Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Saunders.
Nancy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since High School, I wanted to be a Massage Therapist; it feels like a calling. I gravitate towards those who are hurting and need nurturing touch.
But I also love the business side. The creativity of marketing/promotions is a fun and rewarding connection with Clients.
I have been a full-time Massage Therapist since graduating from the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in 1992.
Over these 30 years, I have been:
-Employee and hiring manager as the Massage Director at Colorado Athletic Club
-Independent Contractor renting a treatment room in a Massage Clinic
-Sole Proprietor of my own clinic Saunders Massage Therapy since 2006
-Ethics, Client Communications & Entrepreneurial Skills Instructor at the Boulder Massage Therapy Institute since 2019
For more than 10 years, I was the Massage Therapy Director for Colorado Athletic Clubs in Denver. My passion was collaborating with and inspiring the therapists to increase clientele. We achieved this by promoting their unique strengths/knowledge through interaction with members and creative marketing.
I left CAC to become an independent contractor; renting a room & running my independent MT business within a Massage Therapy Clinic. I learned to establish network relationships with Doctors, Chiropractors, and OB/GYNs.
In 2006 I opened my own office, Saunders Massage Therapy, in Denver. I specialize in orthopedic massage for chronic pain conditions and stress management, provide injury rehab for auto-accident/surgical/sports injuries, and Certified Prenatal Massage. My clientele has grown with people living with MS, Parkinson’s, ALS, and Cancer. I also provide stress relief for their Caregivers because they need to take care of themselves so they can take care of others… My goal is to give them a sanctuary of nurturing and listening.
Each chapter in my professional career has helped spread my wings and satisfied my need for More.
I want to Be More, Learn More, Do More. Now, I want to share these skills teaching, coaching, and inspiring the next generation of Massage Therapists!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, there are struggles and bumps in the road for any Business. You survive by learning how to pivot. When the Economy or Pandemic threaten your Livelihood, double down by communicating and reassuring your clients.
2008 Recession –
I had Clients losing their jobs, pensions, and homes. Spending money on Massage Therapy was low on the priority list.
Some doubted that Saunders Massage Therapy would stay open. It was a lean few years, but I survived by networking with colleagues, drastically cutting back on expenses, and creating a website and email newsletter. I could reassure clients I was still there for them. I was now reaching a broader audience. My skillset was posted and I increased business by attracting my target market clients.
2020 Pandemic –
During the March shutdown, I think many Businesses went through the stages of anger, denial, bargaining, and acceptance. For two months it was a scramble to learn the best safety protocols, find PPE, and sanitizing products.
Regular communication and reassurance were again very important if my Business was to survive.
I maintained communications through emails, sending hundreds of personalized snail mail greeting cards, and exchanging funny COVID memes & videos. Email newsletters were full of tips to maintain physical, mental & emotional health. I wanted to let Clients know I missed them and I would reopen soon. I also wanted to reassure them I was taking COVID precautions seriously. I took pictures of my PPE stockpile and detailed the safety protocols we would observe in every massage session. My mantra was, “I want us to protect and respect each-others health and safety.”
I actually saw a look of relief and received client Thank Yous because they trusted & appreciated the extra efforts done for them. Building client trust is vital to Business success.
Family Caretaking –
Over the years, I have felt the squeeze of being in a Sandwich Generation. Trying to care for a Parent while caring for my own household and business. It’s a no-win situation because there is always guilt someone or something is not getting enough time and attention.
But it helps me be a more empathetic listener for my clients. I understand what they are going through and encourage them to keep taking care of themselves so they can take care of others.
Professional Sabotage –
In 30 years of Business, I have had my fair share of shady characters trying to take advantage of me. Such as Landlords, Accountants, Sales People, and even Neighboring Businesses. I have made some mistakes along the way, but now I protect myself by knowing what to look out for, the questions to ask, and keep discussions and agreements in writing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Nancy Saunders, R.M.T. of Saunders Massage Therapy, is launching a new venture – Bodyworkers Business Coach. I’m known for my strong work ethic, organization, communication, and collaboration skills. Over the years I have been Mentoring/Teaching/Coaching many Massage Therapists, Acupuncturists & Bodyworkers. I’m proud that former Students and Coaching Clients still thank me and keep me updated on their business progress.
After 30 years in this Client-centered Business, my goal has been to share my knowledge and experiences with true self-driven Entrepreneurs. Those who are truly motivated to change their lives.
My Coaching Clients want More:
-More Clients, More money, and More stability
-More independence to run their Business and launch promotional and marketing ideas.
-More connection with their clients
My Coaching Clients are Bodywork Professionals who:
-Graduated from Massage Therapy School and want more Business Education.
-Practice at a corporate entity for a few years, want to start their own business but are not quite sure how.
I understand this feeling and help them through the anxiety of leaving a safe employment. I bolster their confidence and walk them through the necessary Business steps.
-Have had their own business for a few years and are still struggling to make a living with a stagnant client list.
I help them define what is working in their life and career and what is not working. Together we capitalize on success and identify missed opportunities.
Why should a client choose YOU? Beyond monetary benefit, what value do YOU provide Clients?
By understanding Psychographics (as well as Demographics) and segmenting your clientele, patterns appear.
WHY do you stand out? WHY should someone purchase a massage session? Why should they schedule with YOU?
Through client records, research, and listening skills, we compile as much objective data as possible for communication, connection, and higher success with target marketing.
As a Sole Proprietor of Saunders Massage Therapy, I may be shaking hands with the clock every day, but I LOVE being my own Boss. In order to be successful, the office need to be run like the CEO of a business and not a hobby.
Are you on the tipping point of your career? Get a boost of good business management skills that promotes success!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up on a Generational Farm in SW Minnesota that my grandpa built and where my father was raised. Our town of Jeffers had 465 people and 22 in my 1989 Graduating Class.
I am the second of four siblings that loved to drive our dad crazy with “creativity” while doing chores.
We worked Summers in the corn & soybean fields in our swimsuits so we could get a tan. Sometimes we were more focused on the music cassette in our Walkman than the task at hand.
High School & College years I worked as a waitress at the local restaurant. The best experience to learn people skills, time management, and juggling multiple duties. I think working in foodservice should be a mandatory experience learning patience and kindness.
Our parents have Master’s Degrees in Agri-Business and Primary Education. My siblings and I were always encouraged to study, explore and learn new things. I sang the National Anthem at High School Football & Basketball games, joined Choir, Drama & Cheerleading. History is my favorite subject and I love Biographies of historical people, places & events. As well as all Turner Classic Movies & Music on TV.
I had a wicked serve in HS Volleyball. But too many tumbles on the court herniated a disk in my low back. Experiencing the chronic pain cycle and necessary rehab techniques, helps me empathize and connect with Clients.
I studied Music, History, and Mass Communications at Bemidji State University before attending the Boulder College of Massage Therapy. They were known as the “Harvard of Massage” with their comprehensive 1,000-hour program.
In SW MN, this career choice was a bit avant-garde. Now, 30 years later, Massage Therapy has mainstreamed into our regular health maintenance routine. And I’m happy to say there are several Massage Therapists near the Jeffers area relieving the aches & pains of the hard-working farming community.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://saundersmassagetherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saundersmassagetherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaundersMassageTherapy
Image Credits
Nancy Saunders
