Chris Brogan's Trust Agents Possibly premature in my review, but I figured I should
blog...establishing good internet habits and all.
When I initially saw Mr. Brogan's (hence after this refered to
as 'Chris') book, Trust Agents, at Barnes and Noble, I was intriguied. We have the briefest of history, you see. We have spoken
briefly and are linked on several different social media sites. We have not met in person yet, but he seems to be of a good
sort. His media expertise and clout are unquestioned. (I honestly feel like David to his perverbial Goliath when interacting
on twitter.)
My cynical side said "$24.95 for 250 pages??!!" This was a brief flash, mind you. The man,
as stated above, has unquestioned prowess in his field.
I even hesitated to being writing this, as I have not completed
the book. I have to give is a thumbs up regardless. It is a perfect guide to our social media world. It gives simple explanations.
One even gets free suggestions on how to be more tech savy in how to use the internet, focusing on one's particular field.
Most importantly, for me anywhoo, is that it has begun to drive my mind into new areas. On more than one occasion
already, I have found myself reading and saying (to self...which for a blonde is a big thing) "Wow, I hadn't thought
of that" or "I have to try that to see if it works" and biggest yet "HOW can I apply that to massage therapy
in general, and specific to my business?"
The third is most rewarding for me. Not that Chris has inspired
me to want to change the massage therapy world (he inspires me, don't get me wrong) but he has ramped up my drive to make
my mark in business...if any of that made sense, please let me know!
The most perplexing aspect of social media
for me is that, for ME, it seems that the social media craze is more geared to other businesses, not mine. I don't see a lot
of 'blueprints' out there as it applies to my field. Massage is hard to sell, let's face it. One is bringing, essentially,
a stranger into their lives to TOUCH them....that requires trust.
Trust....oh! right Trust Agents! That brings
me to a final point. As I said, I don't find a lot of blueprints as to how to use social media to 'push' massage or 'drive'
prospective clients to me. However, there is a feeling I get from Chris's book that is very promising. That feeling is possibility!
Chris's book is a blueprint for us all, it is very user friendly and, I think, applicible for all of us, whether we are selling
real estate, or.....giving a chair massage.
Kudos Mr. Brogan. I will continue reading and learning......and bugging
you!
Do
you know what your Bio is doing?
Hello all! A few months ago, I resolved to have
more blog postings. I promptly followed this up by being silent online, go figure! While the heart is in the right place,
the fingers sometimes lack motivation to type. I just wanted to let the fellow TQs know I am learning and do not want to let
the ladies down!
Recently did a minor overhaul on the website, www.rapturemassage.com. My website is very basic, I will be first to point this out, but Web.com provides an affordable layout for my needs at this
time. In the future (hopefully sooner than later) I will be replacing it with a more jazzy site. I re-wrote much of the verbiage
and moved some photos around, no heavy lifting.
During the overhaul, I was bouncing ideas off of fellow spa professionals
I work with (the chaps at Beleza Spa in Chelmsford MA are really wonderful professionals and friends!) and got advice that
my Bio page was TOO in depth and too personal. HUH? TOO in depth?
When I originally wrote the Bio page, I felt
that I should let my prospective clients know a little about me, including something about my family. I don't believe I was
too deep in the information I gave, but I wanted to connect on a personal level to visitors. I think this idea came from the
fact that, currently, I am a small mobile massage company with exactly 1 masseuse (yep, that'd be me!). My husband is co owner
with me and does a wonderful job scheduling clients. He also takes care of the obtaining products we use, transport, and set-up/break-down
on job sites. However, I am the one who performs the actual massage work.
It was suggested to remove much of the
'personal' information referring to my off the job life. I fully understand the suggestion, and have trimmed down the information
greatly. I did look online to many massage sites, as well as pro fitness sites (companies and individuals) and found a good
percentage had 'in depth' bio pages, such as I had. Many others had Bios much like what had been suggested to me.
I opted for the trimmed down version at this time. Has anyone else had this cross their minds? Are we missing out on a more
personal connection with our clients?
Looking forward to interacting.
Trust
in the Cyber World
I would consider myself a late bloomer, at 38 I had my first
child. Rewinding, at 36 I graduated with my Massage Therapy degree. That same year (2007) I 'launched' (I don't know if I
have indeed left the tarmac yet) my Mobile Massage Business.
Not to be aristocratic, but I have never felt comfy
in the typical business setting. Set hours, set location, etc. never felt comfortable for me. When I began the business, I
felt (and still do) that as far as Massage Services, mobile is the way to go, and will be more prevailant in the future. I
surmised that I should get in on the 'bottom floor' as soon as I could.
Society is funny, soooo many changes in
some ways, but set in stone in others. For example, we are all part of a wing-ding, 'what-have-you-done-for-me today' business
and social world. Everything seems accelerated, with mobile uploads and tweets galore. However, in my field, it seems the
'old school' view of massage still takes hold in many situations. I know I have screened out many a caller to my business
that, let's be honest, were not looking for a professional massage, but something sexual (ick!).
On the other hand,
there are many people in MA that I desperately wish to bring massage services to, who I cannot make the final connection with.
I honestly don't blame people either. My business revolves around me coming into your home (or business). I fully understand
how that is disconcerting to some, which in turn gives prospective clients pause when entertaining the thought of a home (or
business) massage.
And I guess that is the subject of my post...to prepare for business better and find ways to
break down that final barrier and gain the trust of potential clients in the Cyber World, even before I speak to them, but
as they look upon my website, or facebook page, or twitter page. I must find new and better ways of easing client's 'fears'
via my website, twitter posts, blogs...etc. It requires growth and savvy (two things that sometimes I feel I have none of).
It is daunting on some days and honestly sometimes I want to throw up my hands and just be a stay at home mom! :) (that is
a whole different job in itself)
So, I guess I just wanted to blurt that out there, if for anything to have my
mind chew on it in a cathartic sort of way. Discuss or comment as you wish!. Thank you all and here is to continued growth
and prosperity for all of us!
xo paula
