Suddenly Terrified!

[LMF_Eddie]

This might sound crazy, but as thrilled as I am that someone FINALLY picked up one of my business cards and called me to schedule an appointment, I'm terrified!!!This is the very first person (whom I don't know) who will become my client...essentially my first real client!  She's a fitness instructor who is looking for a lot of deep work.  I'm confident that I can do a great job for her, but OMG, seriously, if I'm not on the ball, I could lose a LOT of potential business in referals from her.  At some point you've all had your first actual, real client.  Did you feel this way?

 

[barry g.]

Yes I felt that way! I remember feeling all knotted up and worried that I'd do a terrible job. Right when my hands touched that first client I knew I had nothing to worry about. I just let it all go. I realized that I DID know what I was doing You will be fine! Remember all of your training, practice, etc. You didn't just decide yesterday to do this  ;D GOOD LUCK!! Be confident!~

 

[orly]

Jen, thanks so much!!!  The appointment isn't until next Thursday, so I have time to prepare and practice, vicimizing my fiance to lots of deep work before that time, lol!I've worked on friends, family, and one ex-coworker since I was in school, but no one ever wants deep work!  Deep work is what I enjoy doing the most, so I'm very excited...I just need to brush up a bit.  Thanks again!  

 

[jaskiran]

What I remember feeling was nervousness right up until I started working -- then it all seemed to flow.I think the biggest thing to remember is to breathe and stay calm...uh oh...and keep an eye on your tempo.  Sometimes in the excitement it is easy to get going to fast...Good luck next Thursday.  I'm sure you'll do great!

 

[Randell]

I think most of us felt terrified.  What a great thing!  Your very first client asking for something you ENJOY doing!!  A wonderful opportunity to showcase your best work.  We are all so much better at the things we enjoy doing.  All the nervousness usually falls away a few strokes into the massage.  Just remember to breathe.  Hopefully, you will get a client who offers compliments during the massage.  That is always helpful.  Relax!  You'll do just fine.  

 

[Charlotte B]

Suddenly Terrified!

OMG, I still remember that first massage. I didn't have an office, so I was doing solely outcalls. The first was a referral from my hairdresser, and the guy (the client) sounded VERY professional and intimidating (to me, anyway) on the phone. When I arrived for the first appointment, I walked into his backyard (we did the massage in his workout studio seperate from the house) and I was amazed. The guy has the garden of eden in his backyard! It was beautiful. I thought "wow, I REALLY need to keep this guy as a client, as he can afford to keep coming back." He told me that he's gotten massage all over the world, he travels country to country, and told me that while I am new to massage, he's not, so he was giving me a trial run. Well that freaked me out even more, so I was extremely nervous. The massage went well, and he said that while the massage was great, he could tell I was a little nervous but that I had great potential, and within the next few sessions, he knew I'd be more confident. I was very glad he understoon, and within a couple of weeks, he was getting 2-3 massages a week. He still comes in once a week, and still says I'm his favorite therapist. ;DDon't worry, you'll be fine, and you only get better with time!

 

[Punkbmxer69]

Suddenly Terrified!

You are really on your way & its going to be great! I would say to not skip or rush through any of the "pre-massage" stuff. Do a thorough intake (for their sake as well as to get your head & heart completely into your plan for their tx). Make sure everything is set within reach & easily accessible before your client gets on the table. Even if they get on the table & you remember your Sombra (or whatever) is clear across the room, go get it & place it where you need it. Lastly, do whatever 'grounding' techniques you were taught, as you prepare to literally begin. If you weren't taught any, you can start with a moment to breath, then place your hands on their back & breath some more, gradually adding pressure/weight over the linens.Have fun!Jill/Sagetherapist

 

[bluebonnetgranny]

and remember you've done this at least a hundred times in and out of school.  

 

[monkey95]

Suddenly Terrified!

My first "real" client was not too long ago either. Its one thing massaging someone for "free" (or trade) and another to massage a paying client.I was SOOO nervous I thought I was going to throw up! But once I started everything was just fine! I took an extra deep breath before starting, placed my hands on their shoulders for a few moments to center, and began.Everyone thinks I've been a therapist for years and are quite shocked that I've only had my license for several months (of course I don't tell them that up front!)Being terrified is a normal response, try to stay relaxed! Good Luck!

 

[rosemary]

Everyone has pretty much said what I would have, but I did want to say...GOOD LUCK!  You will do just fine!

 

[Magic is Might!]

Thank you all so much!  It's nice to know everyone feels this way at first.The greatest thing about all of it is that I'm meeting so many new people!  I was just talking today to another small business owner, and she's invited me to be her guest at a chamber of commerce meeting.  I know I need to join, but I seriously can't afford to right now, but I get to go with her as a guest and check it out!  How cool is that?  This is seriously the most exciting time of my life!

 

[Tanners Mommy <3]

Suddenly Terrified!

let go and have fun