Jan 10
6
Will You Be Everything to Anyone or Something Special to Someone?
Darren Hutchison, RMT
In the beginning of my massage career I choose to focus my energies at being an expert of the basics of massage. My goal was to make sure that when clients came to me, they felt different at the end of their massage than when they first walked through my office door.
As my business and experience grew, I noticed that most of my clients came to me for the same reason; to have a full body massage that relieves their aches and pains and helps them to reconnect to their body. That became my platform.
Keep in mind; that in Massage therapy and holistic health there are hundreds of modalities and skill sets. If I tried to be all things to every client, it would make me struggle and would be the death of my business. I am what I am and have the skills and gifting that I do, resulting in people being attracted to that skill set. If I became so watered down and diverse, I wouldn’t really be a master of anything.
It doesn’t mean we have to stop learning, nor does it mean we can’t integrate what new skills we’ve learned into our lives. It’s the choosing of what skills to master first, to create a clear path and be constantly moving in the direction of your passion.
Whatever career path or skill you have chosen to develop, most times it’s becoming a master of some basic fundamentals (maybe 6 to 12 different skills), adding your own flare and style, with constant chiseling of experience over time that take our skills from being a novice to that of a master. The key words being, “skills and experience over time.”
It is impossible to be all things to everyone and letting go of that notion has been a key to growing my business. I’ve been a successful massage therapist since 2002, building a very consistent growing practice. I’ve watched clinics and “NEW” therapists come and go. Jumping into the market with all kinds of flare, training and skills, only to burn out and disappear in very short time.
Why is that? In my opinion, they tried to be all things to all people. Yes, most people can benefit from massage therapy, but not every person is the same, or wants the same approach to their health and pain management. When you try adapting to everyone, your message is that you don’t know who you are and what you uniquely can bring to others.
People choose their therapist for their own reasons, which we can’t control. When I go for my own massage I chose where I go based on what I need at that moment. Sometimes I want to be energized, or connected. Other times it could simply be aching muscles, or even meditative. Not every therapist can satisfy all those needs, so I tend to go to different therapists for different goals in my therapy. If I’m a male massage therapist (which I am) and someone is requesting a female therapist; instead of trying to convince them to come to me, being offended or feeling judged, I help them find a female therapist they would be comfortable with.
If I’m a Swedish Massage Therapist and someone is asking about Bowen Technique, Craniosacral Therapy, or any other modality I’m not trained in; I help them connect to what they are looking for.
Every one of us has something unique to offer; a special gift that only we can bring. Become a master in those skills you have to offer and find where you fit. There’s a place for all of us. Always remember that, right now, someone is looking for exactly what it is that you have to offer. Give yourself time and patience to develop your unique gifts and skills; then over time you will attract exactly who needs to come to you.
Darren Hutchison
Registered Massage Therapist
Soul Vitality
Lethbridge, Alberta