With a growing emphasis on recovery, flexibility, and durability in professional sports-medicine, an advertising partnership of this magnitude is a great way for Massage Envy to spread their message to the golf fan, a market that may not have knowledge of it. The PGA Tour, or Professional Golfers Association, is the pinnacle of the sport.

Professional golfers, along with many other pro athletes, are turning to massage as a part of their wellness routine.  Notable golfer Rickie Fowler has been quoted multiple times about the benefits of massage to his game.  Fowler, who tied for fifth in last week’s U.S. Open, is among the most popular players on tour. Having such a prominent player as a spokesperson for receiving massage services, could be a huge boon for this partnership. While he’s never specifically endorsed Massage Envy, his stated preference for therapeutic treatments could produce an ideal face of the new campaign for both parties.

Massage therapy has permeated professional sports in other respects as well. Many pro teams have massage therapists on staff, right along with doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists. The PGA Tour has begun to provide massage therapy for players and caddies. At the recent U.S. Open in Erin Hills, WI, a 119-member wellness staff was recruited and hired, including massage therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, and more (Read full article). Another article, piggybacking on a point made by Jeff Poplarski in Ziehm’s article above, stated that in the wellness tent, caddies were given preference even over the significantly more famous golfers.

The four-year deal agreed to by the PGA Tour and Massage Envy is the first of its kind for a professional sports league. While teams have, in the past, have run sponsorships with massage establishments and wellness centers, no evidence could be found of a league-wide agreement such as this. As massage therapists, we know that our industry is growing, and, as of this week, it’s made a huge leap.

Read Erik Matuszewki’s story in Forbes about the partnership here.

I’m just having one of those days, and I don’t know why…I’m just not feeling it.  I’m not exactly sure where my weekend went – I was busy but I think I don’t have much to show for it.  Maybe I’m not as well rested as I thought I’d be. I don’t know but I am just not feeling it today and if I could call in to my corporate job, I just might, but ya know what – I don’t have a corporate job, and I don’t have sick days and if I don’t show up I don’t make much money. SO, here’s my questions for y’all – how do you feel it when you just don’t?

For days like this I keep a little list of the things I am grateful for. One of them is that I don’t have a corporate job, and all the mess that goes along with it.  Been there, done that – was pretty miserable most of the time.  I love that what I do effects people immediately.  I love that I get to make the schedule and that my training goes directly to my bottom line.  I am sort of a control freak, but I like the “buck” stopping with me. I am grateful that I get to  spend time with my kids, and that many of my students and clients have become my friends.  I am grateful that I get to talk to y’all and hear about your successes – you inspire me daily!

I also have music.  Some people have art or poetry or yoga or their bible.  I have music, there’s no way the anyone will ever hear me sing in public, but in the car driving to work, I am a Broadway star (at least in my own mind).  There’s a release and a grounding all in one in art, it resets me and I appreciate that on days like this.

And this is not the day to skip breakfast, at least make yourself a smoothie for the road. Nourish your body and your soul will follow.  Healthy snacking is key for days when you are working extra hard just to get out the door.

Take an extra minute to ground yourself. Set your intentions for the day, and then remind yourself of them when you get to work.

Many therapists find that adding retail to their practice allows them the opportunity for a greater ticket average from each client. While they are right, in part, as that strategy will create more impulse buys, we must be wary when we enter retail because it not only changes our business, it can change our practice too.  So let’s talk about the keys to successfully adding a retail element to your massage therapy practice.

First, you as an individual should appreciate, use, and enjoy the products you are selling. Your enthusiasm and experience will guide your sales.

Fully understand the products that you are selling. You should know the ingredients and how they are made. Know how to properly use the products and what results are expected. Choose the items from the line that you are confident in. All of these strategies will enhance your sales presentation. When you do present, remember that you don’t have to show every product you carry. In fact, this will almost always lead to confusion. Connect with your clients, recommend specific products for their unique needs. Just as your therapy is tailored to each individual client, your sales pitch should be as well.

Next, keep a balanced stock, perhaps you could presell items rather than have everything available.  Consider your storage space before buying product – where are you going to store and inventory your stock?  Buy in smaller amounts until you know how much you are going to sell, even if it is slightly more expensive. You don’t want to carry too much inventory, you may get caught with an item that expires or goes out of stock.

And finally, really consider all your costs when pricing.  Does your price include shipping? Have you included the cost of your time while ordering, stocking, and managing inventory? Each of these factors effects your bottom line. While this may be the cherry on top of your cake, you don’t want to sell yourself (or the product) short.

Make sure that your retail products truly add value to your practice. Don’t let them take away from the original and basic intent of your practice. Retail can be a great way to boost your value to your clients as well as boost the bottom line of your practice.

Connect with bethteachesbodywork on Twitter, Facebook, or this website, and let us know about your retail experiences!