amy wants to save the planet

i have been working on my elevator pitch... man does writing something to speak in 15 seconds tweak my buttons. how can i possibly sum up my practice, all the services i provide, and a compelling hook to join me?

the worst part about playing with elevator pitches is the idea i have stuck in my brain that some how i have to capture your attention in this brief time and then once i have you hooked i then have to expand and real you in. it feels so inauthentic and sort of desperate and slimy (like a fish).

but maybe it feels that way because i am a bit desperate at this point in time.

somehow i have to change the paradigm stuck in my brain and create a story that invites future inquiry and inspires a person towards action.

very small changes... the essence is exactly the same but change the key words and suddenly you are acting in partnership with someone, instead of trying to up sell them so you can pay your mortgage.

so in essence i want to save the planet... not a small goal and one i am not really sure how to even set sustainable check points to see my accomplishments but see it's really, really important to me that we have a planet. because if we don't then i have no idea how any one will live.

and i think i can do it. ok obviously i can't save the whole planet all by myself but see that where what i do fits in. i teach people to take better care of themselves, which leads them to making more sustainable choices, create products and services that help in ways i can't even begin to imagine, and take personal responsibility for every choice and action they do.

so you see i get to be a catalyst. a small little person with a set of expert skills in a couple of key areas who connects with others skilled in other expert areas and so on and so on...

i am a vital strand in the web. and i will show you how you are as well. and together we will save the planet.

BizJam Seattle 2008

Seattle's amazing networking group is hosting their 2008 conference today and tomorrow! What a delight to mingle with inspired business owners and get to practice my non-existent self promotional skills :D

Today's theme was Social Networking and I found myself overwhelmed by the second presentation. Fortunately I know how to combat that with my Super Reflexology Powers and I found myself, sitting in sessions working my hands and twirling my ankles.

Gently pinch your fingers from the base (web) all the way to the tips Reflexively this area corresponds to the neck, head and brain. In addition grab and squeeze each finger, don't go in order and that creates a meditative and soothing response if you are trying to be alert alternate your pattern to stimulate your brain.

Also the very tip of your fingers and toes is the actual brain reflex, if you find anything lumpy, painful or hard in these areas then some of your nerve pathways aren't working on all cylinders. Break those deposits up by gently rolling on them with your knuckle, pinching them or rolling them on a table or the floor.

Find yourself getting a bit of a head ache? gently pinch the "ouchy" spot in the webbing between your thumb and pointer finger. Also pull on your earlobe gently squeezing it as you pull and hold until pressure decreases. Make sure you are drinking water!

If it's at all possible slip off your shoes and spread your toes, this allows your shoulders to relax and reminds your body to continue breathing so you can stay awake and absorb more information! And my favorite gently do ankle circles (and wrist) to increase circulation and loosen the body before standing after sitting.

Have a great conference! You can also use these tips to stay awake and retain information in meetings, traffic and anywhere there is information to be absorbed, sorted and processed. I wish I would have know this in college!

I hope to meet more people tomorrow and continue practicing networking skills; someday maybe I will be able to convince myself I am not a shy introvert and people do actually want to know this information. Until then my Super Reflexology Powers will stay quietly hidden in West Seattle.

Becoming Visible

In my journey through the world as a self employed business person I have battled the resistance to be seen. In the last 2 months I have suffered from my reluctance and have finally taken steps to show up in the world.

Here's what I've been up to:

1. I got a website: phoenixbodywork.com
2. I put business cards at various places, coffee shops, my dentist, bookstores
3. I actually had conversations with people telling them what I do
4. I mailed my former clients cards, with an update and business cards and a promotional special.
5. I have given away several hours of time for free or severely reduced rates to encourage multiple visits.
6. I have stared at the computer for hours on end, read about 10 books, and wrote down all ideas I had and did something everyday, even if it was dropping off cards at the post
7. I advertised in a local woman's newsletter
8. I got information for the local natural health directory and have designed and ad

In essence I have been busting my bum for the past two months working through the emotional issues of "am I good enough" and "what if" and "but no body's calling". This week I am happy to report I got a random email form a person who found my card and a free session I did at Bastyr came to see me in my office. It works, it just takes time and patience.

Being visible isn't easy, it means I 'on' all the time and everyone I meet is a potential client. It makes me more accountable to myself and my future in this profession and it also drives me to open my heart a bit more and live a little louder, bolder, and more authentically in my power.

Business practices

While sorting through my heaps of massage related magazines I came across this article in AMBP's 'Different Strokes' magazine. It is on 'Balancing work and business' and I wanted to remember some of the things without the storage of more paper. So here are the highlights.

What Differentiates Your Practice From Everyone else's? list specialties, populations you work with like elderly or pregnancy. Make your practice distinct.

Practice Training is a goodness.

Meditation Can Help Focus 'nough said. By the way this doesn't have to be sitting, mind blank meditation. Go for a walk, swim, exercise, garden, write... Allowing time to let the mind wander and purge allows for clarity and focus in a session.

Get Bodywork and take notes on space, session, etc.



Give 100% of Attention To Client this may seem obvious but I can't tell you how many times I have made my shopping list or thought about what didn't get done, or where I was going after work. Shhh here's a secret... The client can tell they don't have your focused attention, and most likely your body can too and neither will be satisfied with the work done.

Develop A Client Base who are you targeting and is your material in a place they will see it? Is it designed to attract your audience or a different one?

Manage Your Time don't agree to do session on your day off, don't over book, and don't think in terms of scarcity. [*points to self*] It is disrespectful to both yourself and your client to cross your boundaries.

Return Phone Calls promptly. People won't wait, they'll call someone else. Have a cancellation policy and enforce it.

Give It Away Free sessions or free upgrades can fill an empty schedule and boost return rates. I know... The thought of giving away free massage makes me cringe, so obviously it's something I should try. I'll let you know if it works. I am going to modify it though with "Second session is free", not the first one, I want people's return business, not the free loaders who don't like commitment.