Game Change Your Biz

How do you handle life’s obstacles? We all know that encountering difficulties is a normal part of daily life, but why do some people bounce back stronger than ever and some let a difficulty be “the end of the road”? How are those who get ahead so much more resilient than others? Let’s talk about how to become resilient.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What is resiliency? The ability to return to the original form of your being after you’ve been challenged by life’s obstacles
• The obstacles can be illness, depression, or adversity
• Everyone handles challenges differently, some much better than others
• As an entrepreneur, how do you bounce back with resilience and have the discipline to balance the good and the bad? (Some key factors from The Resilient Self)
  • Have the insight to ask tough questions and be honest with answers
  • Be accountable and responsible for your actions
  • Develop independence
  • Figure out the best way out of difficult situations
• Being responsible for others gives you more motivation and creativity
• Resilience helps you develop morals
• “The more you struggle and conquer, the more resilience you develop.”
• Resilience leads to increased confidence in yourself

Having resilience is important in life and business. It’s another piece to game-changing your business.

Resources:

The Resilient Self by Steven J. Wolin, M.D. and Sybil Wolin, Ph.D.

How do you handle life’s obstacles? We all know that encountering difficulties is a normal part of daily life, but why do some people bounce back stronger than ever and some let a difficulty be “the end of the road”? How are those who get ahead so much more resilient than others? Let’s talk about how to become resilient.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What is resiliency? The ability to return to the original form of your being after you’ve been challenged by life’s obstacles
• The obstacles can be illness, depression, or adversity
• Everyone handles challenges differently, some much better than others
• As an entrepreneur, how do you bounce back with resilience and have the discipline to balance the good and the bad? (Some key factors from The Resilient Self)
  • Have the insight to ask tough questions and be honest with answers
  • Be accountable and responsible for your actions
  • Develop independence
  • Figure out the best way out of difficult situations
• Being responsible for others gives you more motivation and creativity
• Resilience helps you develop morals
• “The more you struggle and conquer, the more resilience you develop.”
• Resilience leads to increased confidence in yourself

Having resilience is important in life and business. It’s another piece to game-changing your business.

Resources:

The Resilient Self by Steven J. Wolin, M.D. and Sybil Wolin, Ph.D.

Feedback--it’s a word that can have scary implications--would you agree? Today’s show is about how to use feedback and honesty to build a thriving business. Often we forget that feedback can have a very positive connotation, and not just the sense of dread when we hear the word.

One of the many ways to build and grow a thriving business is to cultivate honest feedback from co-workers, colleagues, and clients. Keeping the lines of communication open is key, even when constructive criticism is necessary, and keep in mind that even constructive criticism can foster a growth environment if done properly.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• On your team, give people time to air grievances with no repercussions if you ask for honest feedback
• Feedback allows honesty without mean-spiritedness
• Feedback can create a safety net and even be productive (A Columbia University study gives some further info)
• Feedback can create opportunities to build confidence and skills, thus empowering “your people”
• One key is to give immediate and frequent feedback--don’t wait!
• Be positive and specific in feedback, giving more positive than negative
• In giving negative feedback, follow up with a suggested solution
• Don’t be mean with feedback, but be firm--and be curious about the WHY?
• How to be objective and specific in order to more forward with feedback:
• • Be clear about expectations
  • Be specific about guiding them toward improvement
  • Follow up with them in the near future

There you have it--ways to create a growth environment based on feedback . It’s another piece to game-changing your business!

Are you a positive person? You probably know that a positive mindset is important, but why? How can it help me as a business owner? We’re breaking down this subject today as we discuss ways to practice positivity.

As business owners and busy entrepreneurs, we tend to overlook the importance of positivity, because we get caught up in the challenges around us---and the challenges can be many! Without positivity, we can’t think outside the box and can’t accomplish our goals. Let’s talk about why positivity is important for you AND your business.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Much research exists about the power of positivity and the benefits to every area of our lives
• Positive thinking helps us become more productive, healthier, and happier
• Even though it’s hard to practice optimism on a regular basis, it can build and strengthen us in many areas of life
• Tips to practice positivity:
  • Learn how to connect with other people
  • Practice visualization
  • Develop resiliency and become adaptable
  • Surround yourself with positive people
• Optimistic and positive people can find encouragement within themselves and inspire others
• The more positivity you GIVE, the more you will RECEIVE
• “When you discover WHO you really are, you can act with a certain amount of confidence.”
• “Changing our thoughts helps us see the world in a different light.”

Try these tips to incorporate more positivity into your life. They will give you a new perspective, a better outlook, and can be another piece to game-changing your business.

How would you define success? We know that we want it, but how do we get it? We answer these questions and more in today’s episode.

We all have goals of success, both personally and professionally. We try to keep these parts of our lives separate, but they are more entwined than we may realize. Personal success can reinforce and support professional success, and vice versa. Let’s chat about the secrets to success!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Personal and professional success contribute to our ultimate goal of happiness
• How do we achieve personal and professional success, and what does it take to get there?
• Four Secrets to Success:
  • Positive thoughts-Some call it mindset. Rhonda Byrne calls it “the law of attraction,” and says “All you have to do is think your life into existence.” We all know that sometimes positive thinking simply isn’t enough.
  • Take action-Find out what you’re good at and what people turn to you for. Think about your strengths and capabilities. Be at the right place at the right time and overcome struggles and obstacles.
  • Be persistent--Keep going until you reach success. Take control of the situation, stay in the game, find out what IS working, and steer away from harmful actions and behaviors.
  • Get your priorities straight--Use your resources wisely, stay focused, network, and don’t become complacent.
• Use these secrets to rethink your goals and stay on the path to success. It’s another piece to game-changing your business!

Resources Mentioned:

How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams

As professionals in the health and wellness industry, we have a tendency to limit the amount of money we think we can make. For some reason, the idea of being perceived as materialistic caretakers has sapped away our ambition. The reality is that you need money to live and enjoy your life. This is where a savings plan will come in! You need to learn how to “pay yourself,” rather than seeking after instant gratification. Success in your business does not make you a bad caregiver. We can model mindful money habits that will benefit our own wellness, as well as that of our clients!

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The strange paradox around money we encounter as health and wellness caregivers.
• Why it is important to save.
• Why it is difficult to save.
• How I overcame my limiting beliefs about money.
• It is OK to have a successful business.
• You need diligence and ambition to grow your business.
• See a financial planner!

How important is your outcall business? Is it a priority or has it fallen by the wayside? This CAN be a booming business, but there are some guidelines to follow. In fact, I know several therapists who do nothing but mobile massages or straight outcalls, and they do very well with that. I started my business this way after I finished my schooling, but that was primarily because I didn’t have the finances to operate a brick and mortar business or even rent office space. Let’s talk about how to develop your outcall strategies for your business.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Remember that outcalls are easier when you’re young and strong, but not sustainable as you get older
• The pros of an outcall business: no overhead expenses
• The cons of an outcall business: you have to carry your own table and supplies and take the time to set up and break down
• Tips for your outcall business:
  • Try to schedule several clients at one location, business, resort, conference, etc.
  • Keep your minimum hourly rate in mind so you don’t lose money
  • Offer table and/or chair massages
  • Make sure you have enough room to work (ask ahead of time about the space available)
  • If your outcall business is on the side, then schedule it around your regular office hours and don’t let it interfere
  • Ask questions upfront about set up and break down time and parking
  • Set rules and expectations ahead of time so that no one is surprised
  • Ask ahead of time about anyone with allergies
  • Travel as light as possible (I take my table, sheepskin, sheets, bolster, towel, oils and lotions, business cards, water, and a way to accept cards for payment
  • Set up an invoice ahead of time
  • Be professional and have a great attitude
  • Ask them about rebooking before you leave
  • Follow up with a thank you card, especially if you’re dealing with a business or event
• Outcalls can be a great way to add to your practice or build your practice. Try some of these tips and see how they can work for you to game-change YOUR business!

“Many in the massage industry don’t have long, successful careers.” Have you heard this statement before? While it may be true of some, we know that some massage therapists DO have long careers, practicing for 10-15 years or more. So how do they do it? What makes the difference? Let’s talk about some ways to put yourself on the winning side of this battle. 

Strategies for a Long, Successful Career in Massage Therapy:

• It all comes down to self-care!
• • Take care of yourself first, so you can help others
  • Self-care isn’t just about eating and resting well, but it’s about surrounding yourself with those who support you
• Be grounded. Don’t be overwhelmed with the emotional energy of others
• Be mindful of your posture, and take time after each client to rebalance yourself mentally and emotionally
• Keep a balanced workload. Do strength training for your core and your back.

Evaluate your practices and see where you need improvement to care for yourself and ensure a long, successful career in massage therapy. It’s another piece to game-changing your business!

How is your current marketing strategy working for your business? Do you need a fresh approach? Today’s show is about bridging the gap between “I don’t have time to do this myself” and “I don’t have the money to hire someone else.” My guest says, “Let me SHOW you how!”

Reid Peterson, MA, CMT, is the founder and owner of Bodywork Business Pro. His company helps massage and bodywork practitioners increase their online presence and grow their clientele. Join us to learn how Reid’s tips and advice may be just the thing to take your marketing strategy to the next level!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Reid’s inspiration to become a massage therapist: At age 21, he went on a ski trip and got a massage that changed everything!
• His thriving massage therapy practice in Minnesota and why he wanted to do more
• Bodywork Business Pro: Reid’s online marketing company where he can teach other practitioners what he’s learned about business and marketing in the health and wellness field
• The trend in social media marketing and how Reid has tailored his courses to meet the need
• The benefits of video courses and tutorials to employ multiple senses
• The #1 thing that held Reid back: DOUBT
• How Reid fought to overcome the doubt that never really goes away by breaking things down into baby steps
• Reid’s “Aha moment,” when his first customer signed up for his course
• Reid’s advice to others about becoming a massage therapist:
  • Have a trade partner to learn from and gain referrals from
  • Do your best to be your own boss
  • Start small with social media and create a three-month plan with action steps
  • Document your marketing steps with detailed notes
• How Reid uses YouTube videos and blog articles to promote his business
• The best advice he ever received: “Breathe and believe”
• A recommended book: Business Mastery by Cherie Sohnen-Moe

Resources:

Reid’s website: www.bodyworkbusinesspro.com

Reid’s email: [email protected]

Reid’s YouTube channel: Bodywork Business Pro

Are you committed to your marketing strategy? Do you even have specific marketing strategies? Unfortunately, many massage therapists model their marketing after what they have seen others do, even if it doesn’t work! Statistics show that 90% of massage therapists will leave the industry within the first five years. Doesn’t that indicate that it’s time to take a unique and fresh approach to our marketing practices?

I’m excited to have Tim Cooper joining me today. He’s a remedial massage therapist, coach, author, podcaster, and educator. Prior to studying massage in 2003, he worked as a software design engineer and business analyst for over 20 years. In 2013, he completed his first marketing course and fell in love with the science of marketing and social psychology. Tim brings a unique blend of industry, technical, and business knowledge to his coaching clients and students around the world. His Global Wellness Professionals Marketing Summit is just a few days away, and you can learn all about it right here!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why Tim wanted to leave the IT world and started studying herbalism and natural therapies
• How he turned to massage and aromatherapy
• Tim’s Wellness Business Breakthrough
• The big disconnect for healers between helping people and getting paid for it
• A big shock and a big failure: how Tim turned to marketing
• Walking away from one career to establish a thriving business in another
• Pushing forward and changing your mindset
• The biggest challenge in realizing that people may not use his herbal blends and comply
• The driving force behind the Global Wellness Professionals Marketing Summit: to help struggling therapists
• The reward in teaching others about marketing strategies
• Giving the wellness industry a shake-up in “building something strong”
• The Summit: 18 speakers on many different topics, beginning March 16, with a subscription offer for lifetime access to videos, audio, and transcripts
• Tim’s advice to Game Change Nation: “Don’t let anything or anyone stand in the way of where you want to be.”

Resources:

Find out more about the summit on the Facebook page: GWP Marketing Summit