With working a full time job, running a business, the writing projects I have and just life in general its hard to be focused and present all the time.  For the first time in a little over a month, I feel I am starting to get a good grip on being present through each massage, through each movement and technique I was right there, focused and willing to let go of all outside distractions. It was such an amazing feeling I wanted to encourage all of us massage therapist to try this. It makes such a difference in how the time goes, how you feel and most important how the client feels. This was even an hour and half massage, which usually by the end I am thinking about what the rest of my day will bring, and all that I have to do. Some things I do to try to stay present in my massage is look at each person’s body as a mission-or a goal. I have one hour to make a difference in these peoples lives, and how they feel, how am I going to do that? Each knot is a challenge that I must remove or at least loosen up as much as possible. Each technique is a dance, a movement, an exchange of energies, you don’t want your client, thinking "why am I all of a sudden thinking about my responsibilities?" In my personal life I have been getting more into yoga and meditation and being present in all that I do, work, writing, relaxing with friends, eating, and just beeing!!! If anyone else has suggestion for staying present in your massage practice please share, because I have noticed its importance and will continue to practice. Bee healthy. Bee happy. Bee Well, and Bee Present!!

As human beings we are faced with alot of challenges in life. Some of these challenges are tollerable and easy to handle, but sometimes life can surprise us with more personal, intense battles. In a world so demanding of our time and energy, how do we carry on as though everything is fine, when inside we are falling apart? When you work in a field such as massage therapy, where its so intimate and with the exchange of energies, how do we cope and not let our feelings get in the way? Now what if you are the boss as well? How do we do it, how do we face the day when we are dealing with such emotional personal burdens?

I personally just went through what would be the hardest challenge I have had in life so far. It was hard because I was dealing with the emotional trauma as well as trying to maintain a business and my responabilities as a health food store worker, girlfriend, business owner and friend. I feel when we work as  massage therapist its easy to give advice and know what is right for our clients, but when its comes to us we neglect to nurture and comfort ourselves. In a time of suffering I think its ok to be a little selfish and take time for you to heal. Go through the emotions, feel alive from them. If you are are angry, feel angry and let it out, if you are sad, feel sad and let it out!!!!Sometimes its ok to take a day off from the business. I know this is hard for alot of people, but just take a day to sleep in, go for a long walk, take a bath, like I said nurture yourself as if you would a client or a good friend. The sun will rise again and clients will call. We are always taking care of others and we must take care of oursleves!

Massage therapy is also a business, I feel, where people are more understanding, and willing to be flexable when it comes to their therapist’s well being. We take time to build relationships with clients so we can be honest with them. No one has to know details, but explain there has been a death in the family, or a terrable trajedy has struck you, and they will understand, they will most likely feel happy that you told them, rather than act as though nothing happened and go on to give a bad treatment. Massage is such an energy connection practice that you would be doing them a favor by not giving them your negative energy.

For some of us, and maybe all of us at some point can use massage therapy as our art, our creative outlet. When this is the case we may be having the worst day ever, but when the client arrives and is settled into your table waiting for your gentle touch to treat their issues, all of our “baggage” can disapear and we direct our focus on the client. This is the best scenerio of course! We can all understand when this is not the case and your focus is on your challenge. I can not express enough to bee patient and take time for yourself, so you will be ready to take care of others. As massage therapist our main goal is for balance with health and happiness.  As we go through life things are going to surface that we don’t want to deal with, or that stresses us out, or lessons in life that really take alot out of us, we are human just like everybody else, and need what every other human would need. When in a time of sorrow, we must bee patient for our well-beeing as well as those around us!

 Written for massagemag.com on 2/19/09

The other day I was talking with a friend about certain back issues he was having. When I suggested  to him he get a massage he told me ” I can’t  get a massage, they are for rich house wives.” My  heart stopped and my jaw must have hit the ground because he had to ask me if I was ok. Of course I was, just in a little shock and very confused.  How many other people thought this about massage therapy? A massage does not have to be this long, dramatic day to the spa with your friends.  Massage is about healing and body working, which of course can be done in many different ways so find the one that works for you. Of course all massages should be relaxing but it should also be effective. If you want a spa treatment go to a spa, if you don’t, don’t go to a spa! There are plenty of other options out there for you so find the one you want.  Please please please do not get caught up in the idea that massages are only for the wealthy. We are all human, we all get stressed out, work hard, face challenges and get aches and pains. We are all deserving of massage.

 written for massagemag.com on 11/26/08

Starting a business is really challenging for many reasons,. Somethings can be avoided but one thing you will always need for any business is customers. Not just any customers, you want to attract the right customers. Some people might confuse massage therapist for (lack of a better word) “prostitutes”". Please keep in mind that you are educated, you spent your hard earned money to get that education, along with your time to become a proffesional, don’t let anyone insult you and your proffesion. One thing that is really important to me in my practice is proper draping. I tell all potential clients that I use proper draping, and some people become clients and others don’t. If they decide not to get a massage from me because I drape, I don’t take it personally, its their loss, and I don’t want them as clinets anyways. For those people that do become clients, I find that they really appreciate the draping. It makes them feel safe that they are in the hands of a proffesional.

 written for massagemag.com on 11/19/08

I have been in the massage business for about eight years. Within these  eight years, I have practiced massage on my own, but not as a business owner and I have worked for other people in spa’s and clinics. I have noticed now that I am a business owner I seem to get less tips. When I worked in the spa’s and clinics I did get tips, but the owners would not, which I thought was fair because I am giving them half of cost of the massage. What if you are a business owner, but you are the only employee. You do all the marketing, scheduling, and practicing. Is that work worth a tip or because I am the owner is that not necessary? Any thoughts?

written for massagemag.com on 11/19/08

When you start a business you are going to want to get your name out there as much as you can, by giving massages to as many people as you can. One great way to do this is marketing events, and events where you will get to work on many people. These events can be very beneficial,  and sometimes it will even be worth it for you to practice massages for free, but be aware of people wanting your services for free and promising you a  ”business opportunity.”

People will approach you looking for a therpist to do massages for all types of events, and if they know you are a new business they will pitch the event as a networking thing or a way to help your business. LOOK OUT! Sometimes that is exactly what the event will be……but sometimes not.

About a month ago I was asked to do free chair massages at an event for a local business that is pretty large here in Burlington VT and a company that most business people would want to get involved with. I was told it was for three hours with as many breaks as I wanted, as well as I would be practicing massages for the “head-honchos” of this company. The person who was in charge of running the event told me it would be a networking opportunity, I would get lots of tips, as well as I could make 100 gift certificates to pass out in the goodie bags for each guest to take home.

When I arrived at the building where the event was taking place I was excited and ready to talk, and give massages. My energy was high and I was psyched! When I first walked in I noticed the woman who was my contact person, I got my station and my schedule. I gave her my certifictates that I made (by hand) and went to set up. It was not long that I took a good look around and realized that all the other volunteers were students. Men and woman who were still in massage school getting credit towards their certification. I then looked around more and all I could see were woman standing around, laughing, drinking wine, not interested in all about business’s or networking. My schedule said I was booked full for the three hours, which was fine-”tips”  I thought and if not atleast I could give out my business cards. I was so wrong. The woman were all there to get free massages, free pedicures and manicures, along with the free stuff they had in the raffle. I gave free massages for three hours straight-nobody gave me a tip, and very few people asked for my business card. Its not their fault, I was misled. You could also argue that maybe I am not a good massage therapist, but I do alot of events and I always atleast get tips or give out business cards.

Please understand that I am not saying “don’t do events” but what I am saying is make sure everybody involved is treated fair, and don’t get taken for what people will promise to be “business oppotunity’s” I have decided that after a year of pretty much doing all FREE massages I can pick and choose the events I want to give my time and skills to and you can too!

written for massagemag.com on 11/12/08

You know you want to start a massage business, now what? I can tell you what I did, but please keep in mind I do not have a business degree and speak only from experience. The first thing you need is a name. So I would suggest picking a name that describes you and your business, but make it creative and as catchy as you can so people remember it, I chose Bee Well Massage, because I love bees and  ”Be Well” is a common phrase that I made into my own version. The next thing I did was build a website. I purchased www.beewellmassage.com, got creative with it, and now I have my very own website.  After you have a name, you want to make sure nobody else can have that name either, so I went and purchased Bee Well Massage. You can do this by going to The Secretary Of State for the specific state you live in. So now I have my own name, website, and nobody else can have it! Another important thing you are going to want is insurance. If you are running your own practice you are going to want to be protected. I would suggest looking around at a few massage insurance companies so you know you are getting what you need for the best deal.  Now, the fun begins, time to get some clients!!!!

Written for massagemag.com

Who ever said starting a business was easy is either a liar or a jokster! I don’t think starting any business is an easy task, massage therapy  included.  My business is Bee Well Massage and I will be celebrating its one year anniversery. Just when I thought it was going to get easier I learned running a business is never going to get any easier.

Starting a business can be great because you get to make all your own decisions, you decide what hours what you want to work, what you can wear, what direction you want the business to grow in, and you get to be your own boss. Sounds great right? Well…..

Starting a business is challenging because you are own boss, so you are responsible for everything good and bad, it falls on your shoulders. To start and maintain your own business you have to be self-motivated, driven, and making money can not and should not be your first priority.

Owning your own business can be a very powerful and rewarding endeavor to take on. Its so much work, but seeing the results of your work is the best feeling! You know when something great happens its because of your hard work and you made it happen!

I encourage you all to start your own business, just get ready to work your little busy bee butts off!

  Written for massagemag.com

OH the world of business marketing, where to begin on such an endless task? If you are like me and are starting a business you probably do not have alot of money. If you are like me in two ways you might even have to keep a full time job until your marketing skills start working!  I do want to remind you that you now have a valuable skill, and to some people that can be worth money.  When I first started my business I traded massages to my webmaster, the person who designed my logo and business cards.  With a site, and business cards, you are off to a great start and have spent hardly any money. I am trying to do all the advertising I can for free. My advice however is to watch where you advertise. Make sure the websites you are looking at, or the places where your flyers are hung are going to attract the  clients you want. The best advertising for a massage therapist is recomendations from others, so go out there and talk, talk, talk, give your business card to everybody  you talk to. Sometimes you will find a place you really want your add in, so if money is an issue choose those places wisley, and do not be affraid to ask your clients where they got your information from so you know whats working and what is not. Marketing is something every business needs, and if you are doing it on your own try to think of fun,  creative ways to market your business to the clients you wish to attract with the resources you have! Thanks for reading.

Written for massagemag.com on November 5th, 2008

—Royden Brown