and open your own practice, you can contract your services to other entities, or you can become an employee. Let's discuss these opportunities and I want to offer you some points to ponder as you are making your decisions regarding how you will proceed in your career.

By Angie Patrick There is no denying the massage and wellness industry is here to stay. People are becoming far more proactive with their health care and are looking to alternatives to heavy medications and a costly doctor visit. Recognizing there is opportunity for those who choose to chase it, there are many ways you can be involved in the massage health care field. You can be your own boss and open your own practice, you can contract your services to other entities, or you can become an employee. Let's discuss these opportunities and I want to offer you some points to ponder as you are making your decisions regarding how you will proceed in your career. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14527 2012-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Whether you own a thriving massage practice, you just want to develop a base of recurring customers, or you're just starting to get clients this article will reveal the little known secret to have more joy from your work, get more clients, ultimately make more money doing what you love, and show how online marketing allows you some of the best ways to achieve those goals. And it doesn't matter whether you have employees of one or 101, all of these ideas can be applied to any sized business.

By Stephanie Beck Whether you own a thriving massage practice, you just want to develop a base of recurring customers, or you're just starting to get clients this article will reveal the little known secret to have more joy from your work, get more clients, ultimately make more money doing what you love, and show how online marketing allows you some of the best ways to achieve those goals. And it doesn't matter whether you have employees of one or 101, all of these ideas can be applied to any sized business. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14521 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

When meeting someone new, the most frequently asked question is "What do you do for a living?" It happens all the time, everywhere you go. Our occupation defines us on so many levels; it has become the all-time introductory question. In the sea of massage therapists, the answers don't vary much. "I am a massage therapist," or "I am a Reiki practitioner," or "I am a licensed body worker." The answers are basically all the same. And truth to tell, most people aren't inspired by those answers.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT When meeting someone new, the most frequently asked question is "What do you do for a living?" It happens all the time, everywhere you go. Our occupation defines us on so many levels; it has become the all-time introductory question. In the sea of massage therapists, the answers don't vary much. "I am a massage therapist," or "I am a Reiki practitioner," or "I am a licensed body worker." The answers are basically all the same. And truth to tell, most people aren't inspired by those answers. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14509 2011-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

"I am ready to start my own business and don't know what to do. Where should I begin?" This is a huge, open-ended question but one I get asked quite a bit. Knowing what I know about massage education in the United States and practice management in particular, I am amazed when this question pops up.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT "I am ready to start my own business and don't know what to do. Where should I begin?" This is a huge, open-ended question but one I get asked quite a bit. Knowing what I know about massage education in the United States and practice management in particular, I am amazed when this question pops up. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14487 2011-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Have you ever wished you could experience one of your own massages? Over the years, I have yearned to know what it feels like on the receiving end of one of my treatments. But of course, that's impossible. The closest I came was receiving a massage from my friend, Maryann, who several people said was exactly like me. After I received my massage, I was disappointed ... not in her work, but in the idea that we were alike. You see, you can never really tell what it feels like to be your own client. But is that really true?

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT Have you ever wished you could experience one of your own massages? Over the years, I have yearned to know what it feels like on the receiving end of one of my treatments. But of course, that's impossible. The closest I came was receiving a massage from my friend, Maryann, who several people said was exactly like me. After I received my massage, I was disappointed ... not in her work, but in the idea that we were alike. You see, you can never really tell what it feels like to be your own client. But is that really true? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14472 2011-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

A dog, so the proverb goes, is a man's best friend. A dog also might be a massage therapist's best teacher. It can certainly be a massage therapist's inspiration for a new business program.

By Cary Bayer A dog, so the proverb goes, is a man's best friend. A dog also might be a massage therapist's best teacher. It can certainly be a massage therapist's inspiration for a new business program. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14464 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Perhaps you've taken extensive business classes while you were at massage school. Perhaps not. Maybe you came from a previous career in business or maybe you are a novice in this wide world. No matter what your background or how much you learned in school, the question is: How much time are you putting into your business activities now?

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT Perhaps you've taken extensive business classes while you were at massage school. Perhaps not. Maybe you came from a previous career in business or maybe you are a novice in this wide world. No matter what your background or how much you learned in school, the question is: How much time are you putting into your business activities now? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14457 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

Today's consumer relies heavily on the Internet to engage in research and to find service providers. When people are looking for products and services, they frequently turn to Google, Facebook, and online directories for information. For this reason, it is critically important for every business to have a professional website in order to provide a place for these consumers to land and continue their research.

By Michael Reynolds, CMT Today's consumer relies heavily on the Internet to engage in research and to find service providers. When people are looking for products and services, they frequently turn to Google, Facebook, and online directories for information. For this reason, it is critically important for every business to have a professional website in order to provide a place for these consumers to land and continue their research. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14445 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Last year, I was teaching a series of classes in our nation's capital and, wanting to get some fresh fruit for a post-seminar snack, I went into a giant grocery store in Silver Spring, Maryland. Unlike just about every other supermarket and retail outlet that I've ever walked through throughout this vast nation of ours, it surprisingly did not have a customer relations department. But don't be shocked. That's because this giant had already awakened its own inner giant: it had a Solutions Center.

By Cary Bayer Last year, I was teaching a series of classes in our nation's capital and, wanting to get some fresh fruit for a post-seminar snack, I went into a giant grocery store in Silver Spring, Maryland. Unlike just about every other supermarket and retail outlet that I've ever walked through throughout this vast nation of ours, it surprisingly did not have a customer relations department. But don't be shocked. That's because this giant had already awakened its own inner giant: it had a Solutions Center. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14438 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

This is a wonderful time of year for marketing and it is in your best interest to capitalize on it. Not only will it benefit you immediately but your efforts can have lingering effects into the next season and even next year. It is proven that people feel healthier and have more energy when the weather turns warmer and days are longer. Outdoor fun increases as we have more daylight hours to accomplish activities. In addition, people tend to eat healthier and find they shed some winter weight. Sun-kissed skin and bare feet replace long layers and shoes. Why not ride that health train and drum up some business?

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT This is a wonderful time of year for marketing and it is in your best interest to capitalize on it. Not only will it benefit you immediately but your efforts can have lingering effects into the next season and even next year. It is proven that people feel healthier and have more energy when the weather turns warmer and days are longer. Outdoor fun increases as we have more daylight hours to accomplish activities. In addition, people tend to eat healthier and find they shed some winter weight. Sun-kissed skin and bare feet replace long layers and shoes. Why not ride that health train and drum up some business? tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14435 2011-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Therapists often state that their biggest challenge is "finding a job." This article will review some simple but proven techniques to help tilt the scales of successful employment in your favor. Your time and energy are valuable and must be spent efficiently.

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB Therapists often state that their biggest challenge is "finding a job." This article will review some simple but proven techniques to help tilt the scales of successful employment in your favor. Your time and energy are valuable and must be spent efficiently. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14421 2011-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

If you ask any massage therapist what his or her most challenging aspect of running a massage practice is, chances are "marketing" would be at the top of the list. Marketing can be a daunting realm and it is sometimes difficult to understand how to effectively market a massage practice in the age of online communications and social media.

By Michael Reynolds, CMT If you ask any massage therapist what his or her most challenging aspect of running a massage practice is, chances are "marketing" would be at the top of the list. Marketing can be a daunting realm and it is sometimes difficult to understand how to effectively market a massage practice in the age of online communications and social media. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14396 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Being a massage therapist is physical. I don't have to tell you that in order to do this work well, it takes a strong body, a clear mind and endurance. Even if you only practice part time, you must inhabit a high state of health to care for your clients. Of course, there are differences, i.e., you travel with your table, perform sports massage, have to work around a hospital bed with less than optimal ergonomics or have a private practice where clients come to you.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT Being a massage therapist is physical. I don't have to tell you that in order to do this work well, it takes a strong body, a clear mind and endurance. Even if you only practice part time, you must inhabit a high state of health to care for your clients. Of course, there are differences, i.e., you travel with your table, perform sports massage, have to work around a hospital bed with less than optimal ergonomics or have a private practice where clients come to you. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14395 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Reflecting its consistent, steady growth, MPA Media, which publishes Massage Today, has moved to larger headquarters. The new headquarters provides over 10,000 square feet of operating space in the South Coast Metro area of Santa Ana, Calif. The facility is the third since the company began in 1978 and the first to be located outside the city of Huntington Beach, Calif. It features additional space for production of our print publications as well as greater flexibilities related to our growing portfolio of electronic media offerings.

By Editorial Staff Reflecting its consistent, steady growth, MPA Media, which publishes Massage Today, has moved to larger headquarters. The new headquarters provides over 10,000 square feet of operating space in the South Coast Metro area of Santa Ana, Calif. The facility is the third since the company began in 1978 and the first to be located outside the city of Huntington Beach, Calif. It features additional space for production of our print publications as well as greater flexibilities related to our growing portfolio of electronic media offerings. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14369 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

A recent poll by Massage Today indicates that most massage therapists are experiencing a reduction in their number of clients. This should come as no surprise, as this represents the tightening of purse strings and belts by most Americans. As of the autumn of 2008, the United States has seen some of the worst economic times since the Great Depression. And although, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, we are not there yet. Many sole practitioners are struggling to make ends meet, spas are closing as fast as they once opened, and hiring new therapists has come to a halt. It seems that there just isn't enough business. But, as the recent poll also revealed, there's hope.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT A recent poll by Massage Today indicates that most massage therapists are experiencing a reduction in their number of clients. This should come as no surprise, as this represents the tightening of purse strings and belts by most Americans. As of the autumn of 2008, the United States has seen some of the worst economic times since the Great Depression. And although, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, we are not there yet. Many sole practitioners are struggling to make ends meet, spas are closing as fast as they once opened, and hiring new therapists has come to a halt. It seems that there just isn't enough business. But, as the recent poll also revealed, there's hope. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14367 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Jennifer is a talented CranioSacral Therapist who cringes whenever I broach the subject of raising her fees. "How can I?" she asks, comparing her rates yet again to those of a well-known therapist in her city who barely charges more.

By Sharon Desjarlais, CC Jennifer is a talented CranioSacral Therapist who cringes whenever I broach the subject of raising her fees. "How can I?" she asks, comparing her rates yet again to those of a well-known therapist in her city who barely charges more. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14364 2011-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Recently, it has come to my attention from quite a number of LMTs in several different parts of the country, all of whom I've just begun to privately coach to increase their business, that their massage numbers are noticeably down this year. Even some therapists, who have historically been extremely busy (e.g. booking a week or even two in advance), are advertising for the first time in a while, or ever for that matter, to get new clients.

By Cary Bayer Recently, it has come to my attention from quite a number of LMTs in several different parts of the country, all of whom I've just begun to privately coach to increase their business, that their massage numbers are noticeably down this year. Even some therapists, who have historically been extremely busy (e.g. booking a week or even two in advance), are advertising for the first time in a while, or ever for that matter, to get new clients. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14359 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Well, a "brand" is something you see or hear that automatically puts you in mind of what the brand represents. For instance, if you say "Porsche", you instantly think of luxurious, indulgent, super-fast cars. When you hear "Band-Aid" you immediately think of wound care and healing.

By Angie Patrick Well, a "brand" is something you see or hear that automatically puts you in mind of what the brand represents. For instance, if you say "Porsche", you instantly think of luxurious, indulgent, super-fast cars. When you hear "Band-Aid" you immediately think of wound care and healing. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14358 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Small businesses face a perpetual challenge: how to grow the business and stay within the marketing budget at the same time. Follow these tips to market your bodywork business for next to nothing.

By Diana Moore Small businesses face a perpetual challenge: how to grow the business and stay within the marketing budget at the same time. Follow these tips to market your bodywork business for next to nothing. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14355 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

What makes your outcall, chair, spa or clinical practice different from the others in your area? Implementing systems that make your practice standout from your competition are fundamental to insuring success. When a client experiences an appointment, there are many things that leave unique lasting impressions. However, what triggers a client to reschedule, return and refer? Let's look at a few subconscious triggers our culture and society has taught our clients to expect when visiting a health care provider. Then we will outline ways to integrate these systems into your massage therapy practice so your clients reschedule and refer new business.

By David Kent, LMT, NCTMB What makes your outcall, chair, spa or clinical practice different from the others in your area? Implementing systems that make your practice standout from your competition are fundamental to insuring success. When a client experiences an appointment, there are many things that leave unique lasting impressions. However, what triggers a client to reschedule, return and refer? Let's look at a few subconscious triggers our culture and society has taught our clients to expect when visiting a health care provider. Then we will outline ways to integrate these systems into your massage therapy practice so your clients reschedule and refer new business. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14321 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

How can it already be November? Wasn't it just Labor Day a few weeks ago? It seems every year the holiday season creeps in faster and faster. True Story: The "big box" wholesale clubs in my area had Halloween and Christmas decorations out at the same time in August! I ventured into the mall (which I am mortified to admit) and found Christmas music playing in September. Any way you slice it, mainstream retail across the board is pushing the gift-giving agenda earlier and earlier in hopes they can get a head start on fourth quarter earnings by pressuring people to buy, buy, buy. These same retailers are posting thinner and thinner fourth quarter earnings and singing the blues over a less than anticipated bump in sales for the last quarter, making the masses believe the sales are simply not there.

By Angie Patrick How can it already be November? Wasn't it just Labor Day a few weeks ago? It seems every year the holiday season creeps in faster and faster. True Story: The "big box" wholesale clubs in my area had Halloween and Christmas decorations out at the same time in August! I ventured into the mall (which I am mortified to admit) and found Christmas music playing in September. Any way you slice it, mainstream retail across the board is pushing the gift-giving agenda earlier and earlier in hopes they can get a head start on fourth quarter earnings by pressuring people to buy, buy, buy. These same retailers are posting thinner and thinner fourth quarter earnings and singing the blues over a less than anticipated bump in sales for the last quarter, making the masses believe the sales are simply not there. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14313 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

The extraordinary amount of time that you spent studying massage prepared you expertly in the art of giving another person a professional massage. I refer to this part of your knowledge as your massage practice. I use the word practice because you literally practiced it many times before you mastered it. When you were a small child, you practiced the multiplication tables and, in time, you mastered it. Years later, as a teenager, you practiced the conjugation of verbs in Spanish or French and, in time, you mastered that, too. Still, years later, as an adult in massage school, you practiced massage modalities and, in time, mastered that, as well. In fact, one of your assignments as your education unfolded was to practice on real human bodies the techniques that you were taught in textbooks and in the classroom.

By Cary Bayer The extraordinary amount of time that you spent studying massage prepared you expertly in the art of giving another person a professional massage. I refer to this part of your knowledge as your massage practice. I use the word practice because you literally practiced it many times before you mastered it. When you were a small child, you practiced the multiplication tables and, in time, you mastered it. Years later, as a teenager, you practiced the conjugation of verbs in Spanish or French and, in time, you mastered that, too. Still, years later, as an adult in massage school, you practiced massage modalities and, in time, mastered that, as well. In fact, one of your assignments as your education unfolded was to practice on real human bodies the techniques that you were taught in textbooks and in the classroom. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14302 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

I hear from many massage therapists that they are not busy enough these days. No one has to tell you the economy has had an impact on our industry. Spas are laying off therapists at nearly the same rate they were hiring five years ago. Some full-time therapists have to supplement income with other part-time work. Very few therapists I know are as busy as they would like to be. That means down time. How you use that time can determine your next level of practice and success.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT I hear from many massage therapists that they are not busy enough these days. No one has to tell you the economy has had an impact on our industry. Spas are laying off therapists at nearly the same rate they were hiring five years ago. Some full-time therapists have to supplement income with other part-time work. Very few therapists I know are as busy as they would like to be. That means down time. How you use that time can determine your next level of practice and success. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14299 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Ivonne felt like Calgary's best-kept secret when she first called me for advice. A wise and witty CranioSacral Therapist with years of training and experience, she'd been holding herself back, struggling to find her voice so she could attract more clients with ease and sincerity. "It's crazy," she said. "I believe in what I do, but I still have a hard time telling people about it."

By Sharon Desjarlais, CC Ivonne felt like Calgary's best-kept secret when she first called me for advice. A wise and witty CranioSacral Therapist with years of training and experience, she'd been holding herself back, struggling to find her voice so she could attract more clients with ease and sincerity. "It's crazy," she said. "I believe in what I do, but I still have a hard time telling people about it." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14275 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

I had the great opportunity to present at a virtual roundtable with seven women who lead in the industry. It was for the World Massage Conference last June, and the panel consisted of the women who make up the Massage Today Women in Bodywork Business Blog (WIBB). It was a question and answer format, led by a moderator that lasted 90 minutes. It is both a privilege and an honor to be chosen to be part of WIBB and on the panel for this educational event. When I was in school for massage therapy, almost 20 years ago, some of these women were already well-known and had established themselves as icons. Others are newer to the field but have made their imprint and are affecting how we practice today. We determined there was over 100 years of experience between all of us. WOW! That's a lot of know-how.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT I had the great opportunity to present at a virtual roundtable with seven women who lead in the industry. It was for the World Massage Conference last June, and the panel consisted of the women who make up the Massage Today Women in Bodywork Business Blog (WIBB). It was a question and answer format, led by a moderator that lasted 90 minutes. It is both a privilege and an honor to be chosen to be part of WIBB and on the panel for this educational event. When I was in school for massage therapy, almost 20 years ago, some of these women were already well-known and had established themselves as icons. Others are newer to the field but have made their imprint and are affecting how we practice today. We determined there was over 100 years of experience between all of us. WOW! That's a lot of know-how. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14247 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

If you're a licensed massage therapist who worries about how you're going to make your rent or mortgage, you might think that establishing goals for your business is a luxury you can't afford. When survival seems like it's at stake, games like these might appear trivial. But I disagree strongly.

By Cary Bayer If you're a licensed massage therapist who worries about how you're going to make your rent or mortgage, you might think that establishing goals for your business is a luxury you can't afford. When survival seems like it's at stake, games like these might appear trivial. But I disagree strongly. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14233 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Business does not have to be about accounting and long-winded business plans. Even though that is a valid aspect of professional development, many massage therapists hire accountants and some never write business plans. If you enjoy those pieces of the business side of massage therapy, good for you. However, I feel the most important aspects of business revolve around client relations. Getting the clients scheduled in the first place, performing excellent customer service beyond the "hands-on" work and retaining clients is paramount to success. A successful massage career is much more than a good massage just as a five-star hotel is much more than a comfortable bed.

By Jenn Sommermann, LCMT Business does not have to be about accounting and long-winded business plans. Even though that is a valid aspect of professional development, many massage therapists hire accountants and some never write business plans. If you enjoy those pieces of the business side of massage therapy, good for you. However, I feel the most important aspects of business revolve around client relations. Getting the clients scheduled in the first place, performing excellent customer service beyond the "hands-on" work and retaining clients is paramount to success. A successful massage career is much more than a good massage just as a five-star hotel is much more than a comfortable bed. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14229 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Exploring Facebook to see what massage practitioners are chatting about, I read how the proliferation of massage franchises and their expected impact on the profession (read as, a practitioners ability to earn an income) have many massage therapists worried. Posts voice concerns of unfair competition, downward pressure on fees for service, fear of professional degradation and of course "they're just in it for the money" accusations. I empathize with the frustration and genuine angst expressed in some of these posts...having experienced my own challenges as a contracting therapist and as a clinic manager. While the fears are real and the profession would benefit in organizing a dialogue to this emerging trend, I think practitioners have forgotten the real power they have to command their own incomes.

By Donald Quinn Dillon, RMT Exploring Facebook to see what massage practitioners are chatting about, I read how the proliferation of massage franchises and their expected impact on the profession (read as, a practitioners ability to earn an income) have many massage therapists worried. Posts voice concerns of unfair competition, downward pressure on fees for service, fear of professional degradation and of course "they're just in it for the money" accusations. I empathize with the frustration and genuine angst expressed in some of these posts...having experienced my own challenges as a contracting therapist and as a clinic manager. While the fears are real and the profession would benefit in organizing a dialogue to this emerging trend, I think practitioners have forgotten the real power they have to command their own incomes. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-14211 2010-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

One of my favorite entrepreneurs is Coco Chanel. She came from very humble beginnings, born in 1883 in the small village of Saumur, France as an illegitimate daughter of a traveling salesman. Her mother died when she was 12 and she spent the following 6 years in an orphanage. The one positive thing that came from this experience was that her skill as a seamstress was born. Coco revolutionized the fashion industry forever, releasing and liberating women from the frills and tight corsets of the Edwardian era. She reshaped the concept of elegance. She believed that fashion for women should be functional and not heavily laden with feathers and jewels. Her designs were scandalous in their simplicity, comfort and mannishness. Chanel is credited with creating the "little black dress" and the boxy style of collarless suits with figure-fitting comfortable skirts.

By Lisa Curran Parenteau, LMT, NCTMB One of my favorite entrepreneurs is Coco Chanel. She came from very humble beginnings, born in 1883 in the small village of Saumur, France as an illegitimate daughter of a traveling salesman. Her mother died when she was 12 and she spent the following 6 years in an orphanage. The one positive thing that came from this experience was that her skill as a seamstress was born. Coco revolutionized the fashion industry forever, releasing and liberating women from the frills and tight corsets of the Edwardian era. She reshaped the concept of elegance. She believed that fashion for women should be functional and not heavily laden with feathers and jewels. Her designs were scandalous in their simplicity, comfort and mannishness. Chanel is credited with creating the "little black dress" and the boxy style of collarless suits with figure-fitting comfortable skirts.