A Major Flaw In The Way Most Massage Therapists Think
Yesterday I took my kids to the Miami Seaquarium, and while there I discovered a major flaw in the way most massage therapists think about one of the most powerful marketing methods available to them.
While strolling from one salt water tank display to the next, I came across a tank with, what was to me, a very interesting and eye-opening explanation next to it.
I don’t remember what the heck was in the tank, but I’ll never forget what was next to it.
This little plaque on the wall explained the relationship between a host and a parasite.
I’m assuming that whatever was in the tank was a parasitic organism living off some type of host, also in the tank.
Now, please keep in mind that some massage marketing gurus talk about joint ventures with other local businesses in your area – an incredibly powerful marketing method – as a host/parasite relationship.
The host being the business who you’re approaching for an endorsement (with a loyal list of customers, clients, patients, etc.), and you, the parasite, feeding off of the goodwill and endorsement the business owner gives you to his or her list.
Frankly, I’ll even confess, I may have even taught it this way at one point or another.
However, after reading the definition displayed on that little plaque at the Seaquarium, of what a parasite really is, I’ll never explain it that way again.
See if you can pick out the major flaw in creating joint ventures when you approach them based on the definition of what a parasite really is.
Here’s the definition:
PARASITE: an organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host.
And, according to the American Heritage dictionary, here’s another definition: One who habitually takes advantage of the generosity of others without making any useful return.
Hopefully, the flaw is quite obvious to you.
You see, when most massage therapists approach other local business owners or operators about doing a joint venture, they approach them with the mindset and attitude of, “what can this person do for me”.
Their whole entire approach to this powerful marketing method is, “let me see how many other businesses I can get to endorse my practice and help me grow my client base and income.”
They have absolutely no concern for the owner or operator’s business or enhanced success through the joint venture.
And, it’s because of that exact parasitic mindset, that most massage therapists either struggle to get joint ventures, or never end up getting any at all.
Meanwhile, there’s no more powerful marketing or practice-building method in existence than the joint venture.
When done right, with consistency, joint ventures can grow your massage practice quicker and larger than anything else out there… and do it with zero advertising expense.
But, the first step to reaping the rewards of joint ventures, is leaving behind the mindset of a parasite.
In other words, forget the idea of what other business owners and operators can do for you.
Instead, think about what you can do for them FIRST.
The absolute best way to create and nurture very profitable joint ventures in your community, is to seek out local business owners and operators and approach them to see how you can help them build their businesses and make more money.
Start by doing something of value for them.
Don’t ask for anything in return.
Give value first. Help them first. Make them more money first.
Then, when it comes time for you to talk with them about endorsing you and your massage practice to their clients, customers, patients, etc., it will be a very simple and quickl conversation.
In essence, the key to creating solid, profitable joint ventures in your community – that lead to a whole heck of a lot of new clients – is to NOT approach business owners from the perspective of setting up a business relationship.
Instead, reach out and see how you can start a relationship with them based on you adding value to their lives and businesses.
When you do, you won’t even know what to do with all of the joint venture opportunities you have to choose from.
When that happens, your practice and income will skyrocket!
=================================================
This article is sponsored by MassageBusinessUniversity.com
Want More Massage Clients, A Busier Practice, & A More Consistent Income?
“At Last – The World’s Greatest Massage Marketing And Business-Building Experts Will Take You By The Hand And Show You Step-By-Step Exactly How To Create A Thriving Massage Practice And Maximum Income In Minimum Time!”
Here’s what you’ll discover just waiting for you for $9…
· $100,000 Massage Business Education: step-by-step massage marketing and business-building tips, tricks, techniques, and how-to articles & advice from the world-class MBU faculty!
· Audio Learning Library: filled with recordings of exclusive massage business-building Teleclasses and Expert Audio Interviews!
· Video Learning Library: packed with video tutorials on various advanced massage marketing and practice-building strategies and techniques!
· Best-Practices Discussion Forum: exchange ideas and gain insight from other savvy massage therapists from around the world!
· Massage Case Studies, Exhibits & Marketing Critiques: see first-hand how other therapists are building their practices, get a glimpse into other practitioners marketing materials, and watch as Todd Brown re-works actual another therapist’s marketing materials!
· Ready-To-Use Marketing Tools: every month you get a new ready-to-use massage marketing tool, including letters, postcards, flyers, brochures, etc., that you can quickly put to use in your own massage practice!
· Massage Product Reviews: keeping you up-to-date with the latest masssage business-building tools and resources!
· Massage News & Trend Reports: keeping you on the cusp of the massage business-building innovations and discoveries!
· $100,000 Massage Rolodex: links to the best massage business-building resources on the web that will make (and save) you hundreds of dollars!
· Exclusive MBU Discounts: saving you possibly hundreds of dollars when purchasing any of Todd Brown’s newest courses and events!
MassageBusinessUniversity.com
=================================================
