Deciding to include outcall massage in your business repertoire can be a rewarding and lucrative component of your practice. There are many specific populations that prefer to be serviced by outcall massage including the aged, those requiring palliative care, athletes, pregnant women and mothers. Providing an outcall service helps solve an additional problem for your clients; can be your unique selling point and give you an edge over your competition.

Here are some specific things to consider in maintain your personal safety during outcalls.

Clear and Selective Advertising
Make sure you advertise in the right places and with the right tone. Ensure that your ads are placed in legitimate sections of newspapers and magazines. Even being on the page next to pages advertising other professional services can give readers the wrong impression. Choose your wording and ad design carefully. Avoid using emotionally charged or suggestive wording.

Good Telephone Screening & Presentation
Screen your calls and insist on names and numbers. Ask where the caller saw your ad. Confirm what type of massage the caller is seeking. If you get any bad vibes or feel something is not quite right instinctively, it probably isn't.

Accept Clients by Referral Only
Some therapists only work by referral. This may not be appropriate for the graduate just entering the industry - you need to build your client base quickly - but it may be an approach you want to consider working towards. This will also help you screen your clients and validate new clients' intentions.

Setting the Tone at the Beginning of a Session
First impressions are always the most important and making sure you present yourself in a confident, professional and secure manner lets the client know how you operate. Take extra care on your clothing and begin the session by presenting your brochure, confirming your intake form (sent by email before the session) and discussing your treatment plan.

Assertive Communication Skills
Finally, no matter how much you prepare, there is always the unexpected. Prepare for this by practicing assertiveness in dealing with different possible scenarios you may come across when performing outcall massage. By role-playing with peers or your mentor you can try out various intervention models and communication styles to give yourself the confidence you need to meet any situation with professionalism, client care and self-respect.

BIOGRAPHY

Patrick Pheasant, Corporate Director of Continuing Education & Online Training at Cortiva Institute .

Patrick is originally from Australia, and has worked in Japan and The Netherlands for twelve years as an actor, educator and entrepreneur. His specialty is interactive management training, healthcare and people development. Patrick now lives in Manhattan, is a graduate of the Swedish Institute and conducts seminars and workshops around the country and abroad. He holds a Masters of Education, as well as other graduate degrees in change management and occupational studies. Patrick combines drama, group pedagogy and a down to earth sensibility in his workshops, making training fun, entertaining and with a steep learning curve.