Hi again everyone!
In the past seven years I have worked with the most seasoned “massage receivers” in the world. Just as Bob Hope was known as the man who got a massage every morning for fifty years, so does a favorite client of mine. He lived next door to Bob years ago. Apparently Bob had a way of convincing his neighbors and friends that getting a massage every day was the key to a long healthy prosperous life. THANKS BOB!
This client pays $300 per massage. He buys them for loved ones and celebrity friends too. He gets about 25 a month on average. He is any LMTs dream client. He pays this high level of pay so that he may retain the loyalty of the LMTs that he deems “the best”. It surely keeps me around.
Over the years I have been fortunate to not only work closely with many such clients, but be graced with a list of do’s and don’t supplied by them. Stories, disillusionments, and unfulfilled needs have been detailed by these clients one by one. Typically one of these omissions is spurred by the client noticing that I approach massage differently from many other LMTs, and they like it. They will first compliment my choice of equipment, music, “uniform”, or style of massage. Then they will generally lead into a story detailing their usual experience with previous LMTs. After a while my clients will wait for months to get a massage rather than risk being disappointed by yet another LMT who applies the same old “in the box” practices that every other LMT is applying.
The details that I put in place that attract the most affluent clients in the world are very small. I don’t do anything mind blowing, or unusual. I simply increase the quality in everything I do just a tad bit. And I analyze how my services and products will be perceived by the CLIENT, not other LMTs, massage instructors, etc.
At the top of this list of details is this: never use oils for your massage. And never use scented products without first approval. I know you’ve heard differently. But have you heard differently from someone who has interviewed the clients in the world who will be your most lucrative? Because that’s who I have interviewed to bring this information to you.
Let me explain. Many oils are pore clogging. Many people have oil allergens. Most importantly, oils stain clothes, sheets, and require a body soaping and shampooing to remove entirely. Many of your best clients don’t have time or desire to shower after the massage. You don’t have the money to be replacing sheets every three months that are stained and rancid smelling. Oil is time consuming, expensive, and the least favorite product of a savvy clientele. Use it, and your dream client may never call you for a second appointment. Oh, and as for scent: something that smells heavenly to you can conjure up a gag reflex or horrible memory for your client. Remember Pavlov’s dogs theory? Few clients will complain, they just won’t reschedule with you. You can’t afford to lose them because of small details that could have been prevented.
I have used Biotone’s Advanced Therapy Massage Lotion-Unscented for ten years. My clients rave about it. It’s hypoallergenic, all natural, and easy to use. It’s true that discriminating clientele notice every detail, and prefer products that are simple and effective. I also add a touch of Washout in with the lotion to ensure that any trace amounts of oil uplift from fabric in the wash. It really is a miracle in a bottle. I swear by the stuff. Use it and you can wear clothes and use linens that are of the highest quality without, worrying about stains. And that is good for business.
I have filled an entire chapter full of the “Do’s and Don’ts as described by the most affluent clients in the world in my book The Magic Touch: How to make $100,000 per year as a Massage Therapist. These simple choices could potentially skyrocket your earning potential.
~Meagan
