Networking with other massage therapists

[Yellowdog]

I would like to start a networking group just for MTs in my area. What I am thinking of is getting to know what training others in my area have had and what work they prefer to do, so that when I get a call asking for something I do not do or like to do, I know who to refer them to. I would also like to set up a trade pool of sorts - where each MT starts with a set number of "credits" and can get a massage from anyone in the group, give that person a credit, and accept credits from anyone by giving massages. That way we could each experience any type of work offered without having to stick with one person for trades, and learn more about each other. Another thought I had was to collectively market chair massage to larger groups. We would also be able to discuss client cases (without using indentifying info) and help each other that way.

This isn't your typical networking, but I think the benefits would be so much more specific. Has anyone been a part of anything like this? I would like to hear of experiences, pitfalls to avoid, things to think about/decide on ahead of time, ground rules used, etc.

 

[yasmin h]

Networking with other massage therapists

I did belong to a MT network group many years ago when I first became a MT though the meetings in a city 1.5 hrs away, so I never got to attend. (I was invited to join by the woman who organized it who was also the head of the WI chapter of the AMTA.) I believe at the time she charged $3 to join the group (to help with mailing fees, as the list of members @ the time was still sent out by mail.
The listing did include your name, address & phone # and the techniques you used.

And when in MT school I attended the area networking group there. I believe there was also a minimal door charge for the meeting. They would have a subject & speaker... refreshments were provided thus there was a minimal door charge, I think it was also in the $3 - $5 per person range. They also were able to judge interest in specific modalities, and approach specific CE providers about teaching in that area.

Do you have a home big enough to start having the meetings? Or you could try meeting for lunch or dinner in a restaurant... perhaps one with a small private banquet or a hotel with a meeting room & have people bring a dish to share. Come summer, you could even meet in a park if you were so inclined.

These days you could get a presence on the internet for your group too. Helping people keep track of the goings on with each other via Facebook for instance or even having a membership listing viewable only for members... which they may use to refer or trade with as well. (Oh, I always wanted to try *name of modality here*!)

Oh if you are in the right area, with the right group of MTs, I think you could really have a lot of fun with a networking group like you are describing Blue! I wish you success, and please pop back and fill us in on how it goes for you!

 

[Rio Madeira]

Networking with other massage therapists

I just joined the http://www.holisticmoms.org/. I am lucky there is a chapter near me. You need to pay to be a member. It is great meeting other people who are interested in living a holistic life

 

[Andy Tips]

Networking with other massage therapists

I started a group similar to this, called "The Connectivity Project". It's been slow to take off, mainly because I have not had time to put my full effort into it. However, there are 6 therapists in the group so far, and I am trying to be selective as to who we bring into the group - that way we keep quality (not quantity).

Here is the model I have started with:

Greetings!

I have established this page in order to form a group of bodyworkers and movement therapy practitioners who are interested in continuing to build their client base along with having others to confidently refer clients to during moments of need.

For example: "Maybe you have a new client who has found you, but wants a massage today or tomorrow. Why not refer them to someone in the group, instead of chancing that the new client who does not know your business practices, schedules an appointment with you next week - only to call back three hours later and cancel because they found someone else willing to take them sooner? It's a win-win for everyone involved. The client gets *good* bodywork (from a known entity); the client appreciates your willingness to help and remembers you kind act; and the practitioner you referred the client to has an opportunity to refer the client back to you when they see the client. Maybe the client will return to you and maybe not, but one way or the other everyone involved wins."

Try this one on for size: "You are great at what you do, but just can't seem to break through with a particular client. The referral group allows you a few options of people you know who will be there for the client, who don't cancel appointments on a whim and who may have some other tools in their toolbox that will be beneficial. Again, a win-win."

And, here's an important one: "You have a client who you feel is a great client, *but* your energies just don't "match". Why not refer to another competent therapist from our little independent group?"

What if you have a client who needs some Pilates, Yoga or Feldenkrais work? Problem solved. We'll have a great group of dedicated practitioners to refer to. Why? Because we are interested in having people who aren't *just* teachers, but excellent at their craft, as part of our group!

• Dues? There aren't any.

• Weekly networking events that take up too much time in a busy schedule? I don't think so!! We only try to meet once a quarter in order to visit, catch up and find out what's new.

• Morning breakfasts? Only if we agree on it. Lunch and dinner seem to be better for therapists schedules, don't they?

Won't you consider referring two or three therapists into our network? Maybe someone who has a specialty?

My goal is to have about 15 bodyworkers when it's all said and done. Will you join me?
==================================

PS: After we've solidified our group, then I'd like to consider adding a few other people such as a personal trainer or two, some business owners and maybe a few restaurant owners. It's just a thought right now.

I am interested in the "credit" system you mention. As you shore it up, will you give us the final description of how it works?

I am heavy on referrals anyway, so a number of the people I have assimilated for my group, are people I have already referred to in the past.

 

[Samandbump]

Networking with other massage therapists

I'm hoping a couple of MT friends and I can work out something similar around here, too. I'm tired of all this competition, competition, competition. We need to learn to work together, learn from each other, and embrace each other's differences-- and similarities! There are *certainly* enough bodies around here for all of our willing hands to work on-- and more!

 

[wheatbread L]

Networking with other massage therapists

The trade system you describe is called a timebank. Interesting idea to have an all-MT/all-massage timebank. Here's the about page for our local timebank: http://timebank.sfbace.org/about You can google timebank for more info.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Networking with other massage therapists

I recently started something I'm calling Massachusetts MassageShare. At the moment we are gathering to share resources, technique
and talents with the intent to learn from each other, give and receive feedback and offer support. The group is meant for those therapists who have experience and are interested in sharing and mentoring as well as for new therapists who want to learn more and connect with other massage therapists.

I started this for 2 reasons. first, I kept finding as I learned cool things I would get very enthusiastic and want to share it with someone! and secondly as a fairly new therapist, I wanted some feedback on what I was doing, to learn what other therapists want to share and be reminded of things I learned and had forgotten about. its a good situation for people to learn more about new techniques, to decide if its a direction to pursue. I feel that lots of MT's just from school become isolated quickly, especially if they are on their own. so connection is important. Right now we are very casual. We pick some days, send out an invite email, different people host depending on the number attending and we decide what we want to do, again depending on who is attending. I hope it'll expand, but for now a slow growth is good!