Halftime

Last week I asked, “How do you professionally fire a client?” I received not nearly as many comments as when I asked for your sales pitch. I think that’s a good thing—we’re more focused on getting new clients than getting rid of them. Here’s a short, but sweet one from Darcy: Thank you for allowing me to serve you. In the future, I will no longer be available to you. However, if I were that client I would certainly ask, “Why?” Perhaps we can complete Darcy’s phrase by answering that question. “I think I’ve helped you as best I can. I’d be happy to refer you to another therapist.” That should get your message across without being too blunt. So let’s move forward by looking back. As I write this, we are completing the first half of 2010. What do we have to show for it?
  • Comprehensive health care legislation passed (which has been talked about for 40 years, but never successfully scripted), which to date has engendered mistrust and pessimism, even before material impact could be felt, good or bad; its effect, if any, on massage and bodywork is unknown;
  • Significant education reform regarding higher education student aid (not saluted by the Career College Association); a boon for consumer and student-protection;
  • A colossal and tragic ecological disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that could take decades to clean up;
  • The economy has acted like the car that needs the gas tank additive—fits and starts, too much knocking and pinging;
  • The LA Lakers won the NBA championship again (groan).
My wife regularly reads her horoscope in the daily paper, and proudly announces if she is having “a five-star day.” She also makes sure to tell me how many stars my day will merit. What about in your practice? How many stars has your massage and bodywork practice merited in 2010 so far?
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News

Ohio Adopts Interstate Massage Compact

The Ohio legislature adopted Senate Bill 56 on June 21, becoming the second state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact. Massage therapists will soon be able to obtain a multistate license that will reduce holdups and delays that often occur when moving to a different state.

US Department of Education 150% Rule Update

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction that halts the enforcement of the US Department of Education’s new Bare Minimum Rule, also known as the “100% rule,” until the court takes further action. This is the first step in what could be a lengthy battle to ultimately delay enforcement of the rule, providing schools more time to adjust their programmatic standards, or overturn the rule altogether. Find out more and what your school needs to do to prepare.

Colorado Bill Requires Local Background Checks

Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1371, requiring local government (counties, cities, or municipalities) to conduct periodic criminal background checks for massage establishment operators, owners, and employees.

Blog

Perform Your Best with MassageBook

Illustration of computer and phones displaying MassageBook sites.

MassageBook wants to help you focus on delivering exceptional care to your clients and building the practice of your dreams.

Julie Plachta: Serving the Underserved

Woman massages a client who is lying facedown on a massage table.

As we get closer to celebrating Massage Is for EveryBody, July 14–20, 2024, we wanted to share more of Julie Plachta’s story, which exemplifies the inclusive values of this campaign.

Benefits

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Hyperice

ABMP members save 10% on all Hyperice percussive and heat/ice technology massage devices, including the Hypervolt, Vyper Vibrating Fitness Roller, and Ice Compression.

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Yomassage

ABMP members receive 20% off Signature Yomassage, Mindful Touch by Yomassage, Barefoot Yomassage, Table Yomassage, and Yomassage Facials certifications.

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