Who I am afraid of

There is somebody who I am afraid of. It’s probably not who you may think of at first.

It’s not a monster like a werewolf, or a person out to do me harm, although like most people who work on their own I have to be aware of my surroundings and look out for my safety. I don’t think about those things much. I do think quite a bit about the scariest person – the customer who doesn’t come back.

I want everything about your time with me and in my office to be outstanding. I want you to feel great from the massage work you receive. I want you to feel safe at all times and confident in my qualifications. I want you to know you are an important person to me, that I care about you, and that I will give you my full attention while you are here. I want you to come back because life events will make your muscles hurt and cause you stress and I know how much relief massage provides.

If there is something – anything – that you don’t like about your massage, I want to know. If it is during your massage speak up and I will make adjustments. I can adjust the pressure or temperature or music or draping as much as I can. It doesn’t matter to me what the temperature is, and I know each person has their own comfort zone.

I get massages too. I know what it is like to be on the table. I really look forward to my massages and want to feel great when it is done. I know that you are coming in with pain and stress and you want to leave without them. I don’t want to do anything to add more to what you have.

If you tell me not to massage some area, then I won’t. Obviously private areas are off limits to me. If you don’t want your feet touched, just let me know and I will respect your wishes. We will talk before starting about what you want today, and I will adjust the massage accordingly. Do you want extra time on your back or neck? That’s fine – just let me know and I’ll do it.

If there is something you don’t like about your massage, chances are good that somebody else feels the same way. If you don’t say anything, I may not know a change is needed. If you don’t let your me know your preferences, you will get the same disappointing results.

If there was something unsatisfactory with my service to you, I want to know so I can improve it.

I respect your privacy. Although I am used to seeing and touching bodies, this may be a new or uncommon experience for you to have a different person touching you. I want you to be relaxed, so wear whatever you want during your massage.

Many businesses fail because they don’t listen to their customers. I want to know what you think. When I ask how things are, don’t say “OK” or “fine” or “good” if they are not. Nobody has hurt my feelings yet, and I don’t think you will be the first.

Barry is a licensed Massage Therapist at Main Street Massage in Hudson, Ohio. Find out more about him, his business, and massage at www.HudsonMassageTherapy.com