The Most Important Decision of Your Massage Business Career

Don't you find that there are so many decisions you need to make each and every day regarding the direction of your massage practice. Especially if you are a solo-preneur or own your own massage business.

As a business owner myself I know at times it can seem overwhelming, wearing all the hats of massage therapist, marketer, salesperson, office administrator... and the list goes on.

Yet there is one key decision that will chart the course of your business and will ultimately determine your level of success long term. This decision will also increase your chances of staying the course till you have your ideal massage practice.

Can you think what that might be?

Well, let me ask you...

Are you trying to build a massage practice? Are you hoping to get more clients? Are you feeling it out to see how it goes? Or have you committed to building the business of your dreams... no matter what!

Many therapists can't wait to finish massage school, find the ideal location for their practice, and jump right in there looking for ways to fill their schedule book with clients. But when things don't work out quite as smoothly as they expected, they get frustrated and give up all too easily... because they never stopped to make that all important decision that they were absolutely committed to building a successful massage business.

This decision is a turning point. It announces to the world that not succeeding is no longer an option. This decision will inspire you to take action, even when things get rough.

My husband Francis is also a massage practitioner (jointly we have over 30 years in the profession). Early on in his career he traveled with motivational speaker, Anthony Robbins, as his personal massage therapist. One of the things that Tony used to say was, "To get new results you must take new actions, and all actions are fathered by a decision."

So, what fundamental decision have you committed to regarding your massage practice? And is it a decision that inspires you to take action? Can you write it down somewhere that you will see on a daily basis?

OK, so you have made your decision...but do you believe it? Do you have the confidence in yourself to carry it through? In his classic book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill said that if you can conceive of something and believe that you can do it, then you can! And the more you believe in yourself the more likely you are to achieve your goals and manifest your dreams.

So what are your beliefs about:

Your skills as a massage therapist? Your ability to attract your ideal clients? Your ability to build and sustain a successful massage practice? Your ability to create prosperity and abundance (and maybe even complete financial freedom) in your life?

Because until you believe that you can do it, you won't take the sustained action necessary to build a thriving business. And that would be a terrible shame because you have unique gifts to share in a way that nobody else can, and there are people for you to work with that no one else can help in quite the same way as you.

So, if your "belief muscles" are a little atrophied, how do you build them up? Here are some things you can do:

• Write a list of all the reasons why you WILL succeed in your business and read it every day and every night.
• Create a concise "belief statement" or declaration and post it where you will see it often.
• Listen to and read about how others have succeeded.
• Once you have made your committed decision just get in action and then make course corrections as you go. It is always easier to make adjustments when you are in motion, whereas procrastination will get you nowhere. And remember, getting in action reduces fear and doubt.
• Work with a coach or mentor to help keep you on track.

So let's face it, as you grow your business there will be times when you will feel challenged, when you have to move outside your comfort zone, when you make mistakes, and when you doubt yourself and your abilities. This happens to us all! And you can either let these things undermine your confidence and sabotage your success, or use them to strengthen your decision to build the business of your dreams...no matter what!

A Native American elder once described his own inner turmoil like this: "It feels as if there are two dogs inside of me. One of the dogs is always fearful, anxious and filled with doubt. The other dog is playful and confident. The worried dog fights the joyful dog all the time." When asked by his friend which dog wins, he thought about it for a moment and replied, "The one I feed the most."

So which dog do you feed? The one that is doubtful and full of fear, or the dog that is joyful and successful? The choice is yours alone to make. But don't make it lightly. Because the answer will greatly influence the success not only of your massage business, but of your entire life.

Elizabeth Fletcher Brown LMT, a Certified Success Coach is the founder of the Massage Business Center, dedicated to supporting massage therapists in creating financial freedom through business success. Do you really have what it takes to build the massage business of your dreams? Take our free online assessment at http://www.MassageBusinessCenter.com and find out.

---

Financial Dose for Business

The goals of businesses have undergone much evolution from the... Read More

A Small Business Consultant Can Help in Many Ways... But One Thing He Can?t Provide

A consultant must remember that the business belongs to the... Read More

Want to Grow Your Business? Make an Irresistible Offer

My clients and many of my readers are small and... Read More

Small Business and Branding ? Why and How?

When we speak of branding most of the time people... Read More

Looking into the Future for Profits

How to identify future solutions and opportunities?Your power page, if... Read More

Small Business Vendors; Getting the Best Service

If you are a small business you know that you... Read More

How to Find Success in the Import Export Business

Take advantage of world politics today and start your own... Read More

Small Business Spoiler - Procrastination

One of the most common issues that comes up for... Read More

Mobile Truck Washing, Case Study

Most folks in the pressure washing business are happier to... Read More

Promote Yourself More Successfully

One of the great challenges for independent professionals and small... Read More

Packing Material Thats Cheap!

Shipping materials can be expensive! Even the styrofoam "peanuts" can... Read More

Are You Making These Mistakes In Your Business?

You've probably heard the statistic that 95% of small businesses... Read More

Find Your Niche & Follow It - Part 1

In this series of articles I'm going to show you... Read More

Mobile Car and Truck Washing Vehicle Placement

To maximum potential profits and dollars in a mobile washing... Read More

Finding the Right People for your Business

Where do you find the right people for a business... Read More

What are the COSTS Associated with joining Leads Groups?

When it comes to cost, how much can you afford... Read More

How to Use Graphs and Charts in Your Business Plan

Many people ask how many graphs or charts they should... Read More

Local Government Relations for Small Business

Most small businesses simply go about their daily business and... Read More

Business Owners - Do You Actually Own a Job?

How many hours do you work a week? When was... Read More

Fleet Washing Operations Manual Sample Outline

In the Truck Washing Business every single type of vehicle... Read More

California Department of Corporations Attempts to PR Their Benefits to Consumers

On Monday the Department of Corporations in California revoked franchise... Read More

Winning in Business - Lessons from Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong this week won an unprecedented 7th Tour de... Read More

Small Business Health Check-Up

If your home business is not performing the way you... Read More

Government Does Not Pay Its Bills on Time

Many small companies work very hard to get new accounts.... Read More

Start a Resume Writing Service for Profit

The resume writing service serves an important role in the... Read More

Detailing Business Options

So you want to get into the auto detailing business... Read More

Youll See It When You Believe It - Growing Your Business from the Inside Out

What unspoken message are you sending your clients and customers?... Read More

A Lesson From ?The Apprentice? That Can Make You A Master

I have to admit, I was curious. When I saw... Read More

Mobile Carwash; Senior Citizens and Mobile Homes

Senior citizens are generally not a large marketing segment for... Read More

Quality Controls for Franchising Companies Sample Outline

Quality control in franchising companies is paramount and all franchising... Read More

Take a Break - Have a Pity Party

Pity parties are nothing new. In fact, we do it... Read More

Multiple Clients Create Your Independent Business

Would you rather have one good client paying you five... Read More

Accepting Checks in Your Business Virtually Risk Free

Most businesses accept checks as form of payment for goods... Read More