Comments for Financial Self-Care

Comment on The Importance of Budgeting by MassageAlumni.com

MassageAlumni.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:41:37 +0000

Thanks for your post and for sharing a great ebook as well. I tweeted about this post on twitter because it is so important for professional massage therapists to budget their business correctly.

Comment on What Are You Worth? by Joe McCue

Joe McCue — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:17:29 +0000

Celia,

Thank you for your comments. I suggested a possible solution to your question in the comments section of my “Examining Beliefs about Money” blog.

I invite you to check it out.

Be well,

Joe

Comment on What Are You Worth? by Celia

Celia — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:03:59 +0000

I read this question a lot in professional literature. The question I never read is “how much is the client worth?” I think I am worth a lot. I know that in an affluent neighborhood I could charge a lot of money for the skills that I have. But what about the clients in less affluent neighborhoods, which today are increasing in number? It’s commendable to volunteer your time to an organization intended to help those who have the least, but what about everyone in the middle? Another article in this issue complains about the extra cost of deep tissue. That is an additional expense based on “worth,” and worth that is speculative at best. The entire healthcare industry has gone out of control with pricing. Is that the model we want to follow? I am by no means suggesting that anyone should earn less than they need to live comfortably. But if spas like the one mentioned earlier are setting the market price for our service, knowing full well that they are often gouging, is that really a good marker for what we are worth? Is our value set only in terms of dollars? To ask the question “how much value are you adding to their lives?” says to me that only those who can afford the value you assign deserve relief. If we ask the question “How much do I need to live comfortably?” instead of “How much more can I have according to the market?” there would be less waste, more comfort and more equal distribution.

Comment on What Are You Worth? by Felicia Brown

Felicia Brown — Thu, 08 May 2008 16:55:20 +0000

Hi Joe -

I totally agree with your point about the value you create for clients by providing a service that meets their needs or helps their pain. And there are a lot of other things besides offering pain relief or relaxation that bring value to your sessions. For example, having a positive attitude, a smile and welcoming tone of voice or being ready to begin your sessions on time all add value to a massage or bodywork appointment.

Other more tangible things like providing cool water, breath mints and extra blankets can make a big difference in the perceived value of your work. And then of course there are bigger things like offering birthday rewards or free product samples that have an apparent dollar value attached to them.

In short, everything you do to touch the client, literally and figuratively, makes an impression on them and either adds or detracts from the overall experience. As a spa consultant, I often advise clients to take a look at their overall business practices, procedures, and the details/ steps of the client experience to see how they can make things better. You might be surprised at the differences a few changes can make – and how your clients will respond!

Comment on What Are You Worth? by Dannee Rodriguez

Dannee Rodriguez — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:30:36 +0000

This was a question that I thought about all last weekend and I thank you for putting my thoughts into perspective. I like that it is about the value I give and contribute to my clients lives. Thank you!!!

Comment on What Are You Worth? by brett passarella

brett passarella — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:29:34 +0000

Joe, i liked the way you describe the value of a massage. It is the whole experience that is so valuable not just rubbing muscles. The complete person benefits from the session as a whole human being. Including body mind and spirit.

Comment on Examining Beliefs about Money by Joe McCue

Joe McCue — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:38:10 +0000

Kate, I know exactly how you feel. The subject of money always has the potential to create conflict within us. Charge too little and we devalue our time & talent; charge too much and we may feel bad about possibly depriving those who could benefit from receiving the work. It is a difficult balance to strike.

I will share with you a technique that I came up with about a year ago that may help. I was working with one of my coaching clients and she told me that she wasn’t meeting the income goals we set because she kept discounting her rates. Sometimes there was a legitimate financial hardship on the part of her client and sometimes it was her perception of her client’s ability to pay.

I had her create a virtual scholarship for her cash strapped clients. I had her decide on a specific monthly dollar amount for her to “donate” to those clients. Her discounts would be virtually deducted from the scholarship and when it was exhausted she would put people on a wait list until the following month.

Let’s say you make the virtual fund $300 per month. If you charge $75 per session, you could donate four full sessions per month or do six sessions at $50 off or do 12 sessions at $25 off, or any combination of the above.

This way, you can still charge what you feel you’re worth and lend a helping hand when appropriate. Think of it as a type of flexible financial boundary for you.

I hope that helps.

Be well,

Joe

Comment on Examining Beliefs about Money by Kate Albrecht

Kate Albrecht — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:36:40 +0000

What I have found to be a challenge is my discomfort with the reality that many people who definitely would benefit from massage therapy simply do not have the cash to pay for it. Then I feel badly that my need/ desire for money becomes an obstacle to their receiving my time and attention as a massage therapist.

Comment on Examining Beliefs about Money by Tara Reisinger

Tara Reisinger — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:48:44 +0000

This is so true. I love my work and because of that I’ve had issues with money. I’ve been a Massage Therapist for 11 years. Last year, I decided that I had to raise my fees. Some of my clients actually told me that they thought I hadn’t been charging enough. They had been compensating me with a bigger gratuity. I think that in some instances (probably a lot), as Massage Therapists, we save our clients alot of money in doctor visits and prescriptions. We are worth the work we do. Let’s all keep reminding ouselves!!!

Comment on Examining Beliefs about Money by Patricia Huff

Patricia Huff — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:05:45 +0000

Yes, you are right. Money is our reward for sharing value. It is not the money but the characteristics and value for ourselves and our clients that manifest money.
Money is an energy received by first being positive and caring, money doesnt know the difference…. We do.