Align with The Massage Business Mama

Have you ever wondered if a career in massage therapy could provide freedom, fun, and financial success?Spoiler: It totally can.In this episode, we are joined by the amazing Krista Dicks, Canadian RMT, clinic owner, and host of The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast. With nearly two decades of experience—and a resume that includes spas, multidisciplinary clinics, race crews, and tropical destinations—Krista is living proof that massage therapy offers unmatched flexibility and opportunity. What we cover in this episode:The surprising joys of massage schoolExciting career paths (hello, cruise ships and Caribbean contracts!)Why the industry is growing fast—but we're not training enough therapistsThe difference between the U.S. and Canadian marketsHow to build a massage career that supports your life—not the other way around Did you know?The U.S. massage industry is worth over $18 billion and projected to grow 22% between 2018 and 2028. Yet the number of therapists has only grown 4.6% in the last decade. The demand is there. Are you ready to meet it? Whether you're a seasoned pro or considering the profession for the first time, this episode will remind you why massage is a career like no other.

This episode of Align with The Massage Business Mama dives into the natural ebb and flow of running a massage business. It explores why massage therapists often experience peaks and valleys in their client load and how these fluctuations aren't always a bad thing.

Ahhh, buying a home — the American dream! For many, it's a goal woven into the fabric of our upbringing, a milestone that symbolizes stability and success. But in today's world, especially for those of us in the massage industry, the dream of homeownership can often feel out of reach. Rising costs, fluctuating markets, and the unpredictable nature of running your own massage practice can make the process feel daunting. That's why today's episode is so special. Beca has some BIG news to share — she's buying a home! Cue the celebration music: Yippee, Beca! This is such an exciting achievement and a moment of inspiration for anyone wondering if homeownership is possible for them. As Beca has navigated this milestone, she's realized that many massage therapists feel overwhelmed by the home-buying process. The terminology, the paperwork, the financial preparation — it can all feel like too much. But the good news is that it doesn't have to be! Today, Beca is breaking down the essentials of buying a home in a way that's accessible and easy to understand.

Sometimes when we cannot work it is expected, like pregnancies or a planned surgery. Other times it hits you out of the blue. Either situation is hard as a therapist who only gets paid if they work! But, with a little preparation, you can turn a potentially disastrous situation into a nice reprieve from an ordinarily chaotic schedule. Tune it to hear our top tips for when life gets the best of you.

In today's episode, we delve into a crucial topic that affects every massage therapist's professional journey: safety. Join us as we explore the essence of our upcoming workshop, "Empowered Practitioner — A Safety Workshop for Massage Therapists." Discover how this workshop can transform your practice and empower you as a massage therapist. Our workshop will be hosted on 12/8/23 at 9:00 am MDT and replays will be available!

Episode 051: The Neuroscience of Stress with Charlotte Roden In this episode, we're delving deep into the fascinating world of stress and how understanding the neuroscience behind it can empower us to manage it effectively. We're joined by Charlotte Roden, an expert in stress management with a background in finance, neuroscience, psychology, and naturopathic health. Charlotte's mission is to help people proactively manage stress, enabling them to thrive amidst life's demands. Guest Introduction: Charlotte Roden, founder of Embrace Stress, brings over 20 years of experience in finance to her role as an Executive Coach. With a unique blend of expertise in neuroscience, psychology, and naturopathic health, Charlotte advocates for a holistic approach to stress management. She specializes in empowering individuals to recognize, reframe, and reset stress triggers, building resilience and confidence. About Embrace Stress: Embrace Stress, Charlotte's brainchild, emphasizes putting you in control of your stress. It harnesses the motivating aspects of pressure while equipping you with tools to thrive through challenges. The "Embrace Reset" framework focuses on enhancing knowledge, self-awareness, and mindset, enabling the creation of personalized, practical strategies. Talking Points: Defining Stress: Charlotte explores the comprehensive spectrum of stress, from its definition to its dual role in both harming and motivating us. Understanding the intricacies of the stress response lays the foundation for effective management. Recognizing Early Signs: We delve into recognizing the early signs of stress in our lives. By identifying these signs, we gain valuable insights into tailoring strategies for reduction and relief. This awareness is crucial for both self-care and helping others. Strategies for Minimizing Stress: Charlotte shares practical strategies to minimize stress impact, both in the moment and over time. Discover daily habits that can be integrated into your routine, serving as effective stress-reset tools and building resilience against future challenges. Challenges Faced by Massage Therapists: As massage therapists, the episode addresses the unique challenges you face. Balancing the emotional and physical aspects of clients' stress while managing your own can be overwhelming. We discuss the pressure of being self-dependent workers, exploring ways to maintain energy levels, stay focused, and strike a balance between work and personal life. Join us in this insightful conversation as we unlock the secrets of managing stress through neuroscience and practical strategies. This episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence. Connect with Charlotte Roden: Instagram & Facebook: @iembracestress Website: Embrace Stress LinkedIn: Charlotte Roden Email: charlotte@embracestress.com Thank you for joining us in this episode! Don't forget to subscribe, and if you found this episode helpful, please share it with others. Stay tuned for more empowering discussions. Until next time, embrace stress and thrive!

Get ready to amplify your online presence and connect with your dream clients! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Stacey Hagen, a marketing and visibility coach, share her wisdom on navigating the world of social media with authenticity and purpose. Stacey dives deep into the art of showing up confidently, crafting engaging content, and attracting the right audience. Discover how to honor your strengths, share compelling personal stories, and create a magnetic online persona that resonates with those you're meant to serve. If you've ever felt the challenges of social media overwhelm or struggled to strike the right balance between marketing and passion, Stacey's insights are a game-changer. Tune in to gain actionable strategies that will empower you to shine on social media and make a lasting impact.

In this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we are joined by Christine Boye to discuss diversifying by becoming a "soul care coach" – yes, you heard me correctly, that's soul care, not self-care. Alongside her soul care work, Christine Boye is also a doula, cancer survivor, and podcast host. We explore the world of soul care, a realm that will transcend self-care and open up new avenues of revenue. We discuss how to pursue true sustainability with less hustle and more impact. Using Christine's 3 pillar soul care work. 1) Breath 2) Mindfulness 3) Movement We hope this episode will shatter the conventional limits we impose on ourselves and help you discover innovative ways to bring in revenue, and create multiple streams of financial abundance in your life as an entrepreneur.

This episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama" is a nugget. A gentle reminder of what we all already know! That it is important and even cool to take care of your mental health! We aim to break the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations about our emotional well-being.  It's easy to neglect our mental health in today's fast-paced world! We get caught up in the cycle of trying to care for our clients, our families, and our friends, and all of a sudden, we are neglecting ourselves.  This episode addresses something especially crucial: taking care of your mental health is cool. We live in a time when self-care is gaining recognition and acceptance. Taking care of your mental health is a powerful act of self-love and empowerment. It shows that you value yourself enough to prioritize your well-being. It's cool to be proactive about your mental health. To invest in activities that bring you joy. To seek support when needed. And to break free from the outdated notion that mental health concerns should be kept silent. Taking care of your mental health is not only cool, it's also a sign of strength and resilience. In a world that often focuses on external achievements, how can we encourage others to embrace this mindset? It starts with being role models ourselves. By openly discussing our mental health journeys, sharing our self-care practices, and highlighting the positive impact they have on our lives. In doing so, we can inspire others to follow suit. We can challenge outdated norms and create a culture where mental health is not only prioritized but celebrated. We can empower individuals to embrace self-care and seek support without fear of judgment. Don't complicate self-care! It can be as simple as starting a gratitude journal, practicing meditation or mindfulness, engaging in regular physical exercise, or pursuing creative outlets that bring joy. Encouraging open conversations about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues can also normalize the topic and create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking help. Above all, remember that you deserve to be mentally healthy and happy. Embrace self-care, seek support when needed, and never hesitate to prioritize your well-being. Taking care of your mental health is not only cool but an act of self-love that will positively impact every area of your life. Note: This podcast episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate help, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional.

On this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we are joined by Christine Walsh — a money mindset strategist, mentor, and speaker who has used her 25+ years of experience in finance and accounting to help visionary businesswomen master their inner money game. Founded in personal growth and practical strategies, Christine brings clients her cutting-edge money wisdom, forward-thinking entrepreneurial mindset, and Wall Street investment experience together so they can breakthrough their money ceiling, reduce financial fear, and increase their income without compromising their lifestyle or busting their a$$ to get there.

Some believe that therapists should never discount. But here at Align with The Massage Business Mama, we believe there are times when it is appropriate! NOT all the time, but certainly at times. And today, we get into our top 4 times when we think it is appropriate to discount your services.

While it may seem funny that we have the power to "fire" our clients, the truth is that if clients aren't honoring the boundaries, policies, and procedures we have set up in our practice, we have every right to put them on the chopping block. And while it might seem scary at first, the idea of conflict and loss of income, sometimes moving forward in this manner is the best approach. When you start to cut out clients who abuse your time and energy, you make room for those who respect and appreciate all you have to offer. You make room for increased growth and abundance. Your time and energy are no longer drained from negative interactions. Listen on for our 6 tips for firing a client.

Us massage therapists are not notoriously known for our financial savvy. Having a scarcity mindset or "Starving Healer Syndrome" unfortunately describes an awful lot of us in the healing professions! We operate from the belief (often unconscious) that we don't deserve to become wealthy or even financially comfortable from the work we perform. But Therapists, that's a lie! We deserve all that and more! A few months back, inside my membership, we were focused on retirement—a topic I often see neglected by Massage Therapists. In fact, in an informal quiz I conducted on Instagram, 65% of you said that you hadn't started planning for retirement yet. You might be saying, "Contribute towards retirement? Are you kidding me? There is nothing left over at the end of the month." And I get it. It's really hard to budget when you don't know how much is coming in. Especially in the beginning stages when income and expenses are unknown. And it's not like we have anyone contributing to a 401k on our behalf... But Therapists, there is a better way. I want to see you thrive and succeed NOT only during your career but also into your retirement!!! Which is why I invited financial literacy coach Sheri Rozeski to come chat with my membership group. This podcast episode is pieces of that conversation. Sheri has been a 1:1 financial coach for over 11 years and is passionate about helping people create positive relationships with their money. Getting on track for retirement can and should be a priority! Listen on as we discuss how to kick scarcity mindset to the curb and create abundance. We HAVE resources within our control as self-employed entrepreneurs to change our destiny! ----- Listen and Learn: How much to pay yourself. How many bank accounts to have as a solopreneur. How to eliminate financial crisis. How to continue to be your own boss. And, if you choose to tackle your money, what you give up: frustration confusion tax season loathing disappointment creeping balance on debt

What does a sober living group and massage business marketing have in common? You may just be surprised by the answer! In this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we dig into a unique approach to marketing your practice. Instead of pushing, pushing, we discuss the idea of drawing in potential clients with magnetic energy. How sharing what we are passionate about in life and massage can attract our ideal clients with a lot less desperation than other methods for promoting our practice.

In this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we unpack choosing a legal entity for your massage practice. One of the big things that trip people up at the beginning of their massage business is figuring out what legal entity to set up. Whether to be a sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC. C Corp, S corp, it can be overwhelming initially! One thing to note is if you take no action, the IRS automatically considers you a sole proprietorship. So, if you are struggling with paralysis analysis for how to structure your business. You have already inadvertently made a decision. By failing to make any official decisions or moves to create a business entity, you are operating as a sole proprietorship. Listen on to hear more about the pros and cons of each entity.

Are you familiar with the doshas in Ayurvedic medicine? Pitta Vata Kapha All unique, and all with their own set of considerations when it comes to bodywork. On this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we are joined by Kimberly Kubicke of Indra Holistic to learn a little more about this ancient Indian medicine and why tapotement and other methods might be more appropriate for certain body types.

Maybe you've noticed some changes with our podcast lately. Beca hasn't been present in as many of the episodes. And no, that isn't because we are fighting or we are breaking up the band... In the latest episode, we share some of the reasons our format has changed.

In this episode, we are joined by Joanna Sapir to discuss an innovative approach to business. Joanna, a business coach for holistic practitioners, thinks she has cracked the code to help providers create a better product while having more security and profitability in their businesses. Her mission is to help practitioners streamline so they can focus on doing what they love: helping clients live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives. Tune in to hear how she suggests transforming your business from a session-by-session approach to creating a more programmed model.

Subject lines are an important piece of the email marketing strategy. In this episode, we are joined by Susan Finn of "Rise Above Noise" to continue the discussion on email marketing. Susan is the "go-to" expert in the email marketing field. She helps service-based professionals scale their businesses. Find joy, flow, and ease in marketing to increase profits, save time, and protect energy. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Email marketing is one of the quickest and easiest ways to grow your massage business, which is why we have chosen to spend not one but two whole episodes centered around this subject! This is Part One of that two-part series dedicated to email marketing that was originally recorded as part of my membership. Excerpts have been taken for this podcast episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we are sans Beca and joined by Nicole Keane. Nicole recently published a book, "The Tao of The Polyvagal Theory." Inside the book, she teaches and explores the connection between polyvagal theory and five element theory as a means to heal the spirit and balance the autonomic nervous system. We talk about how our interpretation of traditional eastern medicine might be flawed and why the method she has developed (while contradictory to much of the general knowledge around five element theory) has so many benefits!

Pregnancy is an exciting and scary time! There are so many unknowns! It is only natural to ponder questions related to the health and well-being of the baby, logistics of setting up a nursery, and how your relationship with your job will change. In the latest episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we are joined by guest Emily Van Dyke @blookingfromthemuckbodywork to discuss this very topic. Tune in to hear our top tips and tools for navigating this journey with a little more ease.

This episode was prompted by a "Massage In The Real World" student. Do you struggle with communication? Do loved ones often tell you, "I don't feel like you are listening to me? Like you're hearing me?" If so, this could be creeping into your professional life as well! It is hard to hear criticism from a client. Hard to feel like your work didn't resonate with someone. But the truth is, unless we check our own agendas at the door, we may be failing to meet our clients where they want and expect! Listen to this episode with a humble heart and think about if there are ways you can be giving a more client-centered massage. Remember, it is our client's time to relax, reconnect, and rejuvenate, not our own. If we have needs that aren't being met, we should schedule a massage, psychotherapy session, or date with a friend. Not use our client's time for our own purposes. Scrutinize your intentions, evaluate your thoughts, and be honest with yourself. Do what you need to make sure that you are coming from the most grounded, centered, authentic, and caring place. This is your job! And it might be the most important part of your work as a massage therapist. So therapist, get your hands dirty. Cry. Laugh. Heal. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In Episode 033: How To Think Like A Marketer guest Wendy Pitts Reeves explore 3 key concepts practitioners must understand and embrace to have a successful practice. Originally this presentation was recorded as part of Ali's membership program, “Massage Momentum Membership.” We have taken excerpts from this interactive experience to share in this episode. The three key concepts we explore in this episode are: 1) Acknowledge your desire. 2) Own your authority. 3) Open your mouth. Marketing often has a sleazy stigma associated with it. After listening to this episode, our hope is that you can embrace the marketer within and learn to sell with confidence! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we are joined by Crystal Bantel of "Your Tech Fairy" to discuss all things website. Originally this presentation was recorded as part of Ali's membership program, "Massage Momentum Membership." In this episode, you hear excerpts from that interactive experience. We chat about things like diversifying your business, best practices when building a website, and what to look for in a designer. As a certified online business coach and mentor, Crystal has a unique approach to website design. She helps seasoned professionals to plan out and start online businesses based on the things they love most about their career or trade. We are honored to have her on the show! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

For some Massage Therapists, there is nothing more enticing and exciting than the idea of working with professional athletes! The prestige, honor, and challenges that come with this type of work are out of this world. Kelly Stauffiger is one such therapist. In this episode, she talks about her journey from starting in a casino spa to working as the Massage Therapist for the Buffalo Bills. She shares about the ebbs and flows of this type of work, compensation, and safety considerations. With all the news about Deshaun Watson and allegations of sexual misconduct from Massage Therapists, it is timely that we chat with Kelly about the safety precautions therapists can take to avoid such confrontations in this particular niche. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

As perpetual learners, Beca and Ali wanted to share some of their favorite book recommendations for massage entrepreneurs. Some of these books are finance-related, some business, and some personal. And they all pack some punch! Check out our list to kick off some massive growth in your massage businesses this year!!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Taking tests are a scary thing! Taking a test as important as the MBLEx, even scarier. Now, let's talk about taking the MBLEx when you have been out of school for 13+years. Because that is exactly the situation Beca recently found herself in... And y'all, she's got some tips! Her favorite study guides, apps, and suggestions for acing the exam! So if you are preparing to take the MBLEx and want to be as prepared as possible, take a listen to our episode for some great pointers! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Our most recent guest, Sheri Burell Nishimura, OTR/L, LMT, CPT, AND a Massage in The Real World grad, shares about her battles when trying to start her massage business. Because she had a few. Sheri of Phenix City, Alabama, purchased a house to run her clinic Myo·dō. Pronounced: my-oh-dough Myo: Medical term for "muscle" Dō: Japanese for "the way of" Her clinics aim, to bridge the gap between modern healthcare and holistic services by providing a fusion of soft tissue mobilization and corrective exercises to empower individuals in their wellness journey. Sheri is an alumna of Central High School, Auburn University, and the Medical College of Georgia. In addition to graduating with the highest honors, she has two decades of hands-on experience as an occupational therapist working with collegiate and professional athletes, Soldiers, first responders, and people living with chronic pain. Despite all of Sheri's education, credentials, and experience, the neighborhood where she purchased her property DID NOT want Sheri to set up shop. Petitions were signed, and city council hearings occurred, all in an attempt to keep Sheri out. But y'all, in spite of these setbacks, Sheri prevailed! She handled everything with a grace that inspires! To follow Sheri and learn more about her clinic in: Email - sheri@myo-do.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/myodomovementandmassage --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Having a scarcity mindset or “Starving Healer Syndrome” unfortunately describes an awful lot of us in the healing professions. But if we want to align with abundance, we must kick these toxic thought patterns to the curb! We operate from the belief (often unconscious) that we don't deserve to become wealthy or even financially comfortable from the work we perform. Or that it isn't even possible to achieve financial independence as holistic practitioners. We struggle to pay the bills, find time for self-care, and nurture our families, all while telling ourselves that we got into this work to help others, not to get rich. We tell ourselves that there are better practitioners than us who deserve more. That we don't want to take work away from others… That we don't deserve as much of what others expect from life. But the thing is, we work hard. We work from our hearts. We give of ourselves each and every day in ways that other professions simply cannot fathom. And over time, our hearts will start to break if we don't take care of them and ourselves. We also must remember that by neglecting ourselves, we neglect those we love as well. Our work is important. It helps improve lives. It is powerful, and so are we. And…we deserve to be compensated fairly. We deserve to have money set away for retirement, our children's college, and vacations. We deserve to be financially stable! AND….THIS IS NOT SELFISH! It's called self-care. It prevents burnout. Breaking free from these limiting beliefs is a vital step to master if we want to have any type of longevity in a field we love so dearly! The truth is, unless we take action to ensure a financially sound future for ourselves, we will constantly be scraping by, living paycheck to paycheck. Wondering if we will have enough for the electric, groceries, or necessary car repairs. No one can make these changes to our mindset for us but ourselves. We have to do the hard work ourselves to achieve a more comfortable, sustainable lifestyle. Often, these limiting beliefs are deeply engrained in us. We received messages as children, while in school, from the media or church. Taking steps to uproot these messages takes courage. You deserve to have a thriving, rewarding, supportive practice. A practice which not only provides you with the basics but also allows you to travel, save, and play. Aligning with abundance is a process, one that takes a lot of baby steps, day after day, to start building the life that you always imagined for yourself. One that feeds you not only financially but also spiritually, emotionally, and physically. So get out there and start taking steps. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

All therapists are going to receive criticism at some point in their career - that's just the nature of the beast, we can't be everything to everyone - yet that doesn't make it any easier to receive negative comments about us or our work. This episode was inspired by a struggle that one of Ali's Massage In The Real World students had. They, unfortunately, received some criticism, and it was adversely affecting them! They were taking it very personally!!! In this episode, we dive into how to handle receiving criticism. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Have you ever wanted to be held a little more accountable for reaching your business goals? Do you ever feel like maybe you need an extra set of eyes on a project? Or, do some days, you just need someone to tell you that you are doing a good job? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, we hear ya! Being an entrepreneur can be isolating - whether you run a Fortune 500 company or a small one-room massage studio where you are the sole practitioner. The answer, as presented in our latest podcast episode, an accountability partner or partners... In this episode, Ali is joined by Bethany Dykman of Strength Love Birth, one of her real, live accountability partners to share the importance of having these type of relationships in your life.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Dual relationships are tricky! While some believe these types of relationships have no place in the massage world, others think they can be a healthy part of business. In this episode, Beca and Ali dig into dual relationships. Whether they are good or bad and how to navigate them when they do occur. Listen on to hear their thoughts. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

There are times in life when we simply cannot juggle all the balls we have flying in the air. Times when a few things have to slide off our plate, or we won't be able to function, at least not at the level our families, clients, and friends require/want. January-June was one of those times for us. We were busy with all the things that come with life: some entrepreneurial ventures, a few personal goals, and some much-needed breaks for integration. In this episode, we dig into the nitty-gritty of what this season presented for us, what we learned, and some key takeaways we hope can help you on your massagepreneur journey as well! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

One of the most annoying things in our massage world is when client's no-show! We have prepared ourselves mentally, physically, and energetically to give an awesome treatment, and then our client fails to show. Your client may think, no big deal, I'll reschedule for next week. But the truth is, that's an appointment that could have been booked by someone else. That is time you could have been doing something else! And lost revenue. Or is it? This is what we are going to explore in today's podcast episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we are joined by branding, marketing, and Canva genius Emily Conners of "The Creative Bodega." Emily first got started in the world of marketing when she set out to brand and market her own brick and mortar business, a gym. She found that not only did she really like marketing her gym, but she was actually pretty good at it too! From nailing your colors, fonts, and logos to showing your face, Emily's got something to say about it all and we are so excited to have her on-air and hope that you love her just as much as we do!!! Please take a listen and let us know what you think! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Naming your massage business is something we often see slow therapists down. They get stuck in the creative cul-de-sac of trying to come up with the perfect name and, in so doing, stale out on making progress in other areas of their business. It makes sense. It's hard to purchase a domain or make business cards when you are still unsure of your name! In this episode of "Align with The Massage Business Mama," we challenge you to PICK A NAME! We want you to commit to nailing down your name so that you can MOVE ON!!! Sound like a plan? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Uncovering your competitive advantage is critical to your success as a small business owner. It's what sets you apart in the marketplace and helps customers choose you over the spa down the street. But, sometimes, it's hard to identify what it is that sets us apart! We are simply too close to ourselves to see the unique gifts we offer. In this episode, we chat with Amie Kraft of Kraft Massage and Bodywork in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, about precisely this. Amie, a recent grad of Ali's program "Massage In The Real World," has had an unusual massage career. One, that definitely sets her apart from her competitors, yet, she has struggled to share this in her marketing and promotional efforts. Today, we uncover the mindset behind why Amie has held back on owning her competitive advantage - how she intends to change this moving forward - and tools you can use to uncover your own competitive advantage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Learn about Ali's upcoming course, which is about to launch, "Massage In The Real World: The Complete Guide for Bridging the Gap from School to Thriving Practice." She is so excited to help massage therapists actualize their entrepreneurial dreams! Massage In The Real World is a step-by-step guide that helps therapists cut through the overwhelm and give you the courage, confidence, and know-how to build a massage business from scratch while becoming the Massage Boss you were meant to be! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Do Instagram Reels confuse you? They did us too, but we understand the power they currently harness. This is why we decided to stretch ourselves a little bit for this episode and dive into the creation process.  Instagram had a problem. They were losing people to TikTok. And in an effort to combat this, they pushed out Reels. These 15 or 30-second video sequences are great for telling stories, giving a glimpse into your life, or marketing your business.  And because Instagram is trying to gain back market share, they are showing Reels to a larger audience than stories and posts. Thus, it would behoove Massage Therapists to learn the process.  Now I know, it's never easy to learn something new, especially when it comes to technology, but these videos are fun ways to get more eyes on your profile.  Social media is a powerful marketing tool when you spend the time learning how to make the algorithms work in your favor. So whether or not you are an IG newbie or a long-time user, you are going to want to start sharing Reels!  Beca and Ali walk you through their journey creating a 15-second Reel on @themassagebusinessmama. It was fun, sometimes trying to make this Reel, and they are excited to share with you their process.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Have you been curious about Zeel? In this episode Beca and Ali discuss the app that brings massage therapists to clients who want in home or in office massage. Apps like Zeel, Sooth, and MyMassage are revolutionizing the process of outcall massages. By taking out the work involved with getting your name in front of potential clients, therapists are able to set up practice in a relatively quick and painless manner, allowing them to travel between markets seamlessly. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we brought on fellow massage therapist Erica Olson. In response to the COVID situation and some other factors, Erica has been grappling with leaving the massage industry. We mentioned her on Episode 13 with Joyce Gauthier and thought it would be fun to explore some of the factors that are weighing into her thought process for potentially leaving the industry. What we uncover turns out to be so much more! From burnout to diversifying your income, this episode is one part cautionary tale, one part creative inspiration. Please listen on. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

SEO is such an intimidating topic for most massage therapists! In this episode we break down some easy ways to rank a little higher on a Google search. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we interview Joyce Gauthier of the Respect Massage Movement. A movement aimed at helping protect massage therapists from sexual solicitors. This important topic is one that often gets glossed over in massage school, and Joyce is working tirelessly to combat that problem. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Wouldn't it be nice to approach taxes with less stress and more ease? Our hope is that some of the advice we provide in this episode can do just this, reduce the stress associated with taxes for you moving forward. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we chat about finding an office space to work out of for your massage practice. Some common things to look for, negotiating with landlords, and post COVID considerations. Listen to hear our number one priority when finding a space! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode we discuss a question we received from a listener. "Is yoga appropriate to recommend as a form of self-care for massage clients?" We get into this, our favorite forms of self-care, and the ever annoying "askhole" we often encounter in our field. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we tackle a question we received from a listener, is spirituality a part of massage? There are certainly a lot of Massage Therapist who identify as spiritual, so we understand why this might be asked! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This meditation is intended to help you identify opportunities that have presented themselves because of the COVID-19 Crisis. As uncomfortable and challenging as this whole experience has been, there are opportunities for growth if we seek them out. Please get comfortable and explore deep within your psyche to see what hidden gems are waiting to be revealed. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, we wanted to get a baseline for how the COVID situation has landed in the massage industry from a variety of voices. We have our own personal experiences and views of how things will roll out moving forward. But we wanted to collect perspectives from others in the industry, educators, practitioners in private practice, spa owners, therapists who stopped working and those who did not. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The global pandemic that has rocked the world has all of us on a little edge. Massage Therapists are having to make tough decisions about the future of their practices. We all could use a little more deep breathing during this time, so we created this meditation. We hope that you walk away from this video feeling lighter, more refreshed, and more optimistic about your future as a massage therapist. To learn more about Align with The Massage Business Mama, please visit our website www.alignwiththemassagebusinessmama.com Enjoy the meditation! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app