1. Choose the subjects or modalities that interest you and what you would like having done to you if you were a client. It is hard to promote a service to a client that you are not enthused about or have not experienced on yourself.
2. Choose something that suits your lifestyle or personality – if you are not a “sporty person” do not choose a specialisation in sport injury management because it sounds trendy. You can certainly do courses that treat musculoskeletal disorders, or courses that cater for the health and wellness industry by doing non-sporty courses.
3. If you are not sure what massage subjects interest you or exactly what clients or market you would like to service, then choose a general massage course where you can choose a variety of subjects or electives. You may elect later, upon graduation or when you know more, to undertake post-graduate training in a specialisation of interest to better service your clients.
4. If you want to start a home business then the short courses or certifications as found on Adelaide Massage Academy www.adelaidemassage.com.au website may be appropriate to start with and you can add more formal qualifications later. If you wish to have a full time business then a Nationally Accredited Diploma is recommended so that clients may claim on their health fund for the massage. See Natural Health Academy website - www.massageadelaide.com.au
Define Yourself
Defining yourself as an expert in your massage industry is a key to successful practice. Clients should be able to identify what type of professional massage practitioner you are. For example, will you have great success with treating Athletes or sport injuries or are you a specialist in treating neck and back pain or even an energy medicine specialist?
The Jack of all trades is not appealing to a client with specific needs and looking for specific results. The potential client must have confidence in your strengths. This will enable you to target potential clients and will set you apart from others in the massage industry.
Once you have defined yourself you can market yourself more effectively - this is why at NHA we have the specialist diploma pathways available for you and a good Manage a Practice course.
